Our Team

Benjamin Hampstead, Ph.D.

Director of RP-CNBI

Philip B and Myrna R. Fischer Research Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan

Stanley Berent, Ph.D., Collegiate Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Staff Psychologist, Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

Clinical Core leader and Neuroimaging Core co-leader, Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

Professor of Psychiatry and Professor of Neurology

Dr. Hampstead is a board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologist who earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology emphasis) from Drexel University. He is the Stanley Berent, Ph.D., Collegiate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan, Staff Neuropsychologist in the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, and Clinical Core Leader of the NIA funded Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Dr. Hampstead’s research focuses on non-pharmacologic approaches to maximize cognitive functioning in older adults across the dementia spectrum. Specifically, he uses cognition oriented treatments and non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance cognition, typically within the context of a randomized controlled trial format. Dr. Hampstead integrates these techniques with functional and structural neuroimaging in order to predict treatment response, identify the neuroplastic changes following treatment, and plan/develop new interventions. Ongoing work integrates amyloid and tau positron emission tomography (PET) in order to better characterize participant characteristics associated with treatment response. He has maintained continuous federal funding for his work since earning his doctorate (15+ years), with most support from the Department of Veterans Affairs and National Institute on Aging.

Annalise Rahman-Filipiak, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Dr. Rahman-Filipiak completed undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Biology with a minor in Neuroscience at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology and Statistics from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Dr. Rahman-Filipiak also completed a graduate certificate in Aging and Urban Health from the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology. Her clinical internship and postdoctoral residency in Neuropsychology were completed at the VA Ann Arbor Health Systems/University of Michigan Consortium. She joined the faculty at the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychology Section in 2018. Research interests include neuropsychological feedback and biomarker-based dementia risk disclosure, metacognition, and non-pharmacologic interventions for cognitive decline. Through both her work with the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the RP-CNBI, Dr. Rahman-Filipiak collaborates closely with Dr. Hampstead and his team on ongoing research projects.

Alex Bahar-Fuchs, Ph.D.

Clinical Neuropsychologist 

Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne 

Alex is a researcher and clinical neuropsychologist specializing in the field of cognitive aging, and the co-leader of the Cognitive Interventions Technologies and Evaluation Research Group in the Department of Psychiatry, the University of Melbourne. His earlier research focused on early detection of cognitive decline and dementia, and over the past decade mainly on the development and evaluation of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at primary and secondary prevention of cognitive decline and dementia. Alex’s research contributions have been recognized in the form of several awards, including a Churchill Fellowship, Alzheimer’s Australia Fellowship, and two consecutive Fellowships from the National Health and Medical Research Council. Between 2016 and 2019 he served as the Chair of the nonpharmacological interventions PIA of ISTAART. Dr. Bahar-Fuchs will use his expertise to contribute to the RP-CNBI on Dr. Hampstead’s NIA funded R-35 by leading efforts to further develop CogTale and establish robust training and mentoring in the area of non-pharmacologic interventions.

Patrick Pruitt, Ph.D.

Imaging Research Specialist

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Dr. Pruitt received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Michigan in 2016.  He completed post-doctoral fellowships at the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University and the Department of Radiology at Oregon Health and Science University, as well as performing data analysis at the Alzheimer’s Clinical & Translational Research Unit in the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital.  Dr. Pruitt is interested in characterizing how to effectively use neuroimaging modalities as outcome measures of clinical trials of age-related cognitive decline, as well as applying principles of Philosophy of Science to studies using neuroimaging data to answer research questions.

Quentin Devignes, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Dr. Devignes received his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Lille in France. His work has been focused on elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms in various disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and posttraumatic stress disorder, using cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques. He joined the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School as a postdoctoral research fellow in March 2024, where he has been working on evaluating the potential of neurostimulation (tDCS and TMS) as a non-pharmacological intervention for aging populations and its effects on the brain’s structure and functioning.

Eileen Robinson, RN-BC, M.P.H., CCRC

Research Program Manager

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Eileen is an board-certified Gerontological nurse, with a strong background in leadership and clinical research.  She has worked in acute care, long-term care and outpatient settings . Eileen is a certified clinical research coordinator, and is the former chair of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals certification examination committee. She has worked in clinical research for over 25 years,  and began her research career coordinating clinical trials of dementia drugs. Eileen has been a clinical instructor in geriatric nursing as well as adjunct faculty, teaching clinical research at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.    She joined the RP-CNBI in 2020.  Eileen has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Madonna University and a Master of Public Health from Wayne State University. In her free time, she enjoys travel and spending time with her dog, Carl. 

Kayla Rinna, M.S., TLLP

Clinical Research Coordinator

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Kayla is a fourth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). She obtained her master’s in clinical behavioral psychology from EMU in 2019. Kayla joined the RP-CNBI in 2019 as the project lead for the Patient-Centered NeuroRehabilitation (PCN) study. She returned to the RP-CNBI in August 2023 as the Research Supervisor for the PCN and R35 studies, which include the Brain-Behavior Characterization (BBC) study, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) study, and fNIRS in ADRD study. Kayla’s foundational interest is in geropsychology and behavior analysis. More specifically, her research and clinical work focus on health promotion and disease prevention for adults in later life, focusing on sleep. Kayla’s current research uses behavioral economic frameworks and community-based program evaluation methods to examine health-related decision-making. Outside of work and school, Kayla enjoys exploring coffee shops, trying new restaurants, and playing recreational volleyball and tennis.  

Gloria Whitaker, LLMSW

Research Counselor

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Gloria graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master’s in Social Work in 2021 with a concentration in interpersonal practice and integrated health. She has a background in HIV/AIDS, geriatric care, hospice, chronic illness, and grief/loss. Gloria joined the RP-CNBI in May 2023 with Dr. Rahman-Filipiak’s lab as a Research Counselor assisting with education, risk assessment, and disclosure of study results. Gloria also works at Ele’s Place as an Adult Clinician and leads a support group for parents who lost a spouse/partner. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, swimming, and hanging out with her husband and two cats.

Stephen Schlaefflin, B.S.

Research Supervisor

Clinical Research Coordinator

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Stephen graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Biomolecular Sciences and a minor in Astronomy in 2015. He joined the RP-CNBI in 2016 as the project lead for the Non-invasive brain stimulation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) study. Stephen returned to the RP-CNBI in May 2021 as the Research Supervisor for the Stimulation to Improve Memory (STIM) study. Stephen plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counselling with an area of focus on older adults with cognitive impairments due to neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, he continues gaining experience with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, cognitive assessments, and clinical trial management. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys playing disc golf, listening to audiobooks, wilderness backpacking, and playing with his dogs, Tilly and Gus.

Salma Habash, B.A.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Salma graduated from the University of Michigan - Dearborn in April 2022, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Political Science. Her keen interest in neuropsychology, particularly in the domains of learning and memory, led her to enthusiastically join RP-CNBI in April 2024, where she hopes to broaden her knowledge and refine her research abilities. With aspirations to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology/Neuroscience, Salma is committed to furthering her education in the realm of cognition. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, and collecting sneakers. 

Kenneth Petscavage, M.P.H.

Database Administrator Intermediate

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Kenny  completed an undergraduate degree in Statistics at Virginia Tech in 2021 and graduated from the University of Michigan in 2023 with an M.P.H. in Global Health Epidemiology. He joined the RP-CNBI in August 2023. Kenny’s role includes working with program collaborators and staff to improve data management processes and support data analysis. In his free time, he enjoys running, soccer, and watching TV/movies. 

Victor Di Rita, B.S.

Research Area Specialist

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Victor graduated from Michigan State University in May 2021 with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Philosophy. At the RP-CNBI, Victor works on STIM and PCN. He is interested in the development of personalized treatment plans for individuals with dementia through the concurrent use of tDCS and cognitive rehabilitation tasks. He plans to go to medical school to pursue a MD/PhD. 

Haley Kohl, B.S.

Research Area Specialist

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Haley graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She worked in the Feedback team at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center before joining the RP-CNBI in Dr. Rahman-Filipiak’s lab in April 2023. Haley plans to use the experience and knowledge she gains working in the program’s biomarker disclosure studies to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in forensic psychology. She enjoys reading, crafting and spending time with loved ones in her free time.

Karen Hernandez Reyes, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Karen graduated from Eastern Michigan University in December 2022 with a B.S. in Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary. She joined the RP-CNBI in April of 2023 to gain more research experience and to gain experience in neuropsychology. Karen has an interest in life course development, socio-emotional and cognitive development over the life course as well as neurological conditions (e.g., ADHD, Autism, Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease). Karen is bilingual in English and Spanish and in her free time she enjoys watching movies, going outside, and spending time with her siblings & friends.

Mercedes Bishop, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Mercedes graduated from Norwich University in April 2023 with a B.S in Neuroscience and a B.S in Psychology with a minor in criminology. Mercedes joined RP-CNBI in May of 2023 to gain experience in neuropsychological research and cognitive aging. Mercedes plans to attend medical school to pursue a MD/Ph.D. Her research interest includes neurodegenerative diseases and non-invasive intervention methods. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog Lola, hiking, and running.

Mackenzie Kelly, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Mackenzie graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a B.S. in Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary. She joined the RP-CNBI in May 2023 to explore her interest in clinical research before applying to medical school. She is interested in cognitive rehabilitation. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, playing classical music, and hanging out with her cat, Ollie.

Charlene Garcia, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Charlene graduated with a BS in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience from the University of California San Diego. She has a background in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a clinical treatment for depression. Charlene joined the RP-CNBI to explore the application of non-invasive treatments, like TMS, on neurological disorders. In her free time she enjoys going on coffee adventures, live music, and traveling. 

Claire Pardo, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Claire graduated from Michigan State University in May 2023 with a B.S. in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience. She joined the RP-CNBI in August of 2023 to gain more research experience before pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys baking, live music, and spending time with her friends and family.

Andrew Hayes, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Andrew graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Psychology and Linguistics and a minor in Biological Anthropology. He joined the RP-CNBI in October 2023 with the goal of gathering clinical research experience in neuropsychology. Andrew hopes to earn a graduate degree in clinical neuropsychology or an adjacent field. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and writing music. 

Shabeen Xec, MSc

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Shabeen completed her MSc in Applied Neuropsychology from the University of Bristol, U.K. She joined the RP-CNBI in April of 2024 to gain research experience before pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time around nature, friends, and family. She also has a passion for photography, and enjoys playing pickleball. 

Alyssa Tiscareno, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Alyssa graduated from Calvin University with a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience, and Biology with a minor in Biochemistry. She joined the RP-CNBI in May 2024 to gain more neuropsychological research experience before pursuing graduate school. Alyssa hopes to enter into a Neuroscience or Clinical Neuropsychology doctoral program in the future. Outside of work she enjoys watching movies, trying different coffees, and visiting friends and family.

Yujie (Aurora) Zhao, M.A.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Aurora received her B.S. in Psychology and Molecular and Cell Biology from UC San Diego in 2022, and her M.A. in Human Developmental Psychology from Cornell in 2023. She joined the RP-CNBI to explore the latest techniques used in neuropsychology research. Her primary interests lie in human visual cognition, attention, and neural design. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing.

Emma Hurston-Gates, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Emma earned her B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in May 2024 with her M.A. in Clinical Psychology. She joined the RP-CNBI in June 2024 to gain experience with neuropsychological research techniques. Emma hopes to obtain a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to research cognitive impairments in serious mental illnesses. Outside work, she enjoys knitting, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family. 

Sophie Slyman, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Sophie graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Gerontology. She joined the RP-CNBI in June of 2024 to gain more research and neuropsychology experience. Sophie plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, focusing on neuropsychology. Her research interests include neurodegenerative diseases and behavioral intervention methods. In her free time, Sophie enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Keiris Surita, B.S.

Research Technician

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Keiris earned her B.S. in Psychology with a Clinical track from the University of Central Florida. In June 2024, she joined Dr. Rahman’s lab at RP-CNBI to gain research experience before pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her interests lie in epigenetics and intergenerational trauma. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and live music.

Yuyao Liu, M.S.

Research Associate

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Yuyao earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Connecticut in 2022 and an M.S. in Survey and Data Science from the University of Michigan in 2024. She joined RP-CNBI in June 2024, where she primarily focuses on data analysis. With a goal of pursuing a Doctoral degree in Psychology, Yuyao is dedicated to advancing her expertise in the field. In her free time, she enjoys walking outdoors with friends, attending concerts, and discovering great food. 

Loryn Davidson

Research Assistant

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Loryn is currently an undergraduate student pursuing Neuroscience and Gender & Health at the University of Michigan and intends to enter medical school after completing her bachelor’s degree. Loryn joined the RP-CNBI in October 2022 to pursue her interest in interventions for Alzheimer's Disease and other types of cognitive impairment. In her free time, Loryn enjoys reading, baking, playing with her cat, and spending time with friends. 

Kimberly Duran

Research Assistant

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Kimberly is an undergraduate student currently pursuing a B.S in Gender and Health at the University of Michigan. She is on the pre-medical track where she is interested in working with under-represented communities within medicine and research. She joined the RP-CNBI in May of 2024 as a Summer intern to gain exposure to populations with neurodegenerative diseases and gain a better understanding of the potential treatment options. In her free time, Kim enjoys exercising, baking, exploring new coffee shops and cafes, and volunteering. 

Jacquelyn Wrubel

Research Assistant

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Jacquelyn “JQ” Wrubel is a rising senior at the University of Michigan, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Community Action and Social Change. She plans on attending graduate school and getting her MSW. She joined the RP-CNBI to gain a better understanding of clinical research. Additionally, JQ works as a peer facilitator with Wolverine Support Network, a research assistant for the EPICS Lab and a communications assistant for PRISM. She was named the recipient of the 2024 George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award. In her free time, JQ enjoys performing in musicals and crafting.

Adrienne Flanders

Research Assistant

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Adrienne “AJ” Flanders is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Spanish at the University of Michigan. She is on the pre-medical track and hopes to combine her skills to improve care and communication in healthcare. AJ joined the RP-CNBI in May of 2024 to gain a better understanding of treatment options for cognitive impairment and what it means to do clinical research. In her free time, AJ enjoys playing with her three dogs, reading, and baking.  

Dishita Bisen

Research Assistant

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Dishita is a rising junior at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor majoring in Psychology and minoring in Entrepreneurship. After completing her undergraduate degree, She intends to earn a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology with a focus on pediatrics. In her free time, Dishita enjoys dancing, going on runs, and baking.