People
Mark A. Gluck
Email: gluck@rutgers.edu
Lab Director Dr. Mark A. Gluck is a Professor of Neuroscience and Public Health at Rutgers University–Newark and Director of the Rutgers Aging and Brain Health Alliance. A graduate of Harvard (B.A.) and Stanford (Ph.D.), his research focuses on the cognitive, computational, and neural bases of learning and memory; the consequences of memory loss due to aging and Alzheimer’s disease; and how sleep and exercise can improve cognition and brain health. He is active in community-engaged research in and around Newark, to promote brain health and Alzheimer’s disease awareness and enrolling community members into one of the largest national studies of aging and Alzheimer’s risk in older African Americans: Pathways to Healthy Aging in African Americans. Gluck’s undergraduate textbook, Learning and Memory: From Brain to Behavior, is the best-selling book in its field, translated now into Spanish, German, Korean, and Turkish. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and public health. In 1996, he was awarded both an NSF Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers by President Bill Clinton and received the APA’s Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Defense Advanced Projects Research Administration (DARPA), and multiple divisions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—along with numerous private foundations and individual donors. Outside of the lab, he is an avid seakayaker, skier, bicyclist, swing dancer, and enthusiast of vintage French Citroën automobiles.
Click here for Personal Statement on Scholarship, Service, & Teaching (June, 2024)
Click here for: What is Leadership? An Idiosyncratic Guide to Seven Practical Principles (11/2024)
RESEARCH FACULTY & POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
BERNADETTE FAUSTO, PhD
faustobernadette@gmail.com
Research Faculty Associate. I am a research faculty member and a co-investigator on our NIH/NIA-funded longitudinal cohort study and exercise randomized controlled trial. I oversee study design and implementation; mentor research trainees; and lead the preparation of grant proposals and manuscripts. I love listening to metal/hardcore/punk music, playing music (guitar, piano, flute), running, playing fútbol, and reading dystopian/post-apocalyptic sci-fi!
MIRAY BUDAK, PhD
mb2280@newark.rutgers.edu
Postdoctoral Fellow. As a postdoctoral fellow, my primary research focuses the identification of novel biomarkers and cognitive measures employing the state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques (e.g. Medial Temporal Lobe (MTL) Dynamic Network Connectivity, Sleep EEG) for the early detection and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Beyond brain research, my passions are hiking, cooking, embroidery, oil painting, and reading.
SOODEH MOALLEMIAN, PhD
s.moallemian@rutgers.edu
Postdoctoral Fellow. I am a neuroimage data processor with a primary passion for combining different image-derived biomarkers (from quantitative MRI maps) and cognitive measures to assess Alzheimer’s disease in older adults. Beside my profession, I enjoy spending time with my friends, cycling, reading books while listening to classical music, and making content for social media.
LAB ADMINISTRATION
ROBBY PERNA
rjp276@newark.rutgers.edu
Assistant Lab Manager, Special Events, & MPH Student I am the assistant lab manager working on maintaining laboratory records, organizing community events, and ensuring smooth research operations (such as IRB Compliance). As a current MPH Student concentrating in Epidemiology, I am interested in looking at the cellular and molecular components that contribute to healthy aging vs. Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of the lab, I enjoy weightlifting, traveling abroad, and teaching the Coptic language at my church– all while trying to curate the perfect cappuccino.
HEATHER EVANS
he168@newark.rutgers.edu
I am a higher education professional with extensive experience in program coordination and administration. As the Assistant Lab Manager for Special Events, I conduct community outreach, event planning, and event execution as well as administrative tasks related to outreach and special programs. Outside of the lab, I enjoy art, spending time with family, and going for walks.
RESEARCH COORDINATORS
Stanley Romain
sr1509@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
(Mustafa) I am the research coordinator for the longitudinal “pathways” study for the Aging and Brain Health Alliance. I oversee the training of my team of research assistants, data collection, and the scheduling of cognitive and fMRI appointments for participants. I am also an MPH student with a concentration in Urban Public Health, interested in learning about the effects of health disparities on residents of urban communities like Newark. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, exercising, and watching sitcoms.
