![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/08\/Dr.-Shahd-Abdalla-Headshot-1-274x300.jpg\")
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Shahd Abdalla, MD<\/strong> Dr. Shahd Abdalla graduated with a medical degree from Alzaiem Alazhari University in Sudan and is currently completing her housemanship at Aswan University Hospital in Egypt. She joined the Cochrane US Mentoring Program, where she contributed to reviews, conducted knowledge translation projects, and prepared an evidence summary. Dr. Shahd Abdalla served as a Research Intern at the Collaboration for Evidence Synthesis (C4ES). She led quality improvement projects for older adults and participated in community health initiatives in Sudan, highlighting her commitment to improving healthcare delivery in both clinical and public health settings.<\/p>\n Her professional interests focus on evidence-based medicine and knowledge translation. She is especially passionate about bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that evidence is not only accessible and understandable but also actionable for policymakers, practitioners, and communities.<\/p>\n Yasmine Asaad<\/strong> Yasmine is a primary care physician and a teaching assistant in public health at the Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt, with a strong passion for health equity and evidence-based medicine. She is a Cochrane US Y4 research trainee, contributing to evidence dissemination and systematic review projects. As an intern at the Center for Evidence Synthesis, she works on projects in Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and explores research gaps. Alongside her research roles, she serves as program coordinator for the Dementia Support Initiative in Egypt (DSIE), supporting community-based efforts, and contributes to international collaborations as a member of the Rare Disease Interest Group at Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi).<\/p>\n Malaz Idrees, MBBS<\/strong> Malaz is a medical graduate from the University of Khartoum, Sudan and an aspiring specialist in internal medicine. During medical school, she gained a strong foundation in scientific research with multiple authored and published works in public health, mental health, and medical education. She is currently an editor at the International Journal of Medical Students and a reviewer for SAGE open medicine and Frontiers in Public Health journals among others. As a doctor from Sudan, Malaz is driven by the challenges she experienced and the social inequalities she saw in her country, particularly in healthcare. She is determined to make a real difference in her community.<\/p>\n Joining Cochrane US under the mentorship of Dr. Patricia Heyn is a significant milestone in her career, aligning with her passion for evidence-based medicine and motivation to make a lasting impact. She looks forward to gaining valuable insights and skills through this invaluable experience. Beyond medicine, Malaz is an avid reader with an insatiable appetite for subjects like sociology, poetry, and political economy. She also enjoys expressing herself through painting, where she finds a unique outlet for reflection and inspiration. Samia Jones, M.Sc.<\/strong> Samia holds a Master of Science in Forensic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Prior to graduate school, Samia volunteered at Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) in Fredericksburg, VA for six years (2015-2021), and served as Volunteer Commander for the College Student Volunteer Program. At MWHC, she was passionate about developing training programs and assisting volunteers with building their confidence in the units. She also regularly visited geriatric patients and witnessed the difficulties that patients with dementia and cognitive decline encounter. In 2022, Samia transferred to MWHC Hospice to volunteer with families facing the challenges of aging, death, and dying. She continues to work with patients struggling with depression and loss of independence while remaining in accordance with their interdisciplinary plan of care. While a graduate student at PCOM, Samia interned at the Maine Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, ME. There, she reviewed decedent cases and assisted forensic pathologists with autopsy procedures. Her experiences prompted her to write a research paper on suicidal ideation in Maine\u2019s geriatric population and further investigate the cause of depression in older adults. While Samia aspires to become a forensic pathologist, she has a special interest in geriatric medicine. She joined the Center for Optimal Aging to collaborate with the team on research to help alleviate feelings of isolation in older adults and improve their quality of life.<\/p>\n Hannah Caceres 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 and later 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 that 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.<\/p>\n Huy Nguyen, B.A. Huy is a graduate student at Marymount University pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Data Science. He earned his Bachelor\u2019s degree from James Madison University in 2023 before transferring to Marymount for graduate studies. Since the beginning of his graduate program, Huy has been working as a Graduate Assistant for the Center for the Innovative Workforce, where he supports the Cyber Clinic as a Technical Writer.<\/p>\n In the summer of 2025, Huy will participate in the Summer Research Fellowship program with Marymount University\u2019s Center for Optimal Aging. His work will focus on healthcare data research and analytics to generate meaningful insights to support Falls Prevention and assist with data management for the ALOHA project. Through this opportunity, Huy aims to apply his data science expertise to real-world healthcare challenges and deepen his experience in the field of healthcare analytics.<\/p>\n Jada Griffith is a recent graduate from Marymount university. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice. Currently, Jada plans on attending graduate school in the future in the hopes of becoming a Speech Language Pathologist. During her undergraduate years, Jada has volunteered at the annual special Olympics event hosted a Marymount. Her role involved helping, coaching and supporting adult athletes with communication, developmental, and social disabilities. Jada also worked as a Forensic Psychology\/ Neuropsychology intern at a private practice in Fairfax, VA known as Comprehensive Neuropsychology, LLC. It was there where she gained hands on experience in neuropsychological and neurodegenerative diseases. Jada\u2019s duties involved administering and scoring numerous testing measures to assess the mental state, language, and cognition level of patients across various age groups. She also observed diagnostic neuropsychological and forensic evaluations in office, jail, court proceedings and other legal settings. Jada 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, support the aging community, and learn about the relationship between communication and neurodegenerative diseases<\/p>\n 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 spans Psychology and Biostatistics from 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n
\nInternational Fellow, Cochrane US Network
\nResearch Trainee Associate, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail:\u00a0shahdabdallashegedi@gmail.com\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/08\/Untitled-design-12-242x300.png\")
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\nInternational Fellow, Cochrane US Network
\nResearch Trainee Associate, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail: jmickmore@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/image0-300x298.jpeg\")
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\nInternational Fellow, Cochrane US Network
\nResearch Trainee Associate, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail: mvlvzhass@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/10\/Samia-Jones-PreMed-Headshot-280x300.jpg\")
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\nResearch Trainee, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail: sjones47@masonlive.gmu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/07\/IMG_1011-1.jpeg\")
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\n<\/strong>(Summer 2025<\/em>)
\nResearch Trainee, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail: hmc75852@marymount.edu<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/06\/Picture1.jpg\")
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\n<\/strong>(Summer 2025<\/em>)
\nResearch Trainee, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail: huy_nguyen@marymount.edu<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/10\/IMG_0004-284x300.jpeg\")
Jada Griffith, B.Sc.
\n<\/strong>(Fall 2023 – Fall 2024<\/em>)
\n<\/strong>Research Trainee, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail: jsg44215@marymount.edu<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/01\/Claudia_De_Santis_Photoshoot_2023.png\")
Claudia De Santis, M.Sc.
\n<\/strong>(Fall 2023 – Spring 2024<\/em>)
\nInternational Fellow, Cochrane US Network
\nResearch Trainee Associate, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail: claudia.desantis16@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Picture13.jpg\")
Kaoutar Ouabicha, MD
\n<\/strong>(Fall 2023 – Spring 2024<\/em>)
\n<\/strong>International Fellow, Cochrane US Network
\nResearch Trainee Associate, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nEmail: Kaoutar.oua@hotmail.fr<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Picture12.jpg\")
Miriam Barsoum, B.Sc.
\n<\/strong>(Fall <\/em>2022 – Summer 2024<\/em>)
\nResearch Trainee, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
\nMedical Student, Virginia Commonwealth University
\nEmail: miriammaha@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Picture19.jpg\")
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