About Us

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.

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.

Meet The Team

Principal Investigator

Dr. Hongdao Meng, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D.

Dr. Hongdao Meng studies integrative health care interventions, leveraging his expertise in medicine, public health, and health economics to improve clinical and community outcomes.

Lab Manager

Chirantana Dayanandaswamy

Chirantana Dayanandaswamy graduated with her B.S in Biomedical Sciences from USF. She is currently a PhD Student in the department of Aging Studies. She joined the lab because the non-pharmacological interventions for dementia piqued her interest.

Lead Research Assistants

Support Specialist

Tanjina Jalil

Tanjina Jalil recently earned her Master’s in Gerontology and aspires to pursue an MD/PhD, with a research focus on successful aging.

Chart Review Specialist

Amanda Chinea

Amanda Chinea, a University of South Florida Biomedical Sciences graduate, joined the Positive Aging Lab to study music therapy’s effects on dementia in older adults, gaining research experience for her medical career as a physician.

Lead Research Assistant (MUSER Team)

Michael Shaw

Michael Shaw, a healthcare administration major in the School of Aging Studies, joined the lab to explore how music affects emotion and cognition in dementia patients. He’s passionate about its potential to boost memory, communication, and well-being, and hopes to improve patient care through research.

Lead Research Assistant (MUSER 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 (Data Team)

Roy Chen

Roy Chen is an undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Sciences. He is passionate about enhancing the well-being of older adults through a biopsychosocial approach, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors to improve their quality of life.

Lead Research Assistant (Facilitation Team)

Alaina Chacko

Alaina Chacko, a biomedical sciences major on the Pre-Med track, joined the Positive Aging Lab to help improve care for older adults with dementia. She aims to become a physician focused on reducing healthcare disparities, especially for women of color.

Lead Research Assistant (Data 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.

Lead Research Assistant (Website Team)

Victoria Figueroa

Victoria Figueroa, a senior studying biology and psychology, aims to become a geriatric psychiatrist. She joined the lab to gain experience and contribute to research that supports the well-being of older adults, driven by her passion for aging, mental health, and patient care.

Volunteer Research Assistants

Volunteer Research Assistant

Ying Min Tan

Ying Min Tan is a Cell and Molecular Biology major with a minor in Aging Sciences, aspiring to become a pharmacist. She joined the Positive Aging Lab to gain hands-on research experience and make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of the aging population.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Emmanuel Ajayi

Emmanuel Ajayi, a junior Finance/Pre-Med student at USF and Certified Nursing Assistant, joined the Positive Aging Lab to combine clinical experience with research. He’s passionate about patient care and aims to improve geriatric healthcare.

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

Chay Jalloh

Chay Jalloh is a first-year student double majoring in Physics and Philosophy. He joined the lab because of his interest in cognitive science and his concern about the growing prevalence of dementia. He plans to pursue an MD/PhD and become a physician-scientist.

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

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.

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

Naissa Esperance

Naissa Esperance is a Chemistry major in the Judy Genshaft Honors College with aspirations of becoming a physician. Passionate about empowering diverse communities, she is eager to combine her love of music with research to make meaningful contributions to the Positive Aging Lab.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Nadia Rohani

Nadia Rohani, a Biomedical Sciences major, joined the lab to explore non-drug interventions like music therapy in dementia care. She hopes to become a physician specializing in neurology or oncology.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Sona Patel

Sona Patel is a psychology major who joined PAL because its mission and goals closely align with her interests. She plans to attend medical school after graduating from USF.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Sona Patel

Sona Patel is a psychology major who joined PAL because its mission and goals closely align with her interests. She plans to attend medical school after graduating from USF.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Manasa Jaishankar

Manasa Jaishankar, a Biomedical Sciences major, joined the Positive Aging Lab to explore how music can boost cognition and well-being in older adults. She’s passionate about innovative, patient-centered approaches to aging care.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Allison Bollow

Allison Bollow, a junior Biomedical Sciences major in the USF Honors College, joined the Positive Aging Lab to explore memory care research. Inspired by her caregiving experience, she’s preparing for medical school to become a compassionate physician.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Rebecca Swatsburg

Rebecca Swatsburg is a Biomedical Sciences major with a minor in Nutrition, aspiring to become a physician. She joined the lab to explore clinical research and begin making a positive impact in the medical field.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Lilly Chudyk

Lilly Chudyk is a Health Sciences major with a passion for aging studies. She joined PAL to explore non-pharmaceutical approaches to supporting older adults.