ASU Team
Principal Investigator
Zachary G. Baker, PhD
Dr. Baker's goal as a researcher is to better understand Bereaved Dementia Caregivers so he can use that understanding to help improve their lives. Paramount in his research are community ties: those with lived experience oversee and advise his work to ensure it addresses the needs of those whom he seeks to help.
Project Manager of Research
Ashley Millenbah, MPH
Ashley Millenbah is adjunct faculty at Arizona State University as a Project Manager in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Ashley has her Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Master's Degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. She has previously worked as a Health and Wellness Coordinator for a supportive home care and adult day agency. Since, her interests in healthy aging have crossed paths with Alzheimer's, dementia, and bereavement research, influencing her interest in the connection between the brain and physical activity.
Project Manager of Research
Joahana Segundo, MA
Joahana Segundo is a Project Manager of Research in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a Master's Degree in Social Psychology from the University of Houston. Currently, she is actively involved in research focusing on the well-being of former dementia caregivers. In her leisure time, Joahana enjoys spending quality time with her two adorable cats (Pretty and Pumpkin).
Graduate Research Assistant
Yingyan Huang, BSN, RN
Yingyan Huang is a PhD student in Nursing and Health Innovation and Doctor of Nursing Practice-Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Student at the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Previously, she served as a graduate research assistant, working closely with individuals affected by mild cognitive impairment and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. Currently, she is deeply immersed in research, with a specific focus on the well-being of bereaved dementia caregivers, and a keen interest in topics related to social connection and insomnia. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, spending time with friends, and exploring various coffee shops in the Valley.
Graduate Research Assistant
Alma Manzo, BS
Alma Manzo is a first-generation PhD student in her third year at the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience from Arizona State University. Her research interests include resilience, mindfulness, and Latino caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease or other related dementias. Her research is focused on providing accessible and culturally appropriate interventions for Spanish-speaking caregivers.
Gemma O’Donnell, MSN, RN, CCM
Graduate Research Assistant
Gemma O’Donnell is a master’s prepared registered nurse. She is a PhD student in the Arizona State University Edson College School of Nursing, PhD in Nursing and Healthcare Innovation program. Her research interest is in exploring solutions for family caregivers of persons with dementia. She teaches undergraduate nursing students at Northern Arizona University’s School of Nursing, focusing on Gerontology, Palliative Care, and Leadership. She has over 20 years of nursing experience serving the needs of patients with dementia at all stages.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Olivia Neubert
Olivia Neubert is an undergraduate nursing student at Arizona State University with a profound interest in dementia-related research. Drawing from her extensive volunteer experience with hospice patients, and persons living with dementia at Benevilla’s Lucy Anne’s place, Olivia's passion lies in improving the lives of those affected by dementia.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sabrina Garcia-Arias
Sabrina is earning her Neuroscience and Psychology B.S. major through Barrett, Honors College. She is an aspiring MD/PhD student and is presently following a pre-med program in the pursuit of either becoming a pediatric or geriatric psychiatrist. She has previously worked in the healthcare setting as a medical interpreter for the underrepresented low-income Hispanic community as well as within a public school district assisting a substance abuse counselor in processing toxicology reports and in providing youth counseling. She has a profound interest in neuroscience and dementia-related research. She is an animal advocate and has been blessed to have a beautiful and hyperactive puppy named Maggie and a mischievous little ferret named Luna. Maggie is her sports companion as she completes many recreative cross-country and 5k events.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Isabel Huerta
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Eleanor Smiley
Eleanor Smiley is an undergraduate getting her B.S degree in Biological Sciences with ASU Online and Barrett Honors College. Her interest lies in all things death and dying, and she is on a premed track with the goal of becoming a Forensic Pathologist. She volunteers for hospice, interns at her local coroner's office, and volunteers at a couple different hospitals. In her free time, she enjoys meandering around cemeteries and antique shops, and drowning out the noise of the world by listening to music.
Isabel Huerta is a first-generation student at Arizona State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Global Health and an honors degree through Barrett, the Honors College. Additionally, Isabel is earning a certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership and Evolutionary Medicine. In addition to the Baker Lab, Isabel is also a Research Assistant in the Mixed Methods Castro Lab at ASU which focuses on diabetes lifestyle and prevention in Latinx communities. Isabel’s research interest is to find a solution to the multiple barriers that are set up against disadvantaged groups in the healthcare field. In her leisure time, Isabel enjoys cycling, exploring local coffee shops, reading, and sewing.
