People (continued)
Co-Researchers
Co-Researcher: Augusta Edouard
Augusta ‘Gus’ Edouard is a summer intern and co researcher. She lives in Maryland and comes to Boston in the summers. She enjoys going for walks, watching TV, bagging groceries at Giant Foods, working in her math and reading workbooks, doing crafts and listening to the radio. Gus is a member of the co-research team for DS-TO-THE-MAX helping to explore questions about the health of people with Down syndrome. She became part of Eric’s lab through her sister-in-law, Vanessa Boland Edouard, who is Director of idea hub at Boston University School of Public Health. In summer 2022, Gus completed and presented a photo voice project called ‘Being Health with Gus’ and helped around the office. Her interest in mental health led her to complete an interview project about support that students receive to handle stress. She interviewed Robyn Volcy-Lee, the Wellness and Communications Manager in Graduate Student Life. Some of her more memorable moments have included going out to eat with Ashley, Eric and the friends she has made in the lab. Gus feels that her experience as a co-researcher has been invaluable and hopes that her contributions ultimately can help others with disabilities.
Co-Researcher: Alexis Sokoloff
My name is Alexis Sokoloff. When I am not working, I enjoy watching sports, swimming, kayaking, working out with friends, listening to music and reading. I was introduced to Eric through Special Olympics. I enjoyed going to the conference in Boston with Eric’s group. I like meeting and chatting with the lab group every month via zoom. We have a lot of fun talking about research and getting to know each other.
Co-Researcher: Caley Versfelt
Hello, I’m Caley Versfelt. I encourage acceptance and inclusion as a public speaker, actress, model, correspondent., and as an advocate representing many organizations, I dream big and never gives up. I promote, “Kindness is Contagious,” through my business Tides of Kindness. I met Eric at a T-21 conference and learned about his lab. We work as a team to get a better understanding of people with Down syndrome’s commonalities. I have learned about the experiences of people with depression and having anxiety attacks. We need to be prepared to help where we can. I’ve learned it’s best to get 8-9 hours sleep to help our bodies perform best. My favorite memories are about planning for a fulfilled future, and the importance of having meaningful relationships. It’s fun surprising people with my talents, multiple interests, and outgoing personality. I inspire people to believe in themselves and the abilities of others, affirming we all have talents and value.
Co-Researcher: Benjamin Golden
My name is Benjamin Golden and I am born in Waterville, Maine. I am now 30 years old. I enjoyed being a researcher from Boston University School of Public Health that Eric asked me to be in a research group back 2 years ago since 2022 in June at the t21 conference in Long Beach when I got started on Sunday July, 17th 2022. I really enjoyed it. My memory in Eric’s Lab is testing the grips at the Adult Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio and helping others to test their grip strength.
Co-Researcher: Kaethe Sigelko
My name is Kaethe Sigelko and something I enjoy doing is using my public speaking skills as a way to become more confident when sharing my story or opinion with others. I became a part of Eric’s lab in May 2022 when he had asked me to be a part of the co-research team after knowing that I would be a great addition to the team. As a confident co-researcher, I feel very proud of accomplishing the RE4ALL training that I completed. My favorite experience I’ve had at Eric’s Lab was being in Cincinnati, OH as a part of the conference we were at and working alongside Eric on the data collection at our Grip Strength table.
Research Assistants
Graduate Research Assistant: Alex A. Levine, MPH
A. Alex Levine is a PhD candidate in Health Services Research at the Boston University School of Public Health. Their research focuses on evaluating access and equity in aging and disability policies and programs. Alex is a Senior Research Associate at the Center for the Evaluation of Risk in Health (CEVR) at Tufts Medical Center, where they study Medicaid and commercial health insurance coverage and access to specialty drugs. Alex received their MPH from the Boston University School of Public Health and their BA in Health & Human Biology from Brown University.
Graduate Research Assistant: Yuan Zhang, MPH
Yuan Zhang, MPH, is a PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology at Boston University. She received her MPH in General Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Her research interest is maternal/child medication use. Before joining Boston University, Yuan worked as a senior data analyst at Brown University Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, focusing on medication use in nursing homes using Medicare data and Electronic Health Records (EHR). Outside of work and school, she enjoys exploring restaurants with friends.
Graduate Research Assistant: Alianna Higgins
Alianna Higgins is a second year MPH student studying Epidemiology & Biostatistics with a context certificate in Infectious Disease. She received a BA in Biochemistry from Hastings College in 2022. As a physically disabled person, Alianna is a strong disability justice advocate who founded a student organization for disabled students at Hastings College and worked to improve accessibility on campus. She also has experience working at the South Heartland District Health Department, where she helped organize and promote COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination clinics. Currently, Alianna also serves as the Tutoring Team Lead at BUSPH. Outside of school and work, Alianna enjoys weightlifting, live music, and playing with her cat, Tee.
Graduate Research Assistant: Amanda Lanciault
Amanda Lanciault (she/her) is a first year MPH student pursuing a certificate in Health Policy and Law. She received her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University in 2023 majoring in Public Health and Social Justice and Social Policy. Amanda’s experience ranges from research, advocacy, and direct service work with those throughout the Commonwealth. When not working or studying, Amanda enjoys crocheting, watching video essays, and visiting independent bookstores.
