Can you describe the research you’re working on as part of TIME-AD?

As part of TIME-AD, I’m studying disease progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia using survival models. My research explores how clinical and social factors together shape this disease trajectory, with the goal of uncovering insights that enable earlier intervention and more equitable care. 

What’s been the most exciting or rewarding aspect of your research to date?

One of the most exciting parts of my work is knowing there is still so much more to uncover. Even a strong finding often feels like we’re just scratching the surface – one small piece of a much larger puzzle in understanding dementia care and its clinical implications. EHR data hold immense potential to expose gaps in care, reveal the influence of current or new risk factors, identify opportunities for earlier interventions, or even help identify participants for clinical trials. On the methods side, I’ve been fortunate to receive mentorship that has allowed me to merge my data science training with epidemiology-based methods and rigorous study designs to make meaningful scientific contributions. 

What inspired you to get involved in ADRD research?

I was drawn to ADRD research by the sheer complexity of the disease and how much there is still to uncover. While biomarkers are vital for detecting the early stages of the disease, in practice, many people may not have access to this type of clinical care or procedures as readily as they do primary care. That’s where epidemiology and the study of risk factors come in. Growing up in Mexico, I saw how clinical, social and neighborhood factors shaped health and how gaps in care could profoundly affect families. I wanted to pursue pragmatic, population-level-solutions, leveraging EHR data to identify risk factors, uncover disparities in care, and ultimately inform earlier, more equitable interventions.  

Why is your work important, and what do you wish more people understood about it?

Dementia isn’t solely driven by biology. Social and clinical factors play a huge rule in how it develops and how people experience care. By studying these patterns EHR data, we can spot gaps in care, act earlier, and work toward care that is more equitable and effective. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love being outdoors, running through tree-lined streets, exploring new city viewpoints, taking long walks or urban hikes. I’m also super passionate about music, so I love going to concerts or diving into a new album from start to finish. 

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I used to dance ballet and miss it a lot.

What drew you to science in the first place?

I think science is the one place where my curiosity can run wild, where asking question after question isn’t a flaw -- it’s part of the process!

Who’s a scientist or mentor that’s influenced you most?

Maria Glymour has been an incredible mentor. She showed me how to pair informatics with epidemiology to ask insightful questions, design stronger studies, and do research that truly matters. Her mentorship has shaped the way I think and has played a huge role in making me the scientist I am today.

If you weren’t a scientist, what do you think you’d be doing?

Probably still trying to be a scientist…