Lilah M. Besser, PhD, MSPH is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami. Dr. Besser’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a dual-degree Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Epidemiology and Environmental and Occupational Health, and a PhD in City and Regional Planning. As of September 2025, she has published 89 peer-reviewed scientific papers, many of which were focused on clinical progression, neuropathology, and risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Her current research program centers on the intersections between neighborhoods, built and social environments, healthy aging, and brain health. Dr. Besser is principal investigator on five projects funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Alzheimer’s Association, all centering on neighborhood environmental exposures and ADRD outcomes. Dr. Besser’s ultimate goal is to provide evidence to planners, architects, urban designers, policy makers, and public health professionals (among other disciplines) on the neighborhood environments that can be promoted to maintain cognitive function into older ages, reduce ADRD risk, and allow for aging in place

Gregory Gibbs is the Data Scientist for the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (CCBH) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He has over 10 years of experience in Biomedical research and 3 years of experience in Data Management. His interests include: data analytics, machine learning, and information architecture.

Ciny John is the Project Manager at the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (CCBH) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She earned her PhD in Neuroscience at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and holds Master’s degrees in Biology and Biomedical Sciences from FAU. She has gained extensive research experience during her graduate and post-graduate career and has expanded on her project management skills in the pharmaceutical industry. She is interested in the effect of neurological disorders on brain health.

Nicole Mendez, FNP-BC is a Research Nurse Practitioner at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Comprehensive Center for Brain Health. Nicole graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2010 from Louisiana College.  During her accelerated BSN program, Nicole joined a mission’s trip to Mexico where she and other nursing students helped the local doctor provide care to the community of Reynosa. She also acted as a Spanish-English translator. After graduating, Nicole worked as a nurse in the acute care setting in the Progressive Care Unit at Orlando Health. Having worked there for four years, Nicole was a charge nurse and mentored and trained nursing students and new nurse graduates. 

Inspired and encouraged by her own mentor to embark on a new career path, Nicole went back to school for her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Miami. While obtaining her MSN degree, Nicole received the Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship grant. Shortly after graduation, she became licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner and moved to the Big Apple to work for Comcast NBC Universal in the renowned 30 Rock building. During her four years in their on-site employee health clinic, her team and her cared for 11k employees, including on-air talent. She provided episodic care and emergency services to patients, education on prophylactic travel vaccinations according to the CDC, and interpreted and tracked EKG readings. 

In February 2020, she moved back to the warmth of Florida to be closer to loved ones. There she joined the CBS Sports production crew as a Covid nurse and traveled throughout the US each week providing on-site medical care. 

Nicole feels called to take part in Alzheimer’s and Dementia research because of witnessing her beloved grandfather experience this tragic brain disease. She truly feels honored to be involved in the field of research advancement with such a diverse team led by Dr. James Galvin.

Nicole believes when healthcare providers further educate themselves, they empower their patients with the knowledge to take control of their health and wellness to live a healthy and fulfilling life.