People
MARK GLUCK, PhD
Lab Director
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)
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
I investigate neurovascular mechanisms that contribute to risk and resilience in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. My research focuses on identifying novel biomarkers through advanced neuroimaging approaches, including analyses of dynamic network connectivity and cerebral perfusion, to improve early detection and inform prevention strategies. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, painting, an
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
RESEARCH COORDINATORS
JENNIFER GREENE
jag644@sph.rutgers.edu
Research Coordinator, Exercise Intervention Study
I am the research coordinator for the “Exercise to Improve Brain Health in Older African Americans” clinical trial. I hold a Masters Degree from Rutgers University in Public Health with a concentraion in Social and Behavioral Health Science. I also hold a personal training certification from the Natinal Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). My area of interest is in how exercise can improve health outcomes. I oversee all aspects of the exercise study including data collection, testing, training and scheduling as well as exercise class management. 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.
Research Coordinator, Exercise Intervention Study
I am the research coordinator for the “Exercise to Improve Brain Health in Older African Americans” clinical trial. I hold a Masters Degree from Rutgers University in Public Health with a concentraion in Social and Behavioral Health Science. I also hold a personal training certification from the Natinal Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). My area of interest is in how exercise can improve health outcomes. I oversee all aspects of the exercise study including data collection, testing, training and scheduling as well as exercise class management. 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.
I am the research coordinator of the Pathways study, with responsibilities including overseeing the Pathways research assistants; assisting the principal investigator and university personnel to develop and monitor research procedures, data collection, and study participant recruitment; and overall day-to-day coordination of study activities. I also work with the community team in recruiting and scheduling participants for the study. When not in the lab, I enjoy cooking and baking, exercising and attending Zumba classes at my gym, writing, drawing, and dancing – especially with my loved ones.
WIKTORIA PIASZCCYNSKA
wtp18@sph.rutgers.edu
Research Data Coordinator
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.
Assistant Coordinator for Brain & Blood
I have two main responsibilities in the Gluck Lab; I supervise a team of research assistants responsible for blood processing, sample maintenance/storage, sample shipment and data storage. I also train and coordinate research assistants in MRI screening, task implementation,
data acquisition, and data storage across multiple platforms. Outside of the lab, I enjoy strolls in the park, listening to jazz/classical music and journaling. I’m also an MS candidate in RBHS.
I have two main responsibilities in the Gluck Lab; I supervise a team of research assistants responsible for blood processing, sample maintenance/storage, sample shipment and data storage. I also train and coordinate research assistants in MRI screening, task implementation,
data acquisition, and data storage across multiple platforms. Outside of the lab, I enjoy strolls in the park, listening to jazz/classical music and journaling. I’m also an MS candidate in RBHS.
OTHER RESEARCH STAFF AND PHD STUDENTS
(Reporting to Bern, Miray, & Soodeh)
Resident computing expert and impromptu IT support. Translates, transforms and preprocesses all things data. Engineers software solutions that increase the lab’s productivity and data throughput. Outside the lab is still a computer science nerd with a love for poetry, metal music and videogames.
PAYTON WHITE
pw352@newark.rutgers.edu
Sleep and Aging, PhD student, Neuroscience
My research focuses on neurodegeneration and aging through the lens of sleep. My projects involve 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. I am also heavilu involved with community outreach efforts including, Community Memory Screenings and Lunch and Learn presentations. Outside the lab, I enjoy the theater, symphony performances, literary events, and volunteering with my local senior center.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
LEADERSHIP
GLENDA WRIGHT
gw244@newark.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.
COMMUNITY ASSISTANTS
JEROME PERKINS
jerperkins49@gmail.com
Community Brain Health Educator
Recruitment of African American men to the Aging and Brain Health study. Assist the Director of Satisfaction and Retention and Director of Public Housing Relations during workshops/presentations. Spending family time at home; Support returning citizen; enjoy watching sports; reading.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: GLUCK LAB
TEAM PATHWAYS (Reporting to Maureen or Payton)
UNDERGRADS, POST-BACCS AND MASTERS STUDENTS (STAFF):
ANJALI PANCHU-DOUGLASS
ap1655@sph.rutgers.edu
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.
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.
BISMA IQBAL
bi52@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
In the lab, my role involves conducting, interpreting, and reviewing data from cognitive assessments. I also assist with scheduling and conducting cognitive and fMRI appointments, as well as entering and verifying data in our system. As a future medical student, I appreciate studying Alzheimer’s research in the lab, as it deepens my understanding and enriches my knowledge in this vital area. Outside the lab, I enjoy learning new languages, which enhances my cognitive abilities and broadens my perspective.
Rutgers undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience & Behavior. As a research assistant in the Pathways team of Gluck lab, I primarily conduct cognitive testing and bloodwork appointments. Additionally I work on screening/scheduling participants, data collection, and MRI appointments. Outside the lab I enjoy spending time with family & friends, reading, traveling, and volunteering at my church.
JUSTIN VOLKER
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.
KAYNISOLA ADEWUMI
ooa60@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I recently graduated from Rutgers-New Brunswick with a degree in Biological Science and minor in Public Health. As a Research Assistant, I primarily work in the wet lab in the blood sector. Additionally I work on data processing and collaborating with other projects. Outside the lab, I enjoy dancing, photography, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
MICHELLE TOGUN
michelletogun@gmail.com
I am a pre-med student at Rutgers University majoring in Biology. I work with the Gluck Lab within the Aging & Brain Health Alliance, where I conduct health screenings, administer neuropsychological and physical tests, support data management and reporting, and assist with fMRI scan administration and analysis. Outside the lab, I enjoy going to the gym, volunteering in healthcare settings, and spending time with my family.
SAHNA NASSIRY
sn607@sph.rutgers.edu
MPH Student at Rutgers School of Public Health. I am a research assistant working under Payton White. My duties include supporting community-based studies on healthy aging, administering cognitive tests and supporting a pilot study on sleep and older adults through recruitment, testing and scoring. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family and volunteering at my cultural community center.
SHIVUM METHA
spm213@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am a Cell Biology and Neuroscience major at Rutgers University. As a Research Assistant for Team Pathways, I am involved with facilitating clinical screenings, as well as collecting and managing participant data. Outside the lab, I enjoy sports, movies and books, as well as video games.
TEAM EXERCISE (Reporting to Jennifer)
DESTINY RAMOS
destiny8092@gmail.com
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, running post testing cognitive appointments, general clerical duties, etc. I also have my Masters Degree in Psychological Science and a certificate in Quantitative Methods. Outside of the lab I enjoy drawing/painting.
Karen Maria Nicolas, Graduate Research Assistant
knicolas@dls.rutgers.edu
I am an MPH student at the Rutgers School of Public Health in New Brunswick.
As a Graduate Research Assistant, I am working under Jennifer Greene in the “Exercise to Improve Brain Health in Older African Americans” clinical trial, screening participants for eligibility, cognitive testing, data collecting and completing other tasks as needed. Outside the lab, I enjoy watching movies, going to the gym and hanging out with my 6 cats and 2 dogs.
MPH student at the Rutgers School of Public Health. I am a research assistant working for the Exercise to Improve Brain Health study. My duties include screening participants and performing cognitive assessments. Outside of the lab I like to watch my favorite shows and attend Zumba classes.
SOLEIL PEREZ
smp408@sph.rutgers.edu
I hold a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Rutgers University and currently work as a Research Assistant for the Exercise Study. In this role, I support participant recruitment, facilitate blood work appointments, collect data during our fitness classes, and enter collected data into our REDCap database. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring New Jersey’s hiking trails and trying new cuisines at local restaurants.