Our Team

Tatiana Foroud, PhD has been a faculty member in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine since 1994. She is a statistical geneticist whose research has focused on the genetics of Parkinson’s disease. She leads the Biorepository Core, Screening Core, Travel Core, Pathology Core and Digital Core that are all part of the Parkinson Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. She also leads the Biospecimen Exchange for Neurological Disorders (BioSEND), a biological repository funded by the National Institutes of Health/ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

To reach Dr. Tatiana directly,please email tforoud@iu.edu.

Laura Heathers, CCRP has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since March of 2015. She graduated from Purdue University with a BA in Behavioral Neuroscience, Biology and serves as project manager for Parkinson’s disease studies department wide including: PPMI Screening, PD GENEration, PPMI Pathology Core, and PPMI Remote. Laura works closely with internal and external collaborators to oversee the coordination and implementation of all PD research projects.

To reach Laura directly, please email laeheath@iu.edu or call (317) 274-5080.

Gena Antonopoulos, BSN, RN, CCRP recently joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in July of 2020. She graduated from Indiana University with a BS in Biology and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marian University. She serves as project manager for the PPMI Travel Core, Digital Core and Pathology Core. Gena is an Indiana native, married with two teenagers and an oversized lab rescue, and enjoys traveling, reading and cycling.

To reach Gena directly, please email ganto@iu.edu or call (317) 278-3514.

Taylor Johnson-Bittner, BA joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in January 2023. She received her BA in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2020. Taylor serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include assisting study participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0.

To reach Taylor directly, please email tnj1@iu.edu or call (317) 278-5156.

Audra Bright, BS, CCRP recently joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in November of 2019. In 2014, she graduated from Indiana University with a BS in Exercise Science, and currently serves as a project manager for the IU Travel Core for PPMI. Her primary duties include oversight of the travel management for participants recruited by the screening core.

To reach Audra directly, please email audmyers@iu.edu or call (317) 278-9034.

Benjamin Cartwright joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in August of 2022. He received his BS in Psychology from Purdue University in 2022. Benjamin serves as a clinical research technician for the PPMI study. His primary duties include assisting study participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0.

To reach Benjamin directly, please email bencart@iu.edu or call (317) 278-7402.

Jan Hamer, PMP, CCRP has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since June of 2015. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Neuroscience from Indiana University in 2015 and is currently pursuing an MPH degree. Jan now serves as Project Manager for PPMI, working closely with internal and external collaborators to oversee the coordination and implementation of all biorepository projects.

To reach Jan directly, please email jehamer@iu.edu.

Isaac has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since March of 2021. He graduated from Centre College in 2018 with a BS in Psychology and German. Isaac serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study and PD GENEration studies. His primary duties consist of olfaction and genetic test kit distribution, and mailing genetic counseling materials to study participants.

To reach Isaac directly, please email iharms@iu.edu or call 317-278-1980.

Leigh Ann Harting joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in June of 2022. She graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis in 2023 with a BS in Psychology. Leigh Ann serves as a clinical research technician for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include assisting study participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0.

To reach Leigh Ann directly, please email lahartin@iu.edu or call (317) 274-5713.

Savanna Holland, MPH joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in December 2022. She received her Master of Public Health from Purdue University in 2024. Savanna serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include developing brain donation plans for study participants nationwide. Outside of office duties, Savanna enjoys cooking, painting tiny canvases, and spending time with her cat, Sriracha.

To reach Savanna directly, please email savholla@iu.edu or call (317) 274-1071.

Beth Huckaby, MS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in November 2022. She received her BS in Exercise Science from University of Evansville in 1999 and her MS in Exercise Physiology from Indiana University in 2002. Beth serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary role includes participant correspondence to help identify individuals with olfactory (smell) deficits, who are good candidates for PPMI research initiatives. Outside of office duties, Beth enjoys live music, yoga and spending time with two teenage daughters. They are often found playing volleyball or with their two rescue dogs.

To reach Beth directly, please email ehuckaby@iu.edu or call (317) 278-1659.

Abril Jaime, BS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in May 2023. She received her BS in Biochemistry from California State University, Los Angeles in 2021. Abril serves as a clinical research technician for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include assisting study participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0.

To reach Abril directly, please email afjaime@iu.edu or call (317) 278-9052.

Amarpreet Kaur, BA joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in January 2024. She received her BA in Psychology from Butler University in 2023. Amarpreet serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary role includes participant correspondence to help identify individuals with olfactory (smell) deficits, who are good candidates for PPMI research initiatives. Outside of office duties, Amarpreet enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, painting, listening to music, and baking.

To reach Amarpreet directly, please email kauramar@iu.edu or call (317) 274-0065.

