Meet the Team

Kaylin Taylor is a Clinical Research Coordinator for the DRIVES lab. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and her Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Kaylin has worked in clinical research at Washington University School of Medicine since 2017.

Alexis Walker is a Clinical Research Coordinator for both the DRIVES Project and ARCHES Study. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in cognitive neuroscience and African and African-American studies at Washington University in St. Louis in May of 2021. This project contributes to her interest in the intersection between various neuropsychological topics and vulnerable communities (i.e. geriatric, pediatric, racial minorities, etc.).

Ann Johnson joined Washington University School of Medicine in September 2000 and works for the Center for the Center for Clinical Studies. She currently coordinates multiple studies including Fitness to Drive, Driving Simulator Norming, Driving Simulator Stroke, Factors and Evolve: Traumatic Brain Injury in Service Members. She has worked with the DRIVES lab since 2012 and supports study coordination of the R01 grant.

Hailee Domash is a Clinical Research Coordinator for the DRIVES lab. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Maryville University of St. Louis. Prior to the DRIVES project, Hailee worked at clinics specializing in addiction treatment and recovery. Her previous research experience focused on the interplay of working memory, emotional stimuli, and physiological responses. She holds a particular interest in neuroplasticity and is involved with researching numerous factors involved with cognitive decline and preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease.

Maeve Intagliata is a Clinical Research Coordinator for the DRIVES lab. She completed her bachelor’s degree in child and Family Studies with a minor in Social Work at Southeast Missouri State University and recently earned her Master’s degree in Prevention Science from Kansas State University. Her research focused on understanding the relationship between food insecurity and mental health among low-income mothers and their children and if resilience factors mediated that relationship. Maeve is passionate about promoting optimal health and well-being for all individuals across the life course.

Nikitha Damera is a Clinical Research Coordinator I for the DRIVES Lab. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology with a minor in Film & Media Studies at Washington University in St. Louis in May of 2023, and is currently completing the Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program at WashU. She is passionate about understanding public health solutions that improve the lifestyle and care of aging populations. Nikitha is excited to work with the DRIVES Lab and be a part of neurodegenerative disease research.

Dr. Ling Chen is an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. Dr. Chen received a M.D. in medicine and a M.S. in medicine from Beijing Medical University (China), a MSPH in Biostatistics from the University of South Carolina and a PhD in Statistics from University of Missouri. She holds a secondary appointment as Assistant Professor of Medicine. Dr. Chen’s research interests include survival analysis, multiple imputation for missing data, longitudinal data analysis, clustered data analysis and sample size calculation. She has been actively involved in research related to physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and Ophthalmology.

Wenqing Zha graduated in May 2023 with her Master of Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology/Biostatistics from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She is currently a statistical data analyst in the DRIVES Project. Her research interests lie in improving the health of older adults and promoting health equity. Prior to working with Dr. Babulal, Wenqing worked on the Education Equity and Quality in Afghanistan and Pakistan (EEQAP) project, Aging project, and the Child Resilience in Afghanistan Study (CRAS) as a part-time research assistant with Dr. Jean-Francois Trani.

Jenna Gopman is a Graduate Research Assistant for the DRIVES Project and ARCHES Study. Jenna received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a focus in Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida and is currently working toward her Doctor of Occupational Therapy at the Washington University School of Medicine. She is currently part of the E-Board for the OT program’s Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity chapter. Her areas of interest in future OT practice include neurological rehabilitation and hippotherapy, as well as the role of caregivers and their wellbeing in the recovery process.

Chen Chen is an MPH/MSW student at Washington University in St. Louis who will graduate in May 2024. Chen received her Bachelor of Philosophy from Soochow University (CN). She has contributed to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Afghanistan, Pakistan and South Africa (CIDAPSA), the Child Resilience in Afghanistan Study (CRAS), and the Education Equity and Quality in Afghanistan and Pakistan (EEQAP) projects. Her research interest involves aging, obesity, and artificial intelligence. Chen is looking forward to exploring how driving behaviors interact with environmental factors, particularly in preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease and older populations at large. Her goal is to help individuals to live with dignity.

Dr. Monique Williams is a geriatrician and the Medical Director of Oak Street Health, a model of care located in St. Louis that provides comprehensive, coordinated care and assists older adults to age in place. She is also a member of the National Medical Association and the current President of Mound City Medical Forum. Additionally, she is a member of the NIA Health Disparities Resource Person Network, Gerontological Society of America, Biological Sciences Executive Committee, and Minority Issues in Gerontology Committee. Her research focuses on minority aging and health, Alzheimer’s disease, ethical issues in research and disparities across the lifespan. Dr. William’s bring her expertise on issues of health disparities, Alzheimer’s disease and inclusion of racial and ethnic minorities in aging research to our research.

Brad Garland has been a part of the DRIVES lab since 2015 and  brings over 16 years of experience as the driving evaluator for our research studies. Brad has a BS in Education with an emphasis in Kinesiology, and a Driver Education and Safety endorsement. Brad has completed numerous post graduate hours of study in Educational Leadership and he is a co-owner along with his wife of My Tutor Learning Center and Driving School. Currently, My Tutor has 10 certified driving instructors on staff. Several thousand students and adults have received their driver’s license with the assistance of My Tutor’s certified instructors.  My Tutor services approximately 250 drivers annually.