Former Lab Members

Lab Members
(Current)

Full-Time Staff

• Allyssa Abel, M.P.H – Research Associate
  “As a member of the asthma team, I have been able to connect with Rochester families who have children who are severely suffering from asthma. Asthma is a debilitating chronic illness, so working with a group of passionate clinicians, researchers, and students at the University of Rochester to optimize asthma care for youth in the surrounding neighborhoods has been an extremely rewarding and humbling experience. This work has grown very close to my heart because Rochester is my hometown. Therefore, I view it as a great privilege and honor to be serving on this team and serving my community.” – Allyssa Abel
• Sara Ancello – Research Associate​
• Ben Ballerstein – Research Associate​
• Kylee Bartlett  – Research Support Associate​
  “Working with this team has been a very humbling and rewarding experience.  It is an honor to work with such compassionate people who strive to help improve asthma care for the children and families of the Rochester community.  I enjoy being able to connect with our families while also learning what it takes to make research studies like these successful.  Every day brings a unique experience and I am grateful to be a part of something so great!”
  - Kylee Bartlett
• Dana Belles – Strong Staffing
  "The asthma program is the perfect place for me to combine two of my passions: improving public health, and working with largely underserved members of the Rochester community. It is a joy for me to come to work every day, where I am privileged enough to work with a great, compassionate team, and meet with so many enjoyable families, teens, children, and providers around the city." – Dana Belles
• Michelle Benassai – Research Assistant Strong Staffing
  “I am so grateful to have spent nearly 3 years working with the asthma team as a research assistant. It has been incredibly rewarding and enlightening to interact directly with inner-city families dealing with asthma. I have learned the importance of meeting the community’s unique needs to improve the delivery of health care, and it’s been such a privilege to work with a passionate research team dedicated to serving the Rochester community.” – Michelle Benassai
• Emily Berkman – Medical Student Intern​
• ​Dhristie Bhagat – Medical Student Summer Intern​
• Kerry Blauvelt – Motivational Interviewing Counselor
  "In the Asthma Team, I have found an environment that is helping me to grow immensely as a professional. Along with the experience I am gaining as a Motivational Interviewing Counselor, I have encountered a variety of opportunities to expand my skills. Whether it’s trying to figure out how to present abstracts and data in a clear, concise poster, or facilitating a presentation and discussion about a research project with a diverse audience of community members, or finding creative solutions to connect with teens and caregivers that are difficult to reach, I am continuously being challenged to think and act in new ways. I’ve only been with the team for a few months and I am eager to see what challenges and opportunities the rest of my time here will hold!"
  - Kerry Blauvelt
• Courtney Carlin – Research Associate
• Brennen Caveney – Information Analyst
  "Being a part of the Asthma Team is special because it provides the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of families in the Rochester area. Having the chance to help families overcome healthcare barriers and improve asthma symptoms in children and teens is truly rewarding. The team has a great passion for the work they do and is constantly striving to do more for our families. I am happy to come to work each day and contribute to such meaningful research within the community." 
  – Brennen Caveney
• David Chaves Lopez – Research Associate
  "The greatest benefit of being part of The Preventive Care Program for Urban Children with Asthma is that I have the opportunity of working directly with caring parents, kind and enthusiastic youth and sincere school nurses. In addition to this, my co-workers are supportive and professional, making our research become more significant and beneficial for our Rochester Community, particularly the families whom we work with." – David Chavez Lopez
• Bryan Clutz – Health Project Coordinator
• Joana (Jojo) Coelho – Research Associate
  “Observing the families, researchers, primary care practices, and school faculty of the Rochester community come together to improve the life of children with asthma is a truly awe inspiring experience. Every day, I look forward to the opportunity of working with the Asthma Team to try to improve the education around asthma management and accessibility to treatment for the current and future families of the Rochester community. For me, learning about the economic and social barriers faced by our families in seeking care for their asthma or in their day-to-day life makes the work we and others in research and public health do that much more imperative. Providing support and counsel to our families is the most important and rewarding part of this experience for me and as someone who aspires to career in pediatrics and primary care, I hope to take the lessons I have learned from my colleagues in medicine, in research, in the community, and in the families we work with to continue to develop and grow as an individual and a healthcare professional.”
  – Joana Coelho
• Peggy Collins – Research Associate​
• Anne-Marie Conn – Motivational Interviewing Counselor
• Gina Cunningham – Research Associate​
• Derek D'Arcy – Health Project Coordinator
  “I consider myself very lucky to be able to work with such caring and driven people on the Asthma Team. The opportunity to help families in the community alongside a wonderful team is something I am extremely grateful for. Although I have only been a member of the Asthma team for a short time, I'm excited to continue to meet and help wonderful families throughout Rochester!”
