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Principal Investigator

Michelle Chen

Dr. Michelle Chen is a neuropsychologist by training. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Yeshiva University, clinical internship at the VA Maryland Health Care System, and postdoctoral fellowship at Kessler Foundation. She is trained as both a scientist and a clinician, with experience across a variety of clinical populations such as multiple sclerosis, dementia, and epilepsy. Dr. Chen is currently a core member of the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research and an Instructor in the Department of Neurology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Publications

Research Assistant/Coordinator

Kathryn Marton

Kat graduated from Wellesley College in 2022 with a degree in Data Science. As an undergraduate, she worked in a psychology lab focusing on sign language and language development. Her research interests include language and neurodegenerative diseases. She plans to continue her studies and pursue a PhD in psychology.

In her free time, Kat enjoys archery, board games, and raising bonsai.

Yingfei Tang

Yingfei graduated from Rutgers University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her research interests lie in Neuropsychology and mood disorders. Additionally, she is self-learning data science to enhance her skills in data analysis. Moving forward, she aims to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology and continue conducting research.

Ashrarul Haq Sifat

Ash is an Engineer and Researcher with a knack for solving real life problems and utilizing digital technologies for improving human life. He completed a bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. He then did his Master’s and subsequent PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech. Ash is driven for excellence in research and excited to join Dr. Chen’s Neuropsychology lab with a mission to utilize digital technologies and data science to enable healthy aging. In this free time Ash loves to travel, hike and play tennis/ping pong.

Manasa Mangipudi

Manasa Mangipudi is a Student Data Analyst currently pursuing her MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering. With a keen interest in Data Science, Machine Learning/Deep Learning, and Statistics, Manasa is passionate about applying technological solutions to health-related challenges. Her academic work focuses on bridging the gap between cutting-edge data analysis techniques and practical healthcare applications. Outside of her studies, Manasa enjoys exploring her culinary skills, finding that cooking provides a creative complement to her analytical work in the lab.

Daksha Nair

Daksha Nair is currently a sophomore at Rutgers University studying Psychology and Criminal Justice. She discovered her profound interest in Clinical Neuropsychology, specifically with neurodegenerative disorders. By working for a PhD in the future, Daksha hopes to apply this knowledge to the corrections department, providing rehabilitation to inmates who may benefit from it. Outside of academics, she finds fulfillment in reading, playing video games, and Bollywood dancing.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Eliana Birnbaum 

Eliana is a senior at Rutgers University majoring in cognitive science and minoring in chemistry. Her interests lie in cognitive health and digital health application. Eliana enjoys the research she’s been doing and hopes to pursue a future in health care research.

Shlok Ganguly

Shlok Ganguly is a senior at South Brunswick High School. His interests lie in cognitive neuroscience, neurobiology, and mathematics. He is particularly interested in certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. In his free time, Shlok is self-learning Sanskrit, enjoys reading ancient Hindu texts, and plays badminton.

Pranathi Bammidi

Pranathi is a freshman at Rutgers University majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. She is interested in cognitive neuroscience, digital health, and is excited to delve into The Neuropsychology Laboratory’s clinical research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing tennis, and baking.

Laura Liao

Laura is a senior majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology, Business Administration, and Spanish. She is currently working on analyzing the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study as related to cognition. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine as a physician.

Outside of academics, Laura enjoys running, swimming, playing the violin, and spending time with family and friends.

Tanirikka Ramkumar

Tanirikka is a sophomore majoring in Cognitive Science and minoring in Computer Science, paralleling on the pre-med track. The Neuropsychology Laboratory was an excellent opportunity for her to pursue her interests in cognition, neuroscience, and digital health and gain valuable research skills. Outside of academics, Tanirikka enjoys baking, traveling, and knitting.

Priya Ramani

My name is Priya Ramani and I am a Sophomore at the SAS Honors College, double majoring in Psychology and Human Resource Management. My key interests lie in Biology and Psychology, thus this research is the perfect opportunity for me to explore the interaction between the two and further my knowledge. After my undergraduation, I want to pursue either a PhD in Psychology or PsyD, with the specialization still in the works. Outside of academics, I enjoy dancing (I have been a Kathak dancer for the past three years), crocheting, volunteering, watching shows and movies, and listening to Bollywood music.

Jahnavi Nipamkumar Shah

Jahnavi Shah is a passionate data scientist who earned her Master’s degree in Statistics with a focus on Data Science from Rutgers University. With a deep interest in solving complex problems through data, she is particularly drawn to the field of healthcare data science. Jahnavi is committed to advancing research in this area and plans to continue contributing to the field through her work. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys Indian Classical Dance and relaxing with a good movie.

 

Brianna Clark

Brianna is a senior at Rutgers University who is currently in the accelerated Master’s of Applied Psychology program. She is interested in the intersection of cognition and neuroscience in studying  vigilance deficits of people with brain fog post-COVID and those who have neurodegenerative diseases. Brianna hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology after completing her Masters. Outside of academics, she enjoys baking, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Alumni

Karen_Elenjickal | Research Coordinator (2022)

Carl_Almazan | Undergraduate Research Assistant (2021-2022)

Cheyenne_Smith | Undergraduate Research Assistant (2021-2022)

Akila Venkatraman | Undergraduate Research Assistant (2023 summer – 2023 fall)

Ishika Varma | Undergraduate Research Assistant (August 2023-May 2024)

Darshee Machhar | Data Analyst (graduate RA) (2022 – May 2024)

Anjali Patel | Undergraduate Research Assistant (Jan 2022- May 2024)   –  double major in Public Health and Cell Biology and Neuroscience

Christine Cherian | Undergraduate Research Assistant (Sept 2022 – May 2024)  –  Biochemistry

Tian Zhang | Part-time Research Assistant (Jan 2023 – July 2024)  –  Nutrition