Trainees

Hannah Caceres
Research Trainee, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
Email: hmc75852@marymount.edu

Hannah is a rising junior at Marymount University, majoring in Biology (B.S.) on the pre-med track. Her goal after graduation is to attend medical school, to later on begin a prosperous career as an obstetrician gynecologist. Upon acceptance at Marymount, she received the Chancellor Award, an academic merit scholarship. During her sophomore year, she was also accepted into the STEM Scholars Program, a STEM based program funded by the National Science Foundation which works with students in various STEM disciplines to solve real world scientific problems and serve the local community. This summer, Hannah was accepted into the Summer Research Fellowship Program. She is currently working on the ALOHA project at the Center for Optimal Aging at Marymount, where she hopes to gain more experience in the research field while also giving back to the community.

Catherine Goldstein
Research Intern, Center for Optimal Aging,
Student, University of Virginia
Email: catherinegoldstein436@gmail.com

Catherine Goldstein is a senior at Alexandria City High School and is focused on pursuing a degree in psychology or cognitive science in college. After observing the detrimental impact of Alzheimer’s disease on her beloved grandmother, she was motivated to improve the care and treatment for those diagnosed with dementia. In 2021, Catherine’s passion for learning about Alzheimer’s disease led her to become a certified volunteer at Silverado Memory Care Center in Alexandria, where she leads activities, converses with memory care residents, and assists staff. In January of 2022, she created an Adopt-a-Grandparent Program that connects memory care residents with second-grade students at a nearby elementary school. The students and residents in the program formed close relationships through the exchange of letters and packages. While at the Marymount University Center for Optimal Aging during the summer of 2022, Catherine is working with Dr. Heyn as a research assistant. During her time as a research assistant, Catherine hopes to gain insight into ways to provide optimal care to individuals suffering from dementia, expanding her current knowledge base and applying what she learns to her future career.

Miriam Barsoum, B.Sc.
Research Trainee, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
Medical Student, Virginia Commonwealth University
Email: miriammaha@gmail.com

Graduating with distinction from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022, Miriam Barsoum earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Philosophy. During her undergraduate years, Miriam demonstrated exceptional aptitude as a researcher while serving as a research assistant at the VCU Department of Biochemistry. There, she delved into the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases, investigating the potential of the FTY720 drug as a treatment for alleviating symptoms associated with the loss of the Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC1) gene. Her responsibilities included conducting behavioral studies and fluid flow perfusions on both wild-type and mutant mice, showcasing a deep commitment to advancing our understanding of these intricate biological processes. Following graduation, Miriam took on a role as an OB/GYN medical scribe, gaining invaluable clinical experience. Motivated by the impactful insights gained during her time as a scribe, Miriam currently leads programs aimed at creatively striving to enhance the well-being of underserved women in Washington, D.C. through Calvary Women’s Services, exemplifying a commitment to women’s health and community empowerment. Currently serving as a research fellow at the Marymount University Center for Optimal Aging, Miriam collaborates with research fellows in the collection and analysis of data and plays a crucial role in drafting journal manuscripts. The focus of her work is on exploring the usage of racial health equity terminology and its definitions across various journal articles and public health websites. Miriam exemplifies a commitment to multidisciplinary research, combining her expertise in biology and healthcare ethics to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. With an aspiration to become a physician, Miriam is poised to embark on a medical career that integrates intellectual rigor with empathetic patient engagement, contributing to the advancement of healthcare with a multifaceted perspective.

Claudia De Santis, M.Sc.
Research Associate, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
International Fellow, Cochrane
Email: claudia.desantis16@gmail.com

Claudia De Santis is a young researcher holding a Master of Science in Public Health obtained from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). She holds an interdisciplinary academic background that passes through Psychology and Biostatistics, spanning between Italy and Denmark. Claudia’s international experiences include training as a psychologist in a public Psychosocial Care Centre (CAPS) in the Northeast of Brazil. This enriching experience significantly enhanced her commitment to interdisciplinarity, exposing her to the complexities and nuances of healthcare within diverse socio-economic contexts. Engaging with various professionals and disciplines in this setting, she developed a deep commitment to promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration and one-health medical approaches to promote patient-centered healthcare research.

Currently, Claudia is an enthusiastic member of Cochrane. She is actively involved in the Cochrane US Mentorship program, under the mentorship of Dr. Patricia Heyn, supporting the organization of multidisciplinary events and networking activities. As a mentee, she is learning from experts at the Centre for Optimal Aging at Marymount University how to gather, evaluate, and analyze high-quality review articles related to cognitive impairment in the elderly population. Deepening her knowledge about Cochrane’s rigorous guidelines, she currently serves as a Web Publisher for Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System. Here, she is collaborating with diverse research teams to translate complex medical evidence into clear, accessible content for a diverse audience. While gaining expertise in knowledge translation, she is contributing significantly to the evidence dissemination of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to healthcare consumers and clinicians.

Kaoutar Ouabicha, MD
Research Associate, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
International Fellow, Cochrane
Email: Kaoutar.oua@hotmail.fr

Embarking on the final stretch of her medical education in Morocco, Kaoutar Ouabicha is an intern in the dermatology department, where she coordinates between taking care of patients and research. Her current focus revolves around the captivating realm of leg ulcer treatments, an arena that exemplifies the dynamic intersection of medical science and compassionate patient care. At the heart of her academic pursuits lies an ongoing thesis project, a meticulous exploration of the latest advancements in leg ulcer treatments. This endeavor has allowed her to contribute to the ever-evolving field of dermatology, exploring novel approaches to enhance patient care.

An invaluable dimension of her journey has been the opportunity to participate in the Cochrane US mentoring program. Under the guidance of Dr. Patricia Heyn, this program has proven to be a radiant guide, providing her with the privilege of working on captivating research projects and expanding her intellectual horizons. This mentorship has not only fortified her commitment to evidence-based medicine but has also opened doors to exciting learning experiences. She aspires to apply for a US medical residency program in Family Medicine. She is passionate about leveraging her expertise to make a meaningful impact on patient care. By combining her dedication to evidence-based medicine with her research endeavors, she aspires to play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare practices, ultimately contributing to the improvement of patient outcomes.