Meet the Research Team
Dr. Sarah Stahl
Sarah Stahl is the Primary Investigator of the WELL study. She is a health psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research program focuses on understanding how changes in the "daily rhythms" of routine health behaviors in the wake of stressful life events common in later life, including spousal bereavement and dementia caregiving. Her goal is to identify risk factors for rhythm disruptions, and to develop and test interventions to help older adults to stabilize daily patterns of activities and thereby avoid common complications of major life stressors (e.g., decrements in health and well-being; increased depression). In addition to her research program, she is actively engaged in research mentorship and is an Adjunct Teaching Instructor for Pitt´s Gerontology Certificate Program. In her free time Dr. Stahl enjoys running, gardening, and exploring the north side with her adventurous toddler.
Thandi Lyew B.A.
Thandi Lyew is a data manager and coordinator for the WELL research team. She helps oversee clinical and actigraphy data management, as well as, regulatory and compliance issues. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University, with minors in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Behavior Analysis. She also received a graduate certificate in Cognitive Neuroscience. Her research interests include grief, dealing with uncertainty, decision-making, and circadian rhythms. When she is not terraforming her apartment with copious house plants, she can be found watching as many international movies and tv series as possible.
Ioana Neagoe LPC NCC
Ioana Neagoe is the Research Principal on the WELL team. She meets with participants throughout their time in the study to conduct assessments, provide support, and encourage healthy lifestyle routines. Ioana received her Master´s of Science at the University of Pittsburgh for Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. She has experience with the geriatric population, people with disabilities, and perinatal mental health. She has been on the WELL team for about two years. Ioana speaks English, Romanian, and German. In her free time Ioana enjoys crafting, gardening, makeup, and going to Solidcore.
Emilee Croswell B.A.
Emilee Croswell joined the WELL team in January of 2020 as the team´s project coordinator. During the study Emilee will be helping Dr. Stahl manage the study team and workflow. Emilee meets with participants to help with the technology component of the WELL study, to help any participant questions, and to help schedule visits. Her career has included coordination of several studies at the Center for Research on Healthcare at University of Pittsburgh focusing on disparities in kidney transplantation and studies of various topics conducted at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. In her spare time, Emilee likes to sew, cook, and play acoustic music.
Khusbu Patel B.S.
Khusbu Patel joined the WELL bereavement team as a Research Associate and is now the Research Specialist. She will be meeting with participants throughout their time in the study to conduct assessments, provide support, and encourage healthy lifestyle routines. Khusbu graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Neuroscience and BS in Psychology. Her research interests include trauma, resilience, depression, and anxiety in neuropsychological frameworks. Outside of work, Khusbu enjoys singing with friends, trying new cuisines, and photographing nature.
Sunita Chickering
M.A. LPC
Sunita is happy to be joining the WELL study team as a Health Coach. Sunita has been working in the geriatric field since 2010 and finds it very rewarding to help people to reach their goals and become the best version of themselves. When not working she enjoys being with her family, exercising, and watching her kids play baseball and soccer.
Dr. Joseph Kazan
Joseph Kazan joined the WELL research team in October 2020. He is a medical doctor and NIH T32 postdoctoral scholar in mental health and aging. His research interests are treatment-resistant depression and isolation in older adults. Joseph is also a musician and enjoys recording music with his band.
Sejuty Minhaj
Sejuty Minhaj joined the WELL study as a research assistant. During the study, she
helps screen participants along with general workflow. Her research interests include mental
health and dealing with trauma and grief. She is currently finishing up her undergraduate degree
in Biology and Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and plans to complete a master’s
degree sometime in the near future. In her free time, she spends too much money on eating out with friends and watching hockey.
Taylor Lazzari
Taylor Lazzari joined the WELL team in 2022 as a student researcher and is now a Research Specialist. She will meet with participants to conduct assessments and provide support throughout the study. She also will encourage participants to reach their goals as a Health Coach. Taylor graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience, and plans to apply to a graduate program in Clinical Psychology in the near future. Her research interests include aging/dementia development, neuroscience, and clinical psychology. Taylor enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family in her spare time.
Alexandra Khani
Alexandra Khani recently joined as a research specialist on the WELL team. She screens potential participants, cleans data, and conducts clinical assessments. Alexandra received her B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh. She enjoys working with the geriatric population and is interested in trauma's psychopathological and biological effects. Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys playing with her dog, running, and trying new restaurants.
Joanne Ezibe
Joanne Ezibe is a research assistant in the WELL Study, where she helps screen participants and conducts data verification. She recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Anthropology and Biology, with a minor in French and certificates in African Studies and Global Health. In her free time, she enjoys having picnics with her cat, binging historical romance films, and gardening.