RESEARCH

My research focuses on understanding the intersection of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD), with vascular health and social determinants of health. I am particularly interested in how co-occurring pathologies—such as Alzheimer’s and cerebrovascular disease—contribute to cognitive aging and health disparities in underrepresented populations. By integrating advanced neuroimaging, biomarkers, and omics approaches, I aim to uncover early disease markers and identify novel pathways that could lead to preventive or therapeutic strategies.

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My work spans interdisciplinary fields, drawing on neurobiology, public health, and epidemiology. I have ongoing projects in diverse cohorts, including the Jackson Heart Study and the Cardiovascular Health Study, which allow me to explore the complex relationships between genetic, environmental, and social factors that influence brain health across the lifespan. My ultimate goal is to develop data-driven interventions that address both biological and social contributors to neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in populations disproportionately affected by these conditions.