Laboratory Alumni

Dr. Luis D. Medina is a bilingual and bicultural, licensed clinical psychologist and cultural neuropsychologist. He received his B.A. in psychology from Yale University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology / neuropsychology from the San Diego State University/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. He completed his internship at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Medina is now an Associate Professor at the University of Houston, where he directs the Collaborative on Aging Research and Multicultural Assessment (CARMA).

Tanner Gustavsen worked as a PRA and coordinator for the Bio-AD Study. As a coordinator, Tanner organized and conducted regular study visits for insight into the causes and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Down Syndrome, and other neurocognitive disorders. He graduated from Carroll College in Helena, Montana with a degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and recently completed his medical degree at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

Rini Kaplan worked as a PRA and research coordinator for the University of Colorado’s Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center. She coordinated study visits, administered neuropsychological tests, and maintained study databases for the center. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Integrative Physiology with a certificate in Neuroscience from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and her M.Sc. in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh. Rini is a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student, with a focus in neuropsychology, at Boston University where she is a member of the Vision & Cognition Lab.  

Jenny Krupa worked as the Clinical Research Project Manager for the LIIA study. She came to us with several years of experience as a Research Coordinator and was previously the center’s Clinical Assessment Manager, where she administered and scored neuropsychological testing for all research protocols. Jenny recently obtained her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, exploring, and spending time with her partner and their Rottweiler in the Colorado sunshine!

Natalie Lopez-Esquibel worked as the project manager for the ImTAB and ViTAl-NP studies. She is motivated by patient-focused care in study recruitment and coordination, as well professional development and life-long learning in neurology. In May 2019, Natalie graduated summa cum laude from Regis University with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience. As a born and bred Coloradoan, she enjoys exploring nature by running, cycling, hiking, backpacking, and stand up paddle boarding.

Franklin Roberts worked as a research services professional for the ImTAB and Bio-AD studies. He also worked as a recruitment specialist for the Behavioral Neurology section of the department.

Bela Romano worked as a research services professional on the Bio-AD and LIIA studies.

Laura Gorla worked a research services professional on the LIIA, ImTAB and Bio-AD studies