Overview
I am a bilingual (Spanish/English) gerontologist focused on the epidemiology of aging. I serve as the Associate Core Lead for the Outreach Recruitment and Engagement Core of the Duke-UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. My work with the ADRC centers in building trust with the community and reaching historically marginalized populations. My research focuses on environmental factors that may influence cognitive function, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Research topics of interest include: the exposome, environmental exposures such as pesticides and other chemicals, social determinants of health, traumatic brain injuries, metabolic biomarkers, resilience, and cognitive training.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2021 - Present
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Senior Fellow of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
·
2019 - Present
Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Feasibility Study: Silicone Wristbands for Measuring Pesticides and Flame-Retardants in Farming Older Men.
Preprint · April 20, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteEthnic and Sex Differences in the Association Between Organochlorine Exposure and Cognitive Function in Late Life.
Journal Article J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci · March 20, 2025 BACKGROUND: Organochlorine pesticides persist in the environment and body for extended periods. However, little is known about their long-term impact on cognition in older adults and if their influence differs by race/ethnicity (hereinafter ethnicity) and ... Full text Link to item CiteAn Early and Unequal Decline: Life Course Trajectories of Cognitive Aging in the United States.
Journal Article J Aging Health · March 2024 Objectives: Cognitive aging is a lifelong process with implications for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. This study aims to fill major gaps in research on the natural history of and social disparities in aging-related cognitive decline over the life span. ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Duke/UNC ADAR Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Cognitive Training to Reduce Cognitive Impairment: The PACT Trial
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by University of South Florida · 2021 - 2027Adaptation to Spanish of the Uniform Data System Version 4
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by University of Washington · 2023 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of South Florida ·
2015
Ph.D.
University of South Florida ·
2010
M.S.P.H.