JENNIFER GREENE
jag644@sph.rutgers.edu
Research Coordinator (Exercise Study), & MPH Student I am the research coordinator for the “Exercise to Improve Brain Health in Older African Americans” clinical trial. I oversee all aspects of the study including data collection, testing, training and scheduling as well as exercise class management. My area of research as a current MPH student and is on exercise to influence health outcomes for older adults. In my spare time, I like to stay active by practicing yoga, lifting weights and going for walks. I am a huge animal lover with 3 cats, and I do volunteer work with animal rescue sites.
OTHER RESEARCH STAFF AND PHD STUDENTS (Reporting to Bern, Miray, & Soodeh)
JOSE PEREZ
jm3018@newark.rutgers.edu
Programmer and Data Analytics Provides diverse software and data engineering assistance to the Aging & Brain Health Alliance (A&BHA), encompassing the development of Python applications, creation of scripts for data visualization, and facilitation of data analysis. Investigates ways to use Deep Learning to predict useful neuro-psychological metrics in the context of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. Assists in quality assurance of the A&BHA REDCap database by cleaning and preparing structured datasets using Python and Pandas. I enjoy playing videogames, especially strategy and action role-playing games. I like to write poetry and worldbuilding for Dungeons and Dragons. I also love cooking for friends and family.
PAYTON WHITE
pw352@newark.rutgers.edu
(Mustafa) I am primarily involved with projects involving sleep, conducting different analyses exploring the relationship between sleep mechanisms and architecture (e.g. sleep spindles, slow oscillations, and sleep staging) and genetic risk and cognitive performance. Outside the lab, I enjoy the theater, symphony performances, literary events, and volunteering with my local senior center.
WIKTORIA PIASZCCYNSKA
wtp18@sph.rutgers.edu
Data Analytics My main responsibility in the lab is data analysis using programs like ArcGIS, SAS, R, and SPSS. My research is centered on identifying the factors that lead to Superagers’ superior cognitive aging. Outside of the lab, my favorite activities are hiking with my dog, paddle boarding, and traveling to new places. In winter I enjoy doing yoga and playing musical instruments.
Justin Voelker, Research Assistant
jv795@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am an undergraduate student at Rutgers-Newark, studying Cellular and Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry. As a research assistant, I primarily work in the wet lab in the blood processing sector. Outside the lab, I enjoy sketching, reading mythology, playing video games, and spending time with friends, family, and pets.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
GLENDA WRIGHT
glenda.wright@rutgers.edu
Director of Public and Subsidized Housing Relations Empowering the community to prioritize brain health and reduce Alzheimer’s risk through engaging workshops. Resulting in making a difference, by initialing joining our Alzheimer’s study and contribute to vital research. My passion, as a professional genealogist, I assist to discover your ancestors and connect with your past to build your family legacy.
JEROME PERKINS
jerperkins49@gmail.com
Community Engagement Assistant 1) Recruitment of African American men to the Aging and Brain Health study. 2) Assist the Director of Satisfaction and Retention and Director of Public Housing Relations during workshops/presentations. 3) Spending family time at home; Support returning citizen; enjoy watching sports; reading.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: GLUCK LAB
Imran Arshad, Research Assistant
iaa40@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I recently graduated from Rutgers-Newark with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. As a research assistant, I currently isolate white blood cells from blood samples. I plan to expand my research experience by collaborating on cognitive and behavioral health projects. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.
TEAM PATHWAYS (Reporting to Stanley)
UNDERGRADS, POST-BACCS AND MASTERS STUDENTS (STAFF):
Ashley Powell
ashpowel@newark.rutgers.edu
(Mustafa) I am a post-masters research assistant working on a project related to the five-factor personality model and the cognitive functioning of older African Americans. I also conduct neuropsychological testing, fMRI appointments, and assist with the scheduling of cognitive and blood work appointments. When not in the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, my puppy, and reading mysteries/thrillers.
