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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.

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.

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.

Mohan Krishna Askani

Mohan is currently pursuing his Master’s in Data Science. Previously, he worked as a Data Scientist at Uber for nearly five years, where he tackled complex business challenges using data-driven solutions. He is deeply passionate about leveraging advanced statistical and mathematical techniques to solve intricate data-related problems. When these challenges involve human health, he finds the impact even more meaningful and rewarding. Beyond his professional pursuits, he enjoys hiking, playing chess, and engaging in board games.

Adaeze Njoku

Adaeze works as a research coordinator in the Rutgers Neuropsychology Laboratory. She is a recent graduate of Rowan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Adaeze previously contributed as an undergraduate research assistant in the Rowan University Schizophrenia Lab where she studied the effects of cannabis use on psychosis risk, but she has since pivoted her research focus to neuropsychology. In her free time, Adaeze enjoys the outdoors and playing guitar!

Undergraduate Research Assistants

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.

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.

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.

Pranathi Bammidi

Pranathi is a freshman studying Cell Biology and Neuroscience. She’s particularly interested in neurodegenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s. In the future, she hopes to become a physician and focus on helping underserved populations affected by these conditions. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, playing tennis, volunteering, and baking.

Abby Rosko

Abby is a sophomore at Rutgers University, studying Psychology and Biology. She has a strong academic interest in neuropsychology, with a particular focus on understanding the biological and psychological factors that influence addiction. Through her studies, she hopes to deepen her knowledge of neuroscience and mental health in order to better serve individuals affected by mental health issues. Abby is passionate about hands-on research and values the opportunity to contribute to the lab’s ongoing projects. Outside of her academic and research pursuits, she enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

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

Yingfei Tang | Research Coordinator (2023-2025) – Psychology

Eliana Birnbaum | Undergraduate Research Assistant (2024) – Cognitive Science

Jahnavi Nipamkumar Shah | Research Assistant (2024) – Data Science