  – Derek D’Arcy
• Erin Davis – Health Project Coordinator
  “Watching so many unique minds work together on a project to help the Rochester community is amazing. The energy and passion of our team members is a large piece of what makes the Asthma Studies so successful.  We are able to help children better control their asthma and provide the care necessary to achieve positive outcomes.  I love the family centered aspect of working with the entire household to help a child be well. I leave work feeling satisfied with the things I've done and the children I've encountered.”
  –Erin Davis
• Mary Delbalso – Research Associate​
• Sarah DePerrior - Information Analyst
  " As a new member of the Asthma Team, I am incredibly inspired by the mission and passion of this amazing group of people. Not only am I always learning new things about all of the many parts and pieces that go into conducting large-scale research in the community, I am continuously inspired by the incredible drive and enthusiasm this team has for helping to improve the health and well-being of children and families throughout the city of Rochester."
  – Sarah DePerrior
• Judy Diep – Medical Student Summer Intern​
• Amanda Dorbnica, M.P.H. – Senior Health Project Coordinator
• Darcie Farrell – Motivational Interviewer​
• Carolina Freuder – Research Associate​
• Chris Gettings – Research Associate​
• Charles Gillett – Information Analyst
  "During my time here with the study team, my understanding of what it takes to conduct 'good' research has expanded far beyond the scope of just having 'good' data printed on a sheet. Good research is about the development of theories and the experience of taking those ideas and materializing them. Good research is about the people who work together on that process. In research, it not only takes a good idea, but just as importantly is requires a good team of individuals to nurture those ideas and help you to develop better ones. Working here has been a great experience as I have had the chance to work with individuals who are always seeking to improve themselves and the quality of their work. The dedication to the work and to the community has definitely been a major contributor to the team's past successes and it will continue to promote future success. It’s such an honor to be a part of this team."
  – Charles Gillett
• Elijah Goldberg – Research Support Associate
  Elijah_Goldberg@urmc.rochester.edu
• Hillary F. Goldman – Research Analyst
  ​"Just about the greatest feeling in the world is to hear firsthand from families and nurses that our program has benefited their children. This feedback fuels my motivation to continue working for the ever evolving Preventive Care Program for Urban Children with Asthma. What a joy it is to work for a program whose outcomes are so in line with my personal values!"
  – Hillary F. Goldman
• Sabrina Goris – Research Associate​
• Joseph Hatem – Medical Student Intern​
• Telva Hernandez – Research Associate​
• Alex Hoey – Research Associate
  “Working for the Asthma Team has provided me with invaluable insight into the worlds of both research and clinical care. It’s easy to come into work in the morning when you work with a group that is so passionate about aiding the Rochester community. What I love most about our program is the foresight, as we attempt to create new models of care that may benefit children with asthma for years to come.”
  – Alex Hoey
• Heather Holderness – Health Project Coordinator
  "It is a true privilege to be a part of such a dynamic research team that not only conducts the highest quality research but also serves to provide the utmost care and compassion for our community. The families in our community with whom we work experience significant barriers to good health, but the relationships and interactions we are able to build with them help us to better understand these gaps so that we are ultimately able to help break down these barriers and improve their, and our community’s health."
  – Heather Holderness
• Rebecca Holman – Research Associate
• Amanda Howell – Research Associate
  "Being able to work with a compassionate, hardworking and driven team is a privilege. The experiences here are both challenging and rewarding. Coming to work each day with the goals of helping families overcome healthcare barriers and improving the lives of children and teens in our community is a wonderful and humbling experience. Getting to know the families that we are working with and actively engaging with the community presents new experiences every day and I am thankful for the opportunity to do so!" 
  – Amanda Howell
• Carrie Isensee – Research Associate​
• Amit Jhaveri – Research Associate
• Angela Kluzniak – Information Analyst
  "Everyone who is a part of, The Preventive Care Program for Urban Children with Asthma is passionate about improving public health, and being there for the families and teens they work with. It is great to be a part of a team that spreads awareness and strives to reduce the disparity of care for asthma. I enjoy going to work every day because of the positive impact this research has had for families in past years and the continued affect I think it will continue to have on the community.”
  – Angela Kluzniak
• Kenna Kosinski – Research Support Associate
• Sang Lee - Research Support Associate
  "It is such a pleasure to work with the Rochester community, a city so vibrant and special. My interactions with the families, schools, community organizations and the children themselves have all been an incredible experience. Each encounter has contributed to a perspective that what we’re building is bigger than just research. And I have the privilege of establishing relationships and improving public health in our community. And It’s hard to lose sight of the goal when you’re surrounded by such passionate and hard-working team members! It’s all very rewarding to look back on a busy season, knowing that we collaborated to build something special. Our communication, accountability, and respect for one another drives our goal of helping families and their children improve their overall health and overcome healthcare barriers!" 