Britney Lenfert, MS, CCRP joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in September 2022. She received her BS in Kinesiology in 2013 and MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2015 from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis. Britney serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include developing brain donation plans for study participants nationwide. Outside of office duties, Britney serves as a board member for Sketchy Mutts and Underdogs rescue.

To reach Britney directly, please email blenfert@iu.edu or call (317) 278-7404.

Kumar Mantravadi, BS, CCRP joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in October of 2019. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Microbiology. He serves as a coordinator for PPMI Pathology Core and spends his day developing brain donation plans for study participants nationwide.

To reach Kumar directly, please email kmantrav@iu.edu or call (317) 278-6412.

Jon Martin, MS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in November 2022. He received his BS in Physical Education and Fitness Studies from Indiana University in 2009 and his MS in Exercise Physiology from Indiana University in 2011. Jon serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. His primary duties include assisting study participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0. Outside of office duties, Jon enjoys family time with 2 boys, planning date nights with his wife, coaching his son's youth travel basketball team, running and crossfitting, and cheering on IU baskeball.

To reach Jon directly, please email jonmarti@iu.edu or call (317) 278-1628.

Sarah McQuillen joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in December of 2021. She received her BS in Forensic Science and BA in Biology from Indiana University in 2021. She serves as a clinical research technician for the PPMI study. Her primary duties involve data entry and shipping testing kits.

To reach Sarah directly, please email saealexa@iu.edu or call (317) 278-3131.

Haley Myers joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in August of 2022. She is currently pursuing a BS in Health Information Management at Indiana University. Haley serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary role includes participant correspondence to help identify individuals with olfactory (smell) deficits, who are good candidates for PPMI research initiatives. Outside of office duties, Haley enjoys reading, writing, experimenting with new cooking recipes, and spending time with her two cats, Cole and Lilibeth.

To reach Haley directly, please email myershd@iu.edu or call (317) 278-7408

Alia Neibaur, BAS, CCRP joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in November of 2019. She earned a BAS in Health Services from Indiana State University in 2017 and is currently pursuing an MS in Statistics. Alia serves as a clinical research coordinator for the PPMI Screening and PD GENEration studies. Her primary duties include data management, along with consenting and scheduling genetic counseling for study participants.

To reach Alia directly, please email aneibaur@iu.edu or call (317) 278-6482.

Luca Nemes, BA joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in January 2023. She received her BA in Sociology from Indiana University in 2019. Luca serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include assisting study participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0.

To reach Luca directly, please email nemesl@iu.edu or call (317) 274-2231.

Athena Passafiume, BS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in December 2022. She received her BS in Neuroscience from Indiana University in 2022. Athena serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary role includes participant correspondence to help identify individuals with olfactory (smell) deficits, who are good candidates for PPMI research initiatives.

To reach Athena directly, please email athpassa@iu.edu or call (317) 274-2231.

Caitlin Schulz, BA joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in June of 2021. She received her BA in Biology from Indiana University in 2021 and serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary role involves shipping testing kits to study participants and helping her team with distributions.

To reach Caitlin directly, please email caschu@iu.edu or call 317-278-1166.

Angelina Snow, BS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in July 2024. She received her BS in Psychology from Ball State University and is currently pursuing an MS in Clinical Psychology. Angelina serves as a clinical research technician for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include assisting study participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0. Outside of office duties, Angelina is a dance choreographer and enjoys crafts, travel, videography, and spending time with her friends and family.

To reach Angelina directly, please email angsnow@iu.edu or call 317-278-0736.

Brigette Tavarez, MD joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in April 2023. She received her MD from Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago in 2021. Brigette serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary role includes participant correspondence to help identify individuals with olfactory (smell) deficits, who are good candidates for PPMI research initiatives. Outside of office duties, Brigette enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

To reach Brigette directly, please email btavarez@iu.edu or call (317) 274-7546.

Jonathan Taylor joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in September 2022. He received his BS in Biology of Disease from Indiana University in 2019 and his MS in Medical Physiology and Biophysics from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in 2021. Jonathan serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. His primary duties include participant correspondence to help identify individuals with olfactory (smell) deficits, who are good candidates for PPMI research initiatives. He also assists participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0. Outside of office duties, Jonathan trains in classic physique bodybuilding, plays electric and acoustic guitar, and would one day like to practice as a cardiothoracic surgeon.

To reach Jon directly, please email jt72@iu.edu or call (317) 278-7401.

Kira Thomas, MS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in September 2024. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from Indiana State University in 2006 and her MS in Psychology from University of Phoenix in 2008. Kira serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include developing brain donation plans for study participants nationwide. Outside of office duties, Kira enjoys attending concerts and spending time on Lake Michigan with her husband and daughter.

