Alumi

We are proud to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our past research assistants, whose hard work, dedication, and passion have played a vital role in advancing our mission. Thank you to all former team members for your valuable contributions. We are grateful for your time with us and look forward to seeing the great things you will accomplish in the future!

Past Lead Research Assistants

Lead Research Assistant (Facilitation Team)

Aidan Sheehan

Aidan Sheehan, a senior at USF majoring in Medical Biology with a Psychology minor, is committed to improving care for those with dementia. Pursuing a medical career, he collaborates with patients and researchers to explore innovative approaches to cognitive health.

Lead Research Assistant (Social Media Team)

Skye Hughes

Skye Hughes, a USF Biomedical Sciences graduate and Mohs medical assistant, joined the lab to gain research experience and support older adults' well-being. She’s passionate about patient care and aspires to become a doctor.

Past Volunteer Research Assistants

Volunteer Research Assistant

Margarita Victoria Peña Ochoa

Margarita Peña is a Psychology major who cares deeply about well-being and was drawn to the lab’s focus on non-pharmacological interventions for dementia. She aims to become a Crisis Counselor and plans to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Gabriela Rivera

Gabriela Rivera, a psychology major, joined PAL to support research on music interventions for dementia. She’s passionate about therapy that boosts cognitive and emotional well-being and plans to pursue a career in clinical psychology.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Kayla Cecile Despagne

Kayla Cecile Despagne, a Biology major, joined the Positive Aging Lab to study how music therapy benefits older adults. She hopes to apply these insights in her future dental practice to create a more comforting environment for patients.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Maribel Serracin

Maribel Serracin is a Health Sciences major who joined the lab after gaining experience as a certified nursing assistant at an assisted living facility. This experience sparked her interest in learning more about the geriatric population and promoting positive aging.