Our Goal
To improve the quality of life for older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease by promoting the transformative power of music therapy. This goal is centered on helping caregivers and families discover the emotional and cognitive benefits of music, fostering connections, and enhancing well-being. By providing accessible research, practical resources, and personal stories, we aim to empower those affected by Alzheimer’s to experience moments of joy, recognition, and comfort through the healing art of music. Ultimately, we seek to create a supportive community that values the dignity and individuality of every person in their journey with Alzheimer’s.
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The Team
Our team is made up of passionate people united by a common goal: to support older adults with Alzheimer’s disease through the power of music therapy. Each member brings a unique background and fresh perspective, combining studies in psychology, music, and healthcare. We are dedicated to researching effective interventions and sharing our findings to help caregivers and families enhance the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s. Together, we strive to create an informative and supportive resource that emphasizes the transformative impact of music on memory, emotion, and connection.
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Dr. Hongdao Meng, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
​Dr. Hongdao Meng studies integrative health care interventions, leveraging his expertise in medicine, public health, and health economics to improve clinical and community outcomes.
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Chirantana Dayanandaswamy
Lab Manager
Chirantana is a Biomedical Sciences major with a minor in and Microbiology, eager to contribute to the Positive Aging Lab's research improving the quality of life for older adults.
Tanjina Jalil
Support Specialist
Tanjina recently earned her Master’s in Gerontology and aspires to pursue an MD/PhD, with a research focus on successful aging.
Dr. William Arthur Monaco, O.D., MSEd, Ph.D.
Project Consultant
Dr. Monaco's research interests focus on inter-professional health programs targeting special needs populations, particularly older adults and those in nursing care.
Research Assistant
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Kaamla Murad
Research Assistant
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Layla Santana
Ph.D. Student
Layla is a first-year Ph.D. student and graduate assistant in the Aging Studies Department at the University of South Florida.
Alayn Linares
Research Assistant
Alayn is a University of South Florida alumna and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with extensive experience in healthcare and research.
Michael Shaw
Research Assisstant
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Alaina Chacko
Research Team Member
Alaina Chacko, a Biomedical Sciences major on the Pre-Med track, aims to become a physician and improve healthcare equity. Her goal explores music therapy's impact on dementia care in assisted living facilities.
Maribel Serracin
Research Team Member
Maribel is a junior majoring in Health Sciences, focused on research in positive aging habits. She has experience working with the geriatric community, both in an assisted living facility and at an oncology hospital.
Lily Moore
Research Team Member
Lily Moore is a Biology major with a minor in Aging Science, aspiring to become a Physician. She is passionate about researching positive aging to improve the health and well-being of older adults.
Kayla Despagne
Research Team Member
Kayla Despagne, a Biology major with a minor in Nutrition, aspires to be a dentist. Her research explores music therapy's impact on cognitive function and emotional health in Alzheimer's patients, aiming to improve their quality of life through non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Roy Chen
Research Team Member
Roy Chen is a Biomedical Sciences major with a minor in Psychology, aspiring to become a physician. His goal aims to contribute to a journal publication on positive aging, focusing on advancing research in this field.
Skye Hughes
Research Team Member
Skye Hughes is a Biomedical Science major with aspirations of becoming a doctor. Committed to making a difference in others' lives, she strives to take meaningful steps toward achieving her career goal. In her free time, Skye enjoys reading and ballroom dancing.
Victoria Figueroa
Research Team Member
Victoria is a Biology and Psychology major aspiring to become a geriatric psychiatrist. She aims to make meaningful contributions to the evolving field of mental health, particularly in the care of older adults.
Ying Tan
Research Team Member
Ying is a Cell and Molecular Biology major. She hopes to go into pharmacological research. Her goal for this research project is to determine if music therapy can decrease agitation in Alzheimer's patients.
Luciana Zegarra
Research Team Member
Luciana Zegarra is a Biology major at USF. She plans to pursue a career in clinical research and has gained valuable experience through her work on the Positive Aging Lab research project.
Research Team Members
Aidan Sheehan, Amanda Chinea, Chay Jalloh, Eddie Fung, Elise Valdes, Emmanuel Ajayi, Ha Jin Park, James Oh, Julia Scales, Melissa Sosa, Olivia Horvath, Saswatha Sundaram, Sophia Gulisano, Sophia Martinez, Sophie Crant, Sydney Stubbs, Tanishqa Parulekar