Research Staff
Yasmine Daly, B.Sc.
Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Optimal Aging
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Yasmine Daly is a graduate student at Marymount University, pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in Data Science. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with a focus on Business Intelligence. Her experience includes working with large datasets, building dashboards, and supporting analytical decision-making processes. In addition to her data science expertise, Yasmine has a growing interest in data center infrastructure, networking, and cybersecurity, and how these domains intersect to support secure and scalable data systems. Since joining the Center for Optimal Aging, Yasmine has also developed a strong passion for research and healthy aging, with a growing interest in contributing to evidence-based studies that promote well-being among older adult populations.
Riley Cain, B.A.
Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Optimal Aging
Email:
Riley is a Graduate Research Assistant with the Center of Optimal Aging, where she will support the research process of the center’s Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Health Aging Study (ALOHA). Riley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Crime and Justice from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is currently a graduate student at Marymount University, pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Forensic and Legal Psychology. Through her work with the center, Riley is excited to contribute to the body of evidence-based research related to health and wellness trends impacting the community’s growing older adult population.
Mahederemariam Bayleyegn Dagne, M.Sc
Research Specialist, Center for Optimal Aging
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Mahederemariam Bayleyegn Dagne is a Research Specialist with a Master’s degree in Information Technology and a background in Mechanical Engineering. She has extensive experience in website design, maintenance, digital marketing, and data analytics. Mahederemariam has successfully designed and enhanced our research center’s website while expanding our digital media resources. Her data science proficiency and ability to analyze website accessibility have been instrumental in optimizing our online presence. With a strong track record in business development, Mahederemariam has introduced new services, nurtured client relationships, and streamlined operational processes. She is currently working on data management for various grants. Her thesis paper was accepted at the 2023 SEDSI Conference. She is working on a grant for definitions of Racial Health Equity, which has been accepted to two prominent conferences.
Erin Staker, B.S.
Research Coordinator, Center for Optimal Aging
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Erin Staker is a research coordinator with over three years of research experience, specifically coordinating a project to identify modifiable risk factors in the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech where she double majored in Cognitive and Behavior Neuroscience and Psychology. She will be deeply involved in various projects within the Center for Optimal Aging, dedicating particular focus to the Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Health Aging Study (ALOHA) project. Erin is enthusiastic about applying her experience to gerontological research and promoting health and wellness among older adults.
Liz Terhune, M.Sc
(2022 – 2026) Research Associate and Scientific Writer,
Center for Optimal Aging
Liz Terhune and Dr. Patricia Heyn are working on several research projects with a focus on evidence-based practice. Liz has worked as a clinical researcher and writer for biomedical laboratories at Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Lewis & Clark College and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She obtained unique skills and professional certifications in medical writing. She has always loved to communicate science to a diverse audience, including through scientific journalism and fiction. She lives in the beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her family.
Click here to view Liz Terhune’s profile.
Katherine Garcia, MPH
(2025) Research Wellness Outreach Coordinator, Center for Optimal Aging
Katherine is a public health professional with over 10 years of experience across military, healthcare, social services, federal government, and now higher education. She is serving at MU’s Center for Optimal Aging as a Research Wellness Outreach Coordinator, where she combines her passion for wellness with her expertise in public health to design and implement initiatives that foster resilience, strengthen community connections, and support holistic well-being. Drawing on her strong background in health promotion and program development, Katherine is dedicated to advancing the center’s mission of service and creating meaningful opportunities that enhance the health and quality of life of the communities she serves.
Ronke Aderonmu, B.A.
(2024 – 2025) Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Optimal Aging
Ronke holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marymount University. As a Graduate Research Assistant at the Center for Optimal Aging, she will support the Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Health Aging Study (ALOHA). Before attending Marymount University, Ronke worked in several mental health tech organizations, pioneering innovations to enhance well-being across the lifespan. She is eager to contribute to the Center’s mission of promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives for older adults.
Bezawit Eshete, B.Sc.
(2023 – 2024) Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Optimal Aging
Bezawit Eshete holds a bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. She has over 4 plus years of industry experience working as a technology analyst. Currently, she is proudly serving as the President of the GSA Student Chapter while also holding the position of Graduate Research Assistant at MU’s Center for Optimal Aging. Simultaneously, she is dedicated to pursuing her master’s degree in IT with a concentration in Data Science. She has extensive knowledge in the field of data science and knows how to utilize different software and programming languages to extract valuable insights. In the past, she has served as a secretary for student-led groups and volunteered with various non-governmental organizations. This has fueled her drive to contribute to her community and work towards making the world a better place. Beyond academics, she loves being outdoors and finding peace in adventurous hikes.
Yordanos Berhanu Tolessa, M.Sc.
(2023 – 2024) Research Assistant, Center for Optimal Aging
(2021 – 2023) Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Optimal Aging
Ms. Yordanos Tolessa has over five years of experience working in the healthcare sector in the areas of data analysis, project management, product development, and operations. She is currently working at the Center for Optimal Aging as a Research Assistant, where she focuses on assisting the center’s researchers with conducting surveys, handling the Redcap software for data collection purposes, and managing social media presence. Yordanos currently holds a Master of Science degree in Information Technology with a specialization in Data Science from Marymount University.
Ms. Aliscia Carvalho, M.A.
(2021 – 2023) Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Optimal Aging
Aliscia has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Roger Williams University, where she helped conduct studies with faculty on alternative therapies, including art. She is currently a Graduate Research Assistant for the Center of Optimal Aging, where she will help with the research process of the center’s Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Health Aging Study (ALOHA). Aliscia is currently in her second year of pursuing her Master of Arts in Forensic and Legal Psychology from Marymount University.
