Director and Principal Investigator

Albert Junior Nyarko

MA, BA

I graduated with an MA in Communication from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University. Broadly, my research uses an interdisciplinary method to promote positive health behavior, well-being, and health disparities. As a doctoral researcher in HAMPLAB, I am interested in utilizing community-engaged research to examine cancer risks and prevention, illness survivorship, and Alzheimer’s disease risks and prevention in underserved communities in the US and globally.

Email: any233@uky.edu

Twitter (X): @AlbertJuniorNy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-junior-nyarko-6459a2129/

Obinna Odo

MGS, MSW

I have an MGS from the University of Southampton, U.K., and an MSW from the University of Stavanger, Norway. I am currently a PhD student in Social Gerontology at Miami University, Oxford, OH. My research utilizes an interdisciplinary method to examine the promotion of long-term care for people with Alzheimer's Disease and other Related Dementias (ADRD) and leverages preclinical interventions to mitigate ADRD. I am also interested in research that examines disparity in cancer care for Black men and other minoritized populations.

Email: odooc@miamioh.edu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/obinna-casmir-925721217

Google Scholar

Tochukwu J. Okolie

BSc

I have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I am currently studying for a Master's degree in Social Gerontology at Miami University, Oxford, OH. My research experiences have focused on bringing the lived experiences of marginalized and vulnerable older adults to the limelight. My research interests are redefining successful aging, social exclusion in old age, older immigrants and refugees, and older adults experiencing homelessness. 

Email: okolietj@miamioh.edu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tochukwu-okolie-2b3979210       

Maybe you?

Please email dkesiaka@uky.edu or info@hamplab.org to inquire.

**PhD Applicants: Thank you for your interest in HAMPlab! We will be accepting applications for graduate positions soon. Applicants should be interested in health and aging in high-risk populations. If you are emailing me, please title your email "Prospective Student" to ensure it does not get filtered into SPAM, and attach your CV. We generally process and respond to emails from prospective students twice a month, so please be patient if you have not heard back from us. At this time, we cannot accommodate any requests for 1:1 meetings prior to the deadline, but as the application cycle begins, I may schedule a meeting to further gauge fit before the application deadline. ***

Stirling K. Crawford

BSc

I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. My current research interests include sleep, how sleep stages relate to cognitive processes, neurodegenerative disorders, and neurophysiology. My goal is to take on a multidisciplinary approach to the field of sleep and aging, in order to contribute in any way, I can. I am also passionate about learning about the brain and accompanying psychological development across the lifespan. 

Email: skcr225@uky.edu 

Liz Rock

BSc

I have a Bachelor of Science in Community and Leadership Development with a minor in Health Advocacy and an undergraduate certificate in Clinical Healthcare Management from the University of Kentucky. Throughout my undergraduate experience, I grew especially interested in learning about and addressing the social determinants of health. I am passionate about learning about barriers to healthcare access and lifestyle factors. With HAMPLAB, I am eager to explore how these factors play a role in healthy aging processes and what interventions can help advance overall community health and wellbeing. Also, I lead the community outreach efforts, particularly the CHAMP health and resource fair project.

Email: liz.rock@uky.edu

Osswaah Fariduddin

BSc

I have a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky. My research interests are centered around attention, aging, and Alzheimer's disease. I am dedicated to studying cognitive processes and their evolution as we age and the role neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's play on both attention and memory. My goal is to contribute to research that both advances scientific knowledge as well as works to enhance the well-being of individuals throughout their lives. Additionally, I am passionate about exploring how various factors, such as lifestyle choices and mental engagement, influence cognitive health, with the intention of developing accessible, supportive interventions. 

Email: ofa222@uky.edu

Maria Clark

MD Candidate

I am currently a medical student at UK, with an interest in gaining experience and research skills working with the HAMPLAB. My undergraduate research background is in peptidomimetics, and since starting medical school I have expanded my research interests by exploring cognitive science. With the HAMPLAB I look forward to expanding our understandings of the social impact on cognitive medicine and the patient experience.

Email: maria.clark@uky.edu

Zuena Kadusi

Associate Degree

I hold an Associate's degree in Medical Assistance. As a healthcare professional with a proven record of exceptional care to senior residents, I am passionate about health equity. Currently, I’m exploring opportunities with Hamplab Research, where I aim to apply my skills and knowledge to address health disparities and promote health equity among Black Americans, African immigrants, refugees, and West Africans. With a strong commitment to social justice and community-driven research, I’m driven to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare landscape.

Email: znka224@uky.edu.

Francoise A. Bibombe

BSc

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. I am the founder and manager of Sweet Fortune Business LLC, an organization committed to empowering women and fostering self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship, education, and community development. With over 20 years of experience spanning government and private sector administration, customer service, and international outreach, I bring a unique perspective to my work as a community liaison officer at HAMPLAB. I am fluent in more than five languages and support immigrant and refugee communities by providing interpretation services and cultural insights. I am very passionate about advancing health equity and improving aging outcomes for underserved populations. 

Email: fabi223@uky.edu 

Shriya Biswas

Neuroscience & Political Science

I am interested in studying terminal diseases such as Cancer and Alzheimer's. My goal is to contribute to effective treatment strategies and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by these diseases. I am passionate about understanding how social determinants of health, such as lifestyle choices, impact disease outcomes and access to care. I aim to develop solutions that are innovative but also equitable.

Email: biswass@union.edu

Mine Emadoye

Anatomy

I am a medical student with an Intercalated BSc in Anatomy from Bowen University, Nigeria. I am driven to understand and combat neurodegenerative disorders. I am passionate about exploring how genetics and lifestyle choices impact disease onset and progression. My aim is to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for affected individuals.

Email: emeganoji@gmail.com 

Maybe you?

UKy Students APPLY HERE

Maybe you?

UKy Students APPLY HERE