Associates & Trainees

Miriam Barsoum, B.S.
MCOA Research Associate
Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount 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.S.
MCOA Research Associate and Cochrane International Fellow.
Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
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, 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
MCOA Research Associate and Cochrane International Fellow.
Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
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.

Pallavi Sood PT, PhD
MCOA Associated Research Fellow
Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
Email: palavi.sood@gmail.com

Dr. Pallavi Sood is a clinical research scientist with academic training in health outcomes in older adults with physical and cognitive impairments. Dr. Sood received her bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Kurukshetra University, India, before moving to the U.S. to pursue an M.S. in Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her prosthetics residency at Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics, Peoria, IL, and worked as a prosthetist for a year before moving to Florida to pursue her Ph.D. Her doctoral research focused on developing and validating health outcomes using advanced measurement techniques such as IRT, and Rasch modeling. Her postdoc training focused on using multimodal imaging (fNIRS, EEG, and fMRI) of brain activity to investigate walking and mobility decline in older adults with cognitive and functional impairments. Additionally, she has a graduate certification in Gerontology, Aging, and Geriatric Practice, and Introduction to Clinical/ Transitional Research from UF. Dr. Sood’s research interests include clinical outcomes and methodology in the field of rehabilitation sciences, assistive technology, and outcomes among older adults with physical and cognitive impairments. She is interested in exploring cognitive and functional outcomes for older adults with cognitive impairments such as MCI and Dementia using multimodal imaging techniques such as fNIRS, EEG, and fMRI. Dr. Sood’s research goal is to understand the current gaps in healthcare practices and find innovative solutions to improve patient-centered outcomes with the end goal of improving patient care and enhancing patient engagement, independence & quality of life.

Click here to view Dr. Pallavi  Sood’s publications.