Graduate Research Assistant: Amatullah Yousuf
Amatullah is a second-year MPH student with a focus on Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Boston University’s School of Public Health. With a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India, Amatullah possesses a diverse skill set, including data analysis using SAS, creative design, and clinical expertise. Her experiences range from being a marketing intern at Creative Varchasv to working as a dentist at Smile Care and contributing as a COVID healthcare worker with “Let’s Be the Change” in underserved communities. Besides studying and working, Amatullah enjoys hiking, scuba diving, swimming, reading, and cooking.
Undergraduate Research Assistant: Aniqua Mehdi
Aniqua Mehdi is currently a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Health Science at Boston University. She is from Hawai’i & Bangladesh. Her interests include enhancing the well-being of children through health and education, specifically those in disadvantaged populations. She enjoys working with children and is currently part of the Boston University Initiative for Literacy Development. She wants to further her education with an MPH and PhD and learn more about Epidemiology, Healthcare Management, and Program Management. Aniqua has worked in Chemistry laboratories before and has traveled to Japan, England, France, Switzerland, and Spain. She is involved in community engagement/development projects, and in her free time, she loves to explore the city, shop, go to concerts, and try different cafes/restaurants.
Graduate Research Assistant: Ashka Desai
I am a second-year MPH student with a certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. I got my Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery from S.B.K.S. Medical Institute and Research Centre in 2020. I have completed my U.S. Medical Licensing Examinations and am eager to apply for my residency in Internal Medicine. Currently, I am engaged in my practicum on the PROMISE-IDD project. My research interests are focused on neurological and cardiology pathologies. Outside of academics, I enjoy cooking, video gaming, painting, and playing badminton.
Research Assistant: Emily Bock
Emily Bock recently graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Biology. She minored in Public Health and worked on projects related to special education for children experiencing homelessness with a grant from the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Office. After wrapping up that project in June, she will be shifting to work on the Down Syndrome Co-Researcher project. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, biking, and spending time with her dogs and cat.
Graduate Research Assistant: Liam Quidore
Liam Quidore is in his third year at SPH as he works to complete his MPH part-time in Epidemiology and Biostatistics with a context in Pharmaceutical Delivery. He received his B.A. in Neuroscience from Boston University in 2021. Liam’s research interests during his undergrad included social motivation and approach psychology in individuals with schizophrenia, specifically in how social media influences our mood and experienced interactions with others. His interests focus on neurodegenerative disease and improving healthcare access within the industry. Currently, Liam works in BU’s Neuroscience program, helping oversee instructional labs focused on Drosophila behavior and cellular molecular neuroscience techniques. He is completing his practicum work on the DS-TO-THE-MAX project. When not working, Liam spends his free time cuddling his cat – Mako.
Graduate Research Assistant: Lillian Droscha
Lillian is a second-year MPH student with certificates in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and CAPDIE. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music from Hope College and was involved in the Global Water Research Institute on projects improving drinking water quality in many areas of the world. Her activism journey began early in life as a Crohn’s patient, and has grown to involve conversations with state congresspeople, co-founding the organization for disabled and chronically ill students at Hope, and being an advisor for inclusion on Hope’s campus in the context of COVID-19. Lillian is also a Resident Assistant on BU’s campus and sings in Marsh Chapel Choir. When she’s not working or studying, Lillian enjoys all things creativity, including music, painting, crocheting, cooking, and exploring the arts around Boston.
Graduate Research Assistant: Mack Toth
Mack Toth (she/her) is a current graduate student pursuing an MS in Epidemiology from Boston University’s SPH. She received her BS in Public Health from Temple University (go owls!). During her undergrad, Mack worked as a peer tutor and mentor for adults with intellectual disabilities through Temple’s Leadership & Career Studies program and is looking forward to continuing research and advocacy for IDD. When not working or studying, Mack is usually reading, trying out a new coffee shop, or skiing!
Research Assistant: Shumin Guan
Shumin Guan is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Human Physiology at Boston University. She is also a candidate for the university’s 4+1 MPH program, with an intended concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Shumin has been involved in research projects that studied culturally diverse families of youth on the autism spectrum, in an effort to amplify marginalized populations’ voices in research and provide services that can best support them. In order to further explore the influence of culture on families’ experience of having an autistic youth, she recently co-authored a division poster examining the relationship between culture, stigma, and discrimination, as well as how these factors may contribute to parents developing self-blame or self-reliance. During her free time, Shumin enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also loves cooking, going to different cafes, and doing yoga!
Graduate Research Assistant: Sophie Rowland
Sophie is a second-year MPH student with certificates in CAPDIE and Maternal and Child Health. She received her BA in Biological Sciences and Classical Civilization from Wellesley College in 2017. Sophie previously worked on microbiology research investigating the relationship between the gut microbiome and human neurocognitive development. In her studies, Sophie is passionate about reproductive health, disability justice, and program design. Outside of work or school, Sophie enjoys crafting, singing, and bird-watching with her husband, Connor.
Graduate Research Assistant: Vedant Bhatt
I am currently pursuing MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Boston University School of Public Health. I have done my undergraduate degree with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University in India. My skill set comprises data analysis in SAS, R, and QGIS, and basic statistical programming in Python, SQL, and Linux. My work experience involves working as an intern Physician at Dhiraj General Hospital in India, focusing on assisting senior physicians and residents in diagnosing and managing patient care. Currently I am completing my practicum by working on the DS-TO-THE-MAX project. I am very passionate about research related to mental health and psychiatry. Besides work and academics, my hobbies include hiking, photography, stargazing, playing soccer, and playing the piano.
Visit the Research Team Alumni to see past members of the Rubenstein Lab.