  – Sang Lee
• Porschea Lewis – Research Associate​
• Kathleen Lynch – Research Associate​
• Jessica Metelski – Research Support Associate
• Jason Noomani – Research Associate
• Lisa Nguyen – Human Subject Research Coordinator
• Zuleika Ortiz – Information Analyst
  “The impact the preventive care program has on the Rochester community has been an enlightening experience where on a day to day basis I work with a dedicated team passionate about creating a beneficial change for the families we work with. Being a part of the asthma team has been an immensely humbling experience where day to day interactions become observable long term benefits to the community.  I look forward to the experiences to come and feel honored to be a part of this team!”
  – Zuleika Ortiz
• Pamela Puthoor – Medical Student Intern​
• Joshua Rosario – Research Support Associate (former Undergraduate Research Assistant)
• Brooke Remchuk – Information Analyst
  "This team is incredibly hardworking and passionate about the work they do; it is a privilege to work and grow alongside such dedicated individuals. Being a part of the team is also a unique way to encounter the Rochester community and has provided me the opportunity to learn about the research process, asthma, and the barriers too many families have to overcome to manage their children's health. I look forward to continuing our efforts to help improve pediatric asthma!"
  – Brooke Remchuk
• Deste Reylea – Research Associate​
• Joseph Sauer – Research Associate​
• Michelle Shankar – Medical Student Research Assistant
  “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from the children and families that I hope to one day serve as a physician. I am inspired by every team member's dedication to excellence in order to best serve our community, and I am excited to be part of it!” – Michelle Shankar
• Sarah Stelma – Research Associate​
• Jillian Tschamler – Research Associate​
• Stefanie Thorsness – Research Associate
• Julia Weaver – Research Associate
  “I feel very fortunate to be able to be part of such a caring team. Everyone on the Asthma Team is committed to improving the lives of the families we work with, not only through helping the child’s asthma but in any way we can help. It is so rewarding to hear parents tell us that they believe that we are really making a difference in the Rochester community.” –Julia Weaver
• Eleni Wechsler – Research Assistant Strong Staffing
  “Being able to work with children and their families throughout Rochester has been an extremely rewarding experience. Helping these families is what drives our team and each and every member of our team is passionate about the work they do. It is extremely refreshing to work in that type of environment and I am so lucky to be a part of this team.” – Eleni Wechsler
• Cinthia Welch – Information Analyst
  “Speaking from the heart, I believe research has the ability to establish innovative knowledge and power to influence policies that can make a real difference in the world, and what better place to start using that knowledge than in your own community. I think it is important to give back to your community in order to make a positive impact in the world around you, especially in Rochester, because we have such a large underserved urban population. Knowing that I have this outstanding opportunity to be out in my native community, be involved in children’s health, and reach out to families is just an incredible honor. The asthma study team has been leading phenomenal research over the years, and is constantly evolving. It is inspiring to be surrounded by team members who all strive towards research that could make a change in the way we care for childhood asthma and genuinely care about our community. I find this experience very rewarding and am extremely proud to be a part of this legendary team.” – Cinthia Welch
• Elise Wiesenthal, B.S., R.N. – Research Analyst
  "Working with the asthma study team has given me so many opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally. I have had the chance to work with and learn from an amazing group of dedicated, compassionate individuals. I have gained an understanding of the effort that goes into each large scale project, and I am really enjoying the opportunity to become involved in many different aspects of research. Additionally, the interactions we have with families in our programs allow us to shape our studies to the needs of the community. It is so rewarding to be welcomed into the home of a subject, and see the positive effects of our asthma research on a child's life." – Elise Wiesenthal
• Ariel Weisman – Research Associate
  ​"There's nothing better than coming to work every day with such compassionate and energetic people! Working with the Asthma Team has taught me so much about how researchers can go above and beyond simply collecting data in order to leave a positive, lasting impact on their community. I'm so lucky to have been welcomed in our families' homes and gain a better understanding of the day-to-day factors that make asthma so difficult to manage. I look forward to the experiences I'll have with our families as our research continues." – Ariel Weisman
• Alison Yee – Health Project Coordinator
• Shelby Zink – Information Analyst
  "Working in the community I grew up in to make a positive impact on the lives of children with asthma has been such a valuable and eye-opening experience. I feel fortunate to be able to share my passion, grow professionally, and learn from such a talented and driven team!" –Shelby Zink

Student Lab Members

• Iman Ali – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Safira Amazan – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Syler Blaakman – Undergraduate Research Assistant
  “Working for the asthma team has had a great impact on me in a variety of ways. First of all, the team itself is comprised of some of the most dedicated, passionate, and caring people I have met. They have been so nice and welcoming since the very first day I stepped foot in the office, and that is something that really resonates with me because of how important it is to have a positive workplace environment. The nature of my position as a Research Assistant for this team has been really rewarding and has certainly taught me a lot about myself as well. Being able to go to our participant’s homes to communicate with them directly about their asthma, connect them to the resources they need to help treat their asthma, and to even just get to know them and experience what their lives are like, has been really humbling. It feels amazing to have such an immediate impact on the lives of the people around us who would otherwise be struggling to stay afloat or just “get by” on their own. Ultimately, I could not be happier with my decision to expand my horizons and apply for this research position. I am honored to work with the asthma team in all that they do to give back to our Rochester community.”
