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 minority health and aging. 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. ***

Matthew Denny

BSc

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Community and Leadership Development from the University of Kentucky. As a community researcher, I specialize in statistical analysis and assessing community capital, focusing on enhancing local resilience and well-being. I have experience researching food deserts in Lexington, Kentucky, and I use my findings to advocate for sustainable solutions. With skills in project management, I am a strong advocate for participatory action research, ensuring that community members are actively involved in every stage of research.

Email: made257@uky.edu

Kristie D. Kelly

BSc

I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. I have always had an interest in Neuroscience research and dementia development. My background in analyzing data and working with older patients in healthcare settings has led me to the HAMPLab. I look forward to discovering more about how social determinants of health impact the development and recognition of dementias in minority populations.

Email: denise.kelly@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

Favour Esene

MSc

I am a dedicated research analyst with a master's degree in Agricultural Economics with experience in consumer behavior and market research. I specialize in recruiting participants and performing statistical analysis to understand consumer behavior and their preferences which informs strategic decision making. I am passionate about reaching out to communities and guiding them to make healthier food and lifestyle choices. I am particularly excited to utilize my expertise to contribute to advancing community health particularly around dementia and Alzheimer's prevention. My desire is that my research findings are translated into actionable insights that reduces dementia in minority immigrant populations.

Email: favour.esene@uky.edu

Maybe you?

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

Maybe you?

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

Maybe you?

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

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