To reach Kira directly, please email kirthom@iu.edu or call (317) 278-2272.

Michelle L. Totten, BS, CCRP has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since October of 2017. She earned her BS in Biology from University of Alabama and serves as a project manager for Parkinson’s disease studies including the PPMI screening and the PD GENEration study.

To reach Michelle directly, please email mictott@iu.edu or call (317) 278-1189.

Rachel Valle, DC joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in January 2023. She received her BS in Kinesiology from Indiana University in 2016 and her Doctor of Chiropractic from University of Western States in 2021. Rachel serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary role includes participant correspondence to help identify individuals with olfactory (smell) deficits, who are good candidates for PPMI research initiatives.

To reach Rachel directly, please email ramvalle@iu.edu or call (317) 278-5140.

Emily Vannostran, BS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in September of 2021. She earned a BS in Biology from Purdue University in 2020 and serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI Remote study. Her primary duties include participant correspondence to help identify individuals with olfactory (smell) deficits, who are good candidates for PPMI research initiatives. She also assists participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0. Outside of office duties, Emily trains in agility and dock dives with her Sheltie and Border Collie.

To reach Emily directly, please email emasande@iu.edu or call (317) 278-1191.

Breanna Weeks, ASN joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in February 2023. She received her AS in Nursing from Ivy Tech with a concentration in Health Information Management in 2016 and is currently pursuing her BS in Nursing at Western Governors University. Breanna serves as a clinical research specialist for the PPMI study. Her primary duties include assisting study participants with travel arrangements for PPMI 2.0. Outside of office duties, Breanna enjoys drawing, painting, reading, writing short stories and poetry, and spending time with her family.

To reach Breanna directly, please email bmweeks@iu.edu or call (317) 274-5745.

Michael White, BS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in February 2023. He received his BS in Biology from Ball State University in 2013. Michael serves as a clinical research technician for the PPMI study. His primary duties consist of shipping olfaction testing kits to participants. Outside of office duties, Michael enjoys listening to music, playing video games, and spending time with his spouse and children.

To reach Michael directly, please email white223@iu.edu or call 317-278-1624.

Kailee Woodall, BGS joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in February 2023. She received her BGS in Natural Science and Mathematics from Indiana University in 2021. Kailee serves as a clinical research technician for the PPMI study. Her primary duties consist of shipping olfaction testing kits to participants. Outside of office duties, Kailee enjoys spending days at the lake and spending time with her friends and family.

To reach Kailee directly, please email kailwood@iu.edu or call (317) 278-2156.

Valentina Caceres, MS, CGC, joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in October 2022. She earned her first MS degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2015 from University of South Florida and her second MS degree in Genetic Counseling in 2017 from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has worked as a prenatal and pediatric genetic counselor specializing in NICU consults, differences of sexual development, fetal medicine, and neurofibromatosis. For our department, Valentina provides bilingual genetic counseling to participants enrolled in Parkinson’s disease research projects. Her research interests include the impact of results and mode of results disclosure for patients and their families, differences of sexual differentiation, and how the Hispanic community is impacted by the genetic counseling field.

To reach Valentina directly, please email vccaceres@iu.edu, or call (317) 278-7400

Valentina Caceres, MS, CGC, se unió al Departamento de Genética Médica y Molecular en Octubre de 2022. Obtuvo su primer magíster en Biología Celular y Molecular el 2015 de University of South Florida y su segundo magíster en Consejería Genética el 2017 de Virginia Commonwealth University. Ha trabajado como consejera genética prenatal y pediátrica especializada en consultas de la unidad de cuidados intensivos de neonato, diferencias del desarrollo sexual, medicina fetal y neurofibromatosis. Para nuestro departamento, Valentina ofrece consejería genética bilingüe a los participantes inscritos en proyectos de investigación de la enfermedad de Parkinson. Sus intereses de investigación incluyen el impacto de los resultados y el modo de divulgación de los resultados para los pacientes y sus familias, las diferencias de diferenciación sexual y cómo la comunidad hispana se ve afectada por el campo de la consejería genética.

Para comunicarse con Valentina directamente, envíe un correo electrónico a vccaceres@iu.edu o llame al (317) 278-7400

Lola Cook, MS, CGC has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since October of 2015. Lola received her MS degree in Medical Genetics from Indiana University in 1990 and has practiced genetic counseling for a variety of specialties – pediatric, prenatal, and adult genetics. Her research interests include the disclosure of genetic test results in a research setting, impact of genetic counseling services in individuals and families with Parkinson disease, educating the health care community about Parkinson’s disease testing and genetic counseling, and leveraging health information technology and varied service delivery models as it relates to improving delivery of genetics services.

