Director, CANDLE Cohort Principal Investigator, ECHO Study Principal Investigator, NIDA Study Co-Scientific Director Co-Scientific Director Co-Investigator Co-Investigator Co-Investigator Co-Investigator Research Clinic Director Lauren has worked with CANDLE since 2010, when she began enrolling moms. She may have completed your enrollment visit with you, or even visited you and your child in the hospital! During her tenure with CANDLE, she has continued her education, earning a Master of Public Health, then a PhD in Epidemiology. She is passionate about child health and development and has focused her research on child weight and mental health outcomes. In addition, she is interested in finding ways to make research studies successful, prioritizing participant needs and safety, while collecting important data that will help people for generations to come. Outside of work, she enjoys wrangling her three young children, reading, cooking, and pretending she has time to learn new crafts. Postdoctoral Scholar/Data Manager Luhang’s research focus is on statistical methodology development in clustering and spatial point processes with applications to epigenetic, genetic, and phenotypic data. She is particularly interested in identifying molecular biomarkers as well as prenatal and pubertal risk factors associated with health outcomes such as allergic diseases and obesity. Research Study Coordinator Janette Anaya is a first-generation college student who graduated from Christian Brothers University with a degree in Psychology in 2021. She’s passionate about helping people and has worked in several roles where she could make a difference. Janette ensures that our study visits are running smoothly. She is skilled at using research tools and loves working with people to make a positive impact in her community! “Outside work, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops and spending time with friends and family.” Research Study Coordinator Miracle plays a vital role in keeping our study on track by ensuring seamless participant engagement and study operations. She is passionate about improving maternal and child health outcomes and is dedicated to advancing research through collaboration and community involvement! “Outside of work, I love getting lost in a good book, exploring new experiences, and unwinding with a great romance movie.” Research Study Coordinator Ariel specializes in data collection and clinic organization to ensure a smooth experience for our participants. Her role involves overseeing research protocols and preparing the clinic space to accommodate the dynamic families who contribute valuable information to our research on child development! “Meeting these enthusiastic families is a highlight of my work, as their participation is crucial to our study’s success. Outside of work, I enjoy unwinding through reading and practicing yoga.” Retention Specialist Kristen plays a key role in keeping our study running smoothly, ensuring that participants remain connected and engaged throughout the process. With a Master’s in Family and Consumer Science, she is deeply committed to child and family development, as well as fostering community engagement through digital media. “Outside of work, I love playing and making memories with my family and friends. I enjoy being active outdoors, exploring local hidden gems during weekend outings, and meeting new people through common interest and similarities!” Repository Coordinator With a strong foundation in both Biology and Clinical Research, Adam brings over 10 years of experience in the field. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wright State University and a Medical Degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) in Mexico. As our Repository Coordinator, Adam manages collection, processing, and storage of participant samples as well as the logistics surrounding the shipping and receiving of samples, ensuring accurate tracking in our database. Adam is committed to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity and quality in the bio-repository processes, contributing to the success of the CANDLE study! “Outside of work, I enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, reading, and riding my motorcycle!” Research Study Coordinator Kianna plays a key role in ensuring the success of our clinical research. She is dedicated to maintaining seamless clinic operations and strives to uphold the highest standards in research integrity and accuracy. Kianna effortlessly ensures that she makes herself available in different ways to support meeting the goals of our studies, contributing to meaningful scientific progress! “Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and embracing beautiful sceneries, discovering new foods and recipes of other cultures, and spending time with family and friends!” Research Project Coordinator Noyce Fellow, Rhodes College MPH student, University of Memphis MPH Student, University of Memphis MPH Student, University of Memphis
Qi Zhao, PhD
Karen Derefinko, PhD
Nicole (Nicki) Bush, PhD
Kaja LeWinn, ScD
Fran Tylavsky, DrPH
Phyllis Richey, PhD
Chi-Yang Chiu, PhD
Marion Hare, MD
Lauren Sims Taylor, PhD, MPH
Luhang Han, MS, PhD
Janette Anaya, BS
Miracle Ingram, MS
Ariel Phillips, MS
Kristen McKenzie, MSFCS
Adam Snider
Kianna Garner, MHP
James ‘Matt’ Hood
Isabel Sipkema
Ashli B. Martin
Morgan Bromley
Rebecca Johnson