About Us

Manuela Valez Galindo

Graduate Researcher

I received my B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Spanish from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) in 2022. While at CSUF, I was an NIH MARC Scholar and researched measuring whether autistic traits could be found in individuals without autism spectrum disorder. During this time, I became interested in how neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders affect the brain. After graduating, I joined Dr. Braden's lab and am dedicated to uncovering the genomic and brain basis of parkinsonism in aging autistic adults. Aside from research, I enjoy cooking, exploring the outdoors, trying new restaurants, and finding opportunities to travel.

Abdullah Sabri

Undergraduate Researcher

Hey everyone! My name is Abdullah Sabri and I’m currently an undergraduate at ASU looking to become a physician in the future. One day I hope to take care of my family and the people I care about. When I’m free, I love exploring new places and going out with friends and family. 

Lance Ruther

Graduate Researcher

I serve as a Research Analyst for ASU’s Biostatistics Consultation Core. I obtained my master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from ASU. In addition to data management and biostatistics, I have interests in health and human performance, precision diagnostics, and complex adaptive system science

Samantha Harker

Graduate Researcher

I am a neurodivergent researcher pursuing my Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Arizona State University. I graduated from Arizona State University and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in 2022 with Bachelor’s degrees in Medical Humanities and English. Currently, I am researching autism, aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and epigenetics/genetics. Specifically, my current research involves genetics and neuroimaging in older adults with autism. I am investigating how Alzheimer’s risk genes may affect individuals with autism differently than the neurotypical population. I am also interested in autism advocacy and public policy!

Melony Valdez

Graduate Researcher

I received my B.S. in Biological (biomedical) Sciences from ASU in the Spring of 2023. I joined the ABA lab during my junior year as an undergraduate student and have also had the privilege of completing my Honors Thesis in the ABA Lab under Dr. Braden’s guidance. Currently, I am a Research Assistant for the ABA Lab and in the process of applying to medical school. As a Research Assistant, I administer cognitive testing to participants enrolled in our Aging Study and carry out other related tasks.

Melissa Walsh

Graduate Researcher

I received my B.A. in English Linguistics and Spanish Linguistics and went on to complete my Master’s degree in Communication Disorders at ASU in 2013. Following graduation, I worked as a speech language pathologist, gaining experience in early intervention and transitional neurorehabilitation for adults returning to work/school after brain injury. During this time, I developed an interest in the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying cognitive/communication impairments and response to treatment. These interests led me to the ABA lab! I'm currently studying sex differences in behavior and brain aging outcomes in adults with autism. Outside of school, I enjoy being a mom to my beautiful daughter, Olivia, and finding opportunities to explore the Southwest and travel abroad with my family.

Broc Pagni

Graduate Researcher

I received my B.S. in Health Science from Northern Illinois University in 2013 and have been working in psychology and neuroscience research at Arizona State University ever since.  My entry into research began in preclinical labs studying the neurobiology of drug addiction and depression. During this time I also worked as a behavioral technician in applied behavioral analysis with children with autism. In 2018 I joined Dr. Braden's lab and have been studying mindfulness-based therapies in adults with autism, with a focus on elucidating neural mechanisms associated with therapeutic improvements. Aside from research, I enjoy being outdoors - whether it be backpacking, mountain biking, or snowboarding - and playing music.

Shanna Delaney

Project Coordinator- Research

I received my Bachelors in Psychology from University of Delaware in 2011. As part of my undergraduate experience, I worked in a cognitive psychology laboratory focused on studying memory. From there, I was a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the state of Delaware and supported a caseload of students with disabilities who were transitioning from high school to college. This experience led me to pursue my Masters in Higher Education Administration from Drexel University in 2016 and after that, I worked as a Disability Access Consultant at the Disability Resource Center at Arizona State University. I'm excited to support the Autism and Brain Aging Lab with recruitment, budget and purchasing, scheduling, and any other project needed.

Leanna Monahan

Laboratory Coordinator

I received a BS in Psychology and a BS in Neuroscience from ASU in the fall of 2019. I am currently working as one of the coordinators for our lab supporting our testing efforts, data analysis, and IRB approvals. I am hoping to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience in the future but for now I am focusing on learning more about the research process.

Nicolas Guerithault

Graduate Researcher

I received a B.S. in Biochemistry from ASU in 2016.  After graduating I spent a couple years practicing insight meditation on and off of silent retreats, and I became interested in the neuroscience of contemplative practices. I joined the ABA Lab in the fall of 2018 and am currently completing a M.S. in Auditory & Language Neuroscience.  I am interested in how cognitive processes shape our mental health and well-being, and in the sorts of things that influence these processes.  I have enjoyed splitting my time between several projects and assisting with data collection and analysis.  I intend to pursue a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience beginning in fall 2021.

Shreya Kosuru

Undergraduate Researcher

Currently, I am a first year student at Arizona State University in Barrett, although I joined the ABA lab during my high school senior year at Scottsdale Basis. I am interested in studying neuroscience in college and am very excited to be exposed to this field in Dr. Braden’s Lab. In the ABA Lab, I hope to further my understanding of how Autism affects cognitive functions, to help improve the lives of autistic individuals. In my free time, I enjoy writing, hiking, and hanging out with my family and friends.

Georgia Sullivan

Undergraduate Researcher

I am a senior at Arizona State University in Barrett majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in biological sciences. I joined the ABA lab because I am interested in neuroplasticity and how the brain works in general. My ultimate goal is to attend medical school and work as a physician and researcher. Outside of school, I play on ASU’s women’s ultimate frisbee team and love to run, ski, and go on outdoor adventures.