For our department, Lola provides genetic counseling to study participants in the PPMI Screening and PD GENEration studies.

To reach Lola directly, please email lpcook@iu.edu, or call (317) 278-1120.

Priscila Delgado Hodges, MS, CGC joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in May of 2020. She earned her MS in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University. She has provided bilingual prenatal genetic counseling in a multicultural setting for five years prior to specializing in Parkinson’s disease. She provides bilingual genetic counseling to participants enrolled in Parkinson’s disease research projects and has played an integral role in outreach efforts to the Hispanic community. Her research interests include interpreters and the role they play in the genetic counseling session, cultural competence in counseling and diversity in research with a special focus in the Hispanic community.

To reach Priscila directly, please email rahodges@iu.edu, or call (317) 274-0381

Priscila Delgado Hodges, MS, CGC se unió al Departamento de Genética Médica y Molecular en Mayo del 2020. Obtuvo su maestría en Asesoramiento Genético en la Universidad de Northwestern. Ha proporcionado asesoramiento genético prenatal bilingüe en un entorno multicultural durante cinco años antes de especializarse en la enfermedad de Parkinson. Proporciona asesoramiento genético bilingüe a los participantes inscritos en proyectos de investigación relacionados con la enfermedad de Parkinson y ha desempeñado un papel integral en los esfuerzos de alcance a la comunidad Hispana. Sus intereses de investigación incluyen a los intérpretes y el papel que desempeñan en la sesión de asesoramiento genético, la competencia cultural en el asesoramiento genético y la diversidad en la investigación con un enfoque especial en la comunidad Hispana.

Para contactarse directamente con Priscila, envíe un correo electrónico a rahodges@iu.edu, o llame al (317) 274-0381

Mandy N. Miller, MS, CGC has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since May of 2016. Mandy completed her undergraduate work at Indiana University (Bloomington) and received her MS degree in Medical and Molecular Genetics from Indiana University (IU School of Medicine) in 2008. She has worked as a pediatric and prenatal genetic counselor prior to specializing in Parkinson’s disease. Her research interests include the impact and outcomes of genetic testing and counseling in individuals and families with Parkinson’s disease, the sharing of genetic information with family members, and educating the healthcare community about Parkinson’s disease testing and genetic counseling. Mandy provides genetic counseling to study participants for the PPMI Screening and PD GENEration studies.

To reach Mandy directly, please email aaugsbur@iu.edu, or call (317) 274-2241.

Malia Rumbaugh, MS, CGC joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in September of 2016. Her seventeen-year career in research has focused on the genetics of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She earned her MS in Genetic Counseling from University of California Irvine, and currently provides genetic counseling to study participants in the PPMI Screening and PD GENEration studies. She also serves as the lead genetic counselor for the Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) study. Malia has been involved in establishing guidelines for genetic testing in neurodegenerative disorders and currently co-chairs the Asymptomatic Sub-Committee of the Genetic and Biomarker Disclosure Working Group for Alzheimer’s Disease. In her spare time, she enjoys travel and wine making. Malia lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and a Bernedoodle puppy.

To reach Malia directly, please email mrumbaug@iu.edu, or call (317) 274-2234.

Jennifer L. Verbrugge, MS, CGC joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in 2014. She received a MS degree from the Indiana University Genetic Counseling Program in 1998 and she worked as a prenatal genetic counselor for 16 years prior to joining our department. She is now involved with Parkinson’s disease research initiatives, such as PPMI Screening and PD GENEration, that involve genetic testing and disclosure of genetic research results to study participants. Her research interests include examining genetic counseling outcomes in a research setting.

To reach Jennifer directly, please email jlverbru@iu.edu or call (317) 278-0298.

Kelly Nudelman, PhD has been an Assistant Research Professor with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since 2017. She is a geneticist whose research focuses on neurodegenerative disease including Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Nudelman is a co-Investigator for the Parkinson Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, as well as the Biospecimen Exchange for Neurological Disorders (BioSEND), a biospecimen repository funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). She provides scientific support for investigator biospecimen requests and genetic research efforts for these projects.

To reach Dr. Kelly directly, please email kholohan@iu.edu.

Dr. Tae-Hwi Schwantes-An has been an Assistant Research Professor with the Department of Medical and Molecular genetics since 2016. He is a genetic epidemiologist whose research has focused on the genetics of complex diseases. He co-leads genotyping efforts at Indiana University Genetics Biobank where biospecimens are stored from many studies including BioSEND and PPMI. He provides technical support for genotype data generation, review, and curation at the biobank.