  – Syler Blaakman
• Kelly Beamish – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Devan Baijal – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Paige Brugger – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Katelyn Cappotelli – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Young-In Cho – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Alyssa Cohen – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Tina DeMarco – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Oleg Demus – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Meghan Doran – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Gretchen Eckel – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• ​Peter Evancho – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Margaret Evans – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• John Feldkamp – Undergraduate Research Assistant
  "As a member of the asthma team, I’ve had the opportunity to cross the socio-economic boundary and see Rochester through the lens of healthcare inequality. This experience has put story to statistic and allowed me to observe the clinical and public health facets of pediatric asthma. I have a voice in weekly meetings and it furthers my knowledge, which translates into a better-educated approach to the community. This opportunity has made me a far more conscious individual." 
  – John Feldkamp
• Mariangie Feliz – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Michael Fisch – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Cindy Flores – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Julia Fraser – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Makenzie Gabriel – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Leanne Garcia – Student Intern
• Lydia Goff – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Anisha Gundewar – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Justin Halterman – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• ​Jasmine Han – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Lauren Hoffman – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Brianna Isaacson – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Nicole Itzkowitz – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Tylia Johnson – Summer Intern
• Mahima Joshi – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Amogh Kare – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Leena Khoury – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Carson Klasner – Undergraduate Summer Intern
• Brianne Landwersiek – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Natalie Lebedko – Undergraduate Research Assistant
  "Hearing about the experiences of our participants, their caregivers, and my coworkers has given me a unique glimpse into the complexities and challenges of medicine in underserved communities and the health inequities many families face. My new position as a member on the Asthma team has shown me the importance of education and outreach in local communities, and the difference increased knowledge of asthma can have both on the child and the family’s well-being. I feel so thankful to be part of such a passionate team and for the opportunity to have a positive impact on the Rochester community!" 
  – Natalie Lebedko
• Seri Link – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Annie Ma – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Jacob Marling – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Jorge Matute – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• ​Gianna Melillo – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Natalie Molta – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Gabriella Morris – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Olivia Moutevelis – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Shivali Murkerji – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Pauline Muto – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Divyah Nagendra – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Dan Nassau – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• David Niemynski – Undergraduate Research Assistant
  “Since joining the Asthma Team, I believe that I have been able to understand how important it is to address the needs of the children and teens enrolled in our studies. I feel that my experiences thus far have motivated me to continue playing a role in decreasing the negative effects of asthma. Interacting with these families has been the most rewarding part of my time here and I am fortunate to be able to contribute to this study by going out into the community.” 
  – David Niemynski
• Jessica Parmelee – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Sarah Permutt – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Melanie Prinz - Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Alexa Sanchez – Undergraduate Research Assistant
  “As a member of the asthma team, I am given the privilege of pursuing my passion of public health while also becoming a friend of the Rochester Community. Going out into the field and having these meaningful yet productive conversations with families to help them better understand their children’s asthma, is the most rewarding part of being on this team. I hope that our work inspires others to also befriend the Community and make a positive impact on it.” 
  – Alexa Sanchez
• Christina Sanchez – High School Student Summer Intern
• Akimi Sasaki – Undergraduate Research Assistant
  “Being a member of the Asthma team has been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I have had while in college. I am honored to be part of such a dedicated and driven group of people that strives to better healthcare in an underserved population. I love getting to know families in the Rochester community, and it brings me joy to be able to direct them to resources that positively impacts their lives.” – Akimi Sasaki
• Jennifer Selland – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• ​Ashima Sharma – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Ahona Shirin – Undergraduate Intern
• Hannah Slavin – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Mackenzie Steen - Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Marina Tadros – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Loren Wagner – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Sarah Werner – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Ryan Wier – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Kashawmma Wright – Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Natalie Yragui – Undergraduate Research Assistant​
• Vicki Zhou – Undergraduate Research Assistant​