Research Staff

Pronouns: he/him

Senior Research Professional working with Dr. Damien Fair and Dr. Ziad Nahas

ABOUT ME

I received my B.S. in Human Physiology and a M.S. in Neurophysiology from the University of Oregon in Eugene, and a Ph.D. in Systems Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia in Canada. I also held a postdoctoral fellowship in Speech and Hearing Sciences, investigating speech motor disorders at the University of Washington in Seattle. I’m currently a recipient of the OHSU Fellowship for Diversity Inclusion in Research Award (OFDIR).  Our ability to diagnose psychiatric disorders is limited by our ability to observe behaviors during clinical evaluation, however clinical heterogeneity and the imprecise nature of diagnosis represent fundamentally confounding factors limiting a better understanding of their etiology, prevention, and treatment. My research aim is to be able to discriminate between developmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and potential sub types based on brain function.  I use a combination of machine learning algorithms, genetics, and state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques to look at brain networks and classify neuropsychiatric disorders.

Pronouns: he/him

Senior Research Professional working with Dr. Damien Fair, Dr. Tervo-Clemmens, and Dr. Eric Feczko

ABOUT ME

I attended University of Jamestown in North Dakota and earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and earned my PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in 2024.  I primarily focused on scientific questions relating to repeated measurements and dimension reduction of high-dimensional datasets.

Pronouns: he/him

Advanced Research Professional working with Dr. Damien Fair

ABOUT ME

I joined in early 2019 as a volunteer with the rodent models team. In my current work I assist with pipeline development, data processing, and functional connectivity analysis of multi-echo functional MRI data. I’m interested in how our lab can integrate MRI with other neuroimaging modalities to model brain development in both animals and humans. I have a B.S. in Computer Science from Portland State University.

Pronouns: he/him

Advanced Research Professional working with Dr. Oscar Miranda-Dominguez

ABOUT ME

I joined the Center for Developmental NeuroImaging (CDNI) in August of 2023 after earning my Master’s degree in Biostatistics at the University of Minnesota. My work here focuses on tool development, image processing, and the generation of connectivity matrices to support individualized targeting for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). I especially enjoy contributing to the development and enhancement of methods that make this kind of research more precise and impactful.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my wife, daughter and our three cats. I also enjoy working with my hands on home improvement projects—if I hadn’t gotten into research, I would have been a fourth-generation painter.

Pronouns: he/him

Junior Research Professional working with Dr. Eric Feczko and Dr. Damien Fair

ABOUT ME

I joined in March of 2022 as a Research Professional. I primarily work on neuroimaging data processing and management for various studies, and have recently been utilizing machine learning techniques to analyze fMRI images. I previously received a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May of 2021 with majors in Physics and Neurobiology. At UW-Madison, I worked in the Educational Neuroscience Lab and assisted on research projects that focused on structures and properties of the brain that can inform the improvement of educational practices. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and finding new, fun ways to exercise.

Pronouns: she/her

Research Professional working with Dr. Damien Fair

ABOUT ME

I joined the team in 2023 and am working as a Research Professional. My background includes a BA in Sociology from the American University of Central Asia. I hold certifications in both Python programming and data analytics. I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to contribute to the cutting-edge work at MIDB, and I am excited to be part of this dynamic and innovative team.

Pronouns: they/them

Research Professional working with Dr. Damien Fair and Dr. Brenden Tervo-Clemmens

ABOUT ME

I joined as a research professional in 2023 after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Neuroscience degree. I primarily work on data processing, minor software development and am beginning to learn more about task analysis. I appreciate that this position is allowing me to branch out from my neuroscience education and learn more about data processing and analysis along with software development. Eventually I would like to go back to school for molecular neuroscience with an emphasis on pharmacology. I am interested in how pharmacological interventions affect the brain. Outside of work, I am often hanging with friends, listening to music, and traveling.

Pronouns: he/him

Clinical Coordinator working with Dr. Brenden Tervo-Clemmens

ABOUT ME

I joined the team in 2023 under the supervision of Dr. Brenden Tervo-Clemmens. I graduated with a B.A. in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I conducted research on moral and religious psychology. My primary research interests are addiction, suicidality, and psychiatric comorbidity. I am eager to explore these areas of research using tools from cognitive neuroscience, genetics, and advanced quantitative methods. I plan to eventually pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. Outside of work, I spend my time hiking, producing music, and looking for underrated restaurants.

Pronouns: she/her

Clinical Coordinator working with Dr. Bart Larsen

ABOUT ME

I joined the team as a research professional in 2023. I graduated with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Penn State University, with the goal of working in neuroscience research. I worked in the U of M Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology as a research professional prior to joining CDNI.

Pronouns: she/her

Clinical Coordinator working with Dr. Damien Fair and Dr. Bart Larsen

ABOUT ME

I had my bachelor's degree in economics and one thing led to another, I have been interested in psychology and have been involved in work in related field for a couple of years. I love working with the brain and children.

Pronouns: she/her

Clinical Coordinator working with Dr. Damien Fair

ABOUT ME

I joined the CDNI in October 2024 and am working on a study which uses fMRI to investigate the use of massage on infants as a psychiatric intervention technique. In May 2023 I received my B.A. in neuroscience from Macalester College and began working as a behavioral technician with autistic children. My interests exist in the realm of atypical childhood development; particularly, understanding comorbidities of neurodevelopmental disorders and the impacts of trauma. I plan to receive my PhD in Neuroscience to pursue developmental neuroscience. Outside of work I'm often playing rugby or volleyball.

Pronouns: she/her

Clinical Coordinator working with Dr. Brenden Tervo-Clemmens

ABOUT ME

I joined the team in September 2024 as a research professional for the Tervo-Clemmens lab, bringing a background in public health and medicine. I am deeply passionate about clinical research and have a longstanding interest in neurologic and psychiatric disorders, as well as working with epidemiological and population-level data. Joining this team allows me to contribute to groundbreaking neuroimaging research while engaging in a dynamic clinical research environment—an opportunity I am genuinely excited about. Outside of work, I enjoy journaling, playing chess, and hanging out with my dogs.

Pronouns: she/her

Clinical Coordinator working with Dr. Damien Fair

ABOUT ME

I joined DCAN labs in September of 2024 as a Research Professional, after working in reproductive and sexual health research for two years. I primarily work on studies that seek to improve our knowledge of Autism and ADHD in adolescents. I received my Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota in 2022. I am particularly interested in using research and epidemiological methods to increase knowledge on ASD / ADHD and improve population health. Outside of work, I teach competitive dance, love to read, and try new restaurants in the area. 

Pronouns: he/him

Clinical Coordinator working with Dr. Damien Fair and Dr. Tervo-Clemmens

I joined the DCAN lab as a research professional in 2024. I graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience from University of Minnesota, with the goal of working in neuroscience research or medicine. I’ve held several research and clinical positions with the MIDB community, and I hope to enter a career in science or medicine that involves the treatment of neurodivergent individuals.