MARTINA ISHAQ
mi280@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I’m a Research Assistant collaborating on projects involving sleep, polypharmacy and language. I’m also a prospective PhD student. Outside of research, I enjoy classical music, baking, scrapbooking, decorating, demolition work, and practicing my cello.
Maureen Gichura, Research Assistant
mwg59@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am one of the post-master research assistants in the lab working with the Pathways and the community engagement team. I conduct cognitive appointments and data entry, analysis, and quality checking; I also assist in community event presentations/outreach for study recruitment and the schedule of cognitive, bloodwork, and fMRI appointments. When not in the lab, my hobbies involve all things music (singing, dancing), reading, drawing, writing, cooking, and baking – especially with my loved ones.
Anjali Panchu-Douglas
MPH Student in Urban Public Health. I’m a research assistant focused on cognitive health and behavior studies, where I conduct cognitive testing, fMRI appointments, data collection, and quality assurance. I’m dedicated to addressing health disparities and passionate about improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, and spending time with my puppy.
TEAM EXERCISE (Reporting to Jennifer)
POST-BACCS AND MASTERS STUDENTS (STAFF):
Destiny Ramos
destiny8092@gmail.com
(Jennifer) I work under Jen Greene on the Exercise to Improve Brain Health in Older African Americans study, my primary duties are scheduling/screening/booking/running fMRI appointments, entering/checking data, making copies of documents, etc. Outside of the lab, I also attend Montclair State University getting my Masters Degree in Psychological Sciences and I enjoy drawing/painting.
Gayatri Anguloori
g.anguloori@gmail.com
(Jennifer & Mustafa) I am a research assistant with the RCT Exercise study–where I primarily aid with data collection, coordinating participant involvement, and daily operations and communication between our researchers, trainers, and participants. My main research project analyzes our population living in public/government-subsidized housing and cognitive functioning. In my free time, I enjoy visiting new exhibitions at art museums (my favorites are the Brooklyn Museum and Whitney Museum in NYC), running, attending live music shows, and doing my best to get through my never ending, to-be-read list on Goodreads!
REGINE LEGRAND
rl636@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Research Assistant (Jennifer) In the Gluck Lab, I work on the exercise study under Jennifer Greene. My duties include but are not limited to screening for potential participants, administering cognitive tests, and collecting data from the exercise classes. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exercising, and binge watching my favorite TV shows.
SOLEIL PEREZ
smp408@sph.rutgers.edu
(Jennifer) As a research assistant, I contribute to various aspects of the exercise study, including participant recruitment, cognitive testing, and data collection during fitness classes. I’m deeply driven by my passion for advancing chronic disease management and promoting health equity, which has inspired me to pursue an MPH in Epidemiology at the Rutgers School of Public Health. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring all of the hiking trails that New Jersey has to offer.
EXERCISE INSTRUCTORS
MONIQUE PERKINS, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT(Jennifer)
SERENA POWELL, FITNESS TRAINER(Jennifer)
JEN DELORENZI, FITNESS TRAINER(Jennifer)
DERIC BRITTON, FITNESS TRAINER(Jennifer)
RUTGERS FACULTY AFFILIATED WITH AGING & BRAIN HEALTH ALLIANCE
SHARON SANZ SIMON
TAKASHI AMANO, PhD
MARA SHEFTEL
USMAN ROSHAN
JEAN FRANCOIS DANEAULT, PhD
RYAN DOUGHERTY
MELANIE Z. PLASENCIA, PhD
OTHER FACULTY AFFILIATED WITH AGING & BRAIN HEALTH ALLIANCE
JASON RICHARDSON
TATIANA FOROUND, PhD
KELLY N. NUDELMAN, PhD