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Memas Alkasasbeh Memas is responsible for supporting clinical research activities by planning, implementing, and maintaining informed consent procedures, data collection, and accurate documentation in accordance with research protocols and regulatory standards. Her role involves administering structured interviews with study participants, processing human biospecimens for collection, shipment, cataloging, and coordinating the management of research specimens. She ensures proper data entry, specimen tracking, and documentation to maintain the integrity and compliance of the research process. |
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Caitlin Baca Caitlin Baca has been working on the HBCD team as a research assistant for over a year, helping with the MRI appointments, behavioral tasks, EEG, questionnaires, and much more. With a BS in Psychology, she hopes to continue her education about the brain in her future endeavors. She believes that research can help expand our knowledge on ourselves and the world around us so that we can work towards providing more opportunities and effective care for every unique individual. She acknowledges how diverse experiences arise from a multitude of factors and that every perspective deserves to be seen, heard and respected. She looks forward to connecting with the participants and providing the necessary information and care to new or experienced parents/caregivers. |
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Research Coordinator
Harsha focuses on participant recruitment and consenting, coordinates study visits and oversees the collection, processing, and shipment of human biospecimens according to established protocols. She is responsible for coordinating multi-site clinical research protocols and ensuring accurate data collection, entry, and analysis using digital health tools and platforms. Bhargavi is committed to maintaining research quality and integrity and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to advance early childhood health and improve outcomes for children and families. |
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Hema Jalaparthi Hema completed her Master’s in Public Health and serves as a Research Coordinator at SURE Center. She supports in coordinating MRI and EEG-based research activities, including participant scheduling, coordinating study visits, conducting MRI safety screenings alongside MRI technicians, and obtaining infant anthropometrics. She also assists with lab-based activities, such as handling the collection, delivery, processing and analyzing the samples. Hema is enthusiastic about deepening her expertise in neurodevelopmental research and engaging with children and their families to support efforts that can lead to healthier outcomes. |
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Mireya Jurado Mireya is an experienced and compassionate Community Health Worker (Specialty 3), Certified Family Peer Support Worker, and Certified Peer Support Worker, committed to supporting individuals and families navigating mental health and wellness challenges. With a Mental Health Technician Certification and specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, Mireya uses person-centered, strength-based approaches to foster trust, empowerment, and long-term healing. Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, Mireya brings a unique blend of lived experience, professional training, and academic knowledge to every interaction. She is especially passionate about improving access to mental health services, enhancing communication, and promoting holistic self-care in the communities she serves. Mireya collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support care coordination, deliver culturally competent services, and advocate for individuals’ rights and well-being. Her work focuses on breaking down stigma, encouraging recovery, and helping others develop tools for personal growth and resilience |
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Lidia Enriquez Marquez, BA Lidia oversees research activities, recruitment for maternal-infant cohorts, and several multi-disciplinary studies for the SURE center. She is currently serving as lead coordinator and lead SBIR coordinator in a multi-site research study HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) (25 national sites) representing the SURE Center. Lidia serves as a liaison with internal and external constituencies on all matters relating to research activities; and represents the SURE Center and University with respect to program/research activities on a local, regional, and/or national basis. Lidia has experience working with vulnerable populations, pregnant women, and Spanish-speaking populations. |
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Xingya Ma, MS, MACCT Xingya has extensive experience performing statistical modeling and data analysis. Xingya has a strong understanding of statistical software development and clinical trial design. Her passion for precision and data-driven decision-making has empowered her research in various studies involving women and children’s health outcomes. |
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Sonia Macias Rodriguez, BA Sonia has focused greatly on clinical community outreach, primarily centering on the Spanish-speaking population. She has been working as a research coordinator for the SURE Center since 2021, as part of the ENRICH and HBCD cohorts. Through this role, Sonia has gained experience in participant recruitment, coordinating patient visits, and assisting in data collection pertaining to infant development affected by substance use and household upbringing. She is currently pursuing her BS in Engineering, with the intention of applying it to clinical research focusing on vulnerable populations. |
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Associate Scientist I
Anthony oversees lab activities for both the HBCD main study and the ancillary NOSI study. This includes processing human biospecimens collected from study participants and shipping of samples. He is responsible for procurement and assists with procedural and logistical problems as they arise. Anthony brings lab management experience from labs in the Boston area including the Broad Institute and Boston University. He is excited to be contributing to and learning more about HBCD’s important research in child brain development. |
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Rajani Rai, MD, MPH Rajani brings years of medical research expertise to the SURE Center. She oversees the ENRICH-2 study, and provides support on various other studies, including the Covid-Supplement, the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study, and the NM Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey. She is most passionate about substance use related public health issues such as prescription drug abuse and illicit drug usage in pregnant women and youth. Within the HBCD study, Rajani is most excited for the neurodevelopmental testing of child participants, including the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and the novel NIH Baby Toolbox. |
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Caitlin Youngblood, BA Caitlin graduated with a BA in Psychology and has spent her time since working with children and in social services. She has received training in the Nurtured Heart Approach (R) (NHA), the QPR Gatekeeper method, and trauma-responsive care. Caitlin is passionate about improving access to mental health services, learning how to communicate better, and practicing self-care. As HBCD study navigator, Caitlin connects participants with community resources and performs different research activities as needed, including recruitment and sample processing. She particularly enjoys behavioral assessments and building bonds with participants. |