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)
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.
RESEARCH COORDINATORS
MUSTAFA SHEIKH
mzs23@newark.rutgers.edu
Research Coordinator (Pathways & Data Management) I am responsible for maintaining the scheduling, administration, and maintenance of the “Pathways to Healthy Aging in African Americans” cohort study. I also designed and maintain the databases we currently use, as well as helping undergraduate and graduate students to complete data analysis and publication in their time in the lab. In my time outside of work, I enjoy reading, concerts, stand-up, and board games. I’m also working on my application to medical school.
ALYSSA ARNASALAM
aia41@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Research Coordinator (Brain Imaging) I am the brain imaging research coordinator responsible for the lab’s neuroimaging appointments as well as our sleep devices setup and recording appointments. Additionally, I help the neuroimaging postdoctoral fellow (Miray Budak) with coding for our fMRI and EEG analyses and working on our sleep spindles, genetics, and medial temporal lobe dynamic flexibility analyses. Outside of the lab, I’m interested in movies, music, medical dramas, and volunteering, and I’m working on learning Korean and applying to medical school
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.
ARCANDE OYONO
am3056@sph.rutgers.edu
Family-Based AD Study Coordinator As the research coordinator of the AD Family based study, I oversee the screening, scheduling and testing of our participants and their family members. I also assist in our main pathways study with scheduling and administering cognitive assessments to our new and returning participants. However outside the lab, I love spending time in the kitchen learning new recipes and cooking delicious meals for my family
OTHER SENIOR STAFF (Reporting to Bern & Miray)
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.
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
TEAM PATHWAYS (Reporting to Mustafa)
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.
Maureen Gichura
mwg59@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
MPH Student, (Jennifer) I am a new research assistant within the lab, currently focusing on cognitive appointments. This consists of conducting and recording data from appointments and uploading, checking, and entering data into our system. When not in the lab, my hobbies include creative expression: dancing, singing, reading, and writing poetry
UNDERGRADUATE INTERNS (WORKING FOR CREDIT):
Darian Napoleon
(Mustafa) For the past three years, I have contributed to projects exploring the connections between immunological markers, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease pathology, alongside attending community engagement events and testing participants. Outside of research, I am an incoming medical student at New Jersey Medical School who enjoys powerlifting, rock climbing, playing the piano, and reading.
Salma Abedullah
sma314@scarletmail.rutger.edu
(Mustafa) My main projects in the lab include understanding how having biological children affects late cognition in older African American women. I am involved in data entry, analyses, and cognitive battery administration. Outside of research, I enjoy biking, painting Arabic calligraphy pieces, and ceramics!
Stanley Romain
sr1509@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
(Mustafa) I am an undergraduate research intern currently working on a research project that aims to explore the impact of different sleep components on cognition. My responsibilities in the lab include administering cognitive tests to participants, as well as scoring, checking, and entering data into our portal. Outside of being a research intern, I enjoy cooking, exercising, and watching sitcoms.
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.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: BOCARSLY LAB
MATHEW AYOUB
ma1608@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
(Dr. Bocarsly) I am an undergraduate research intern here at Dr. Gluck’s lab, where I work on analyzing the blood samples we receive in the lab in trying to better understand the relationship between aging, Alzheimer’s, and brain health. I also help members of Dr. Fitzgerald-Bocarsly’s lab with their projects and research. Outside of the lab, I love to play basketball or go to the gym and just keep myself active in whatever way I can.
OTHER GRADUATE STUDENTS
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: GLUCK LAB
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: GLUCK LAB
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: GLUCK LAB
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: GLUCK LAB
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH INTERNS
LAB MEMBERS WHO DO NOT SUBMIT WEEKLY REPORTS
REVEREND GLENN WILSON
Pastor, Pilgrim Baptist
Church, ABHA Director
of Church Relations
Monique Perkins
Serena Powell
Fitness Trainer
(Jennifer)
Jen Delorenzi
Fitness Trainer
(Jennifer) “Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”
Deric Britton
Fitness Trainer
(Jennifer)
ELIZABETH AKBULUT
Research Assistant (Dr. Fitzgerald-Bocarsly’s Lab) I work as a research assistant/ lab manager for Dr. Fitzgerald-Bocarsly’s lab. I obtain blood samples and isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to perform experiments involving senescent cells in the immune system. In my free time, I like to explore the city and shop.
OTHER SENIOR STAFF
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AFFILIATES
Catherine Willis
Community Engagement
Specialist
Reverend Vivian Cook
Community Brain Health Educator for Exceptional African American SuperAgers
Sandra Rock
Bethany Baptist Church
OTHER GRADUATE STUDENTS
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH INTERNS
RUTGERS FACULTY
Catherine E. Myers
Ph.D. (PP&N, RBHS)
Carlos and Michelle Pato
Genetics, Psychiatry
https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-names-inaugural-executive-chair-psychiatry-director-new-genomic-psychiatry-center
Patricia Fitzgerald-Bocarsly
Provost of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences–Newark, tenured Professor and Vice-Chair for Research of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Paul Duberstein
(Rutgers School of Public Health)
https://sph.rutgers.edu/concentrations/health-behavior-society-policy/faculty-member.php?id=99726
Tracy Davis
PhD. Associate Professor
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
School of Health Professions
ted58@shp.rutgers.edu
Steven Malin
Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Health
https://kines.rutgers.edu/departmental-info/faculty-biographies/317-faculty/full-time-faculty/1122-malin-steven-k
OTHER FACULTY COLLABORATORS
Adesola Ogunniyi
Neurology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
http://uch-ibadan.org.ng/profile/prof-adesola-ogunniyi/
Henrik Zetterberg
Professor of Neurochemistry, Senior Consultant in Clinical Chemistry
Kaj Blennow
Professor/ Chief Physician
Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry
Fanny Elahi
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine