Our Team
Director of RP-CNBI
Stanley Berent, Ph.D., Collegiate Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan; Mental Health Service of VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
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.
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.
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
Dr. Iordan received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor as a Postdoctoral fellow in 2016 and was promoted to Assistant Research Scientist in 2020. During this time he worked on the cognitive neuroscience of aging with a focus on cognitive training and network neuroscience. He received an Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship (AARF) career transition award in 2020. Currently, Dr. Iordan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Iordan's main research interest lies in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias by integrating research methods that enable us to: (1) experimentally influence brain states; (2) image brain structure, metabolism, and activity; and (3) model brain-wide interactions.
Robert Spencer, Ph.D.
Chief of the Neuropsychology Section at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Dr. Spencer completed his doctoral degree in Behavioral Medicine/Clinical Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and internship & postdoctoral training in neuropsychology at the Ann Arbor VA. He has authored over 50 papers, book chapters and reviews. His clinical foci are in neuropsychological assessment, traumatic brain injury, geriatrics, and delivering timely and relevant feedback to patients and providers. His research examines issues related to assessment, traumatic brain injuries, and measurement theory.
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.
Brett Schneider, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan; Mental Health Service of VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Brett Schneider completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology and Biology at the University of Iowa. He completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a predoctoral internship in neuropsychology at the VA Maine Healthcare System. He is currently a first-year adult neuropsychology postdoctoral fellow in the VA Ann Arbor Health Systems/Michigan Medicine Consortium. His areas of research include the effectiveness of tDCS to modulate neural networks and evaluating neurostimulation as an intervention for aging populations.
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
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 research administration in the near future and continue gaining experience with non-invasive brain stimulation and clinical trial management. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys playing disc golf, reading, backpacking, and playing with his Boston Terrier, Tilly.
Mateo Lopez, B.A.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
After graduating with a BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a concentration in Neurobiology from the University of California, Berkeley in December 2019, Mateo joined the Computational Psychiatry, Neuroimaging, and Sleep Lab at Stanford School of Medicine. At Stanford, he led studies that looked at the relationship between sleep and neural biomarkers in the maintenance and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms. He joined the RP-CNBI in November 2022. He plans to apply to neuroscience and clinical science graduate programs and continue to gain experience in clinical translational neuroscience research. Outside of research, he enjoys reading, discovering new music venues, and going out salsa dancing.
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.
Gianna Tunzi, B.S.
Research Technician Intermediate
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
Gianna graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2021 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Global Health. She joined the RP-CNBI in November 2021 to gain research experience before pursuing a graduate Neuroscience degree. Her research interests include the development of interventions for neurological and psychiatric disorders. In her free time, Gianna enjoys watching movies, playing guitar, and painting.
Kelsi Broich, B.S.
Research Technician Intermediate
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
Kelsi graduated from Michigan State University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in cognitive science. She joined the RP-CNBI in February of 2022 working on the Stimulation to Improve Memory (STIM) study to gain experience in neuropsychological research and interventions before pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, traveling, and watching crime documentaries
Shoshanah Machlay
Research Technician Associate
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
Shoshanah is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan, studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, as well as Spanish. She joined the RP-CNBI in September 2021 as a volunteer to learn everything she could about neuropsychology while gaining experience in the field. She was hired shortly after graduation in 2022. She plans to attend a clinical psychology PhD program and specialize in clinical neuropsychology. She is interested in researching neurodegenerative diseases and TBIs, and using what she learns to help patients by working with them one-on-one in a clinical environment. In her free time, Shoshanah enjoys doing aerial gymnastics and knitting.
Madelyn Eckel, B.S.
Research Technician Associate
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
Madelyn graduate from Grand Valley State University in May 2022, double majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and in Psychology as well as a minoring in applied statistics. Madelyn joined the RP-CNBI in June of 2022 to gain more research experience and learn more about what she would like to focus her neuropsychology career on. She hopes to eventually enter into a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program with a neuropsychology focus. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing board/card/video games, and hanging out with her cat Zoey!
Karen Hernandez Reyes, B.S.
Research Technician Associate
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 Associate
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.
Haley Kohl, B.S.
Research Technician Associate
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 purse 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.
Mackenzie Kelly, B.S.
Research Technician Associate
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 Associate
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 Associate
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 Associate
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.
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 as a volunteer in October 2022 to gain experience with neuropsychological assessment and neuromodulation in cognitively impaired populations. In her free time, Loryn enjoys reading, baking, playing with her cat, and spending time with friends.
Kayla Drifka
Undergraduate Research UROP Volunteer
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
Kayla is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan pursuing Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience and intends to enter a PhD program with a focus in neuropsychology. Kayla joined the RP-CNBI team in October as part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) in the hopes to gain more experience with research methods, an understanding of neuropsychological assessments, and neuroimaging. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, watching movies, traveling, and hanging out with her roommates.
Gracie Harlock
Undergraduate Research UROP Volunteer
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
Gracie is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience and plans to attend medical school with a focus in surgery. Gracie joined the RP-CNBI as a part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) in October with hopes to gain research experience and knowledge about neuromodulation techniques to treat Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, spending time with friends and family, and baking.
Alexander Kaminski
Undergraduate Research UROP Volunteer
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan
Alex is currently an undergraduate student studying Neuroscience at the University of Michigan with plans to attend medical school after completing his bachelor’s degree. Alex joined the RP-CNBI as a volunteer in October 2023 to gain knowledge and experience in the field of neuropsychology and neuromodulation based interventions. In his free time, he enjoys running, listening to music, spending time with friends, and sports.