Meet The Team
Principal Investigators
Dr. Emily Allen has been involved in genetic epidemiological studies on fragile X-associated disorders (FXDs) since the early 2000s. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Georgia. She went on to receive a PhD in Human Genetics from Emory University. She has focused on understanding the risk factors for complex traits, with a specific focus on fragile X-premutation disorders at Emory University. She has developed a research infrastructure to recruit families diagnosed with fragile X associated disorders, to collect biological samples and to obtain clinical and phenotype data. Currently, she is the Principal Investigator of the Recruitment Core for the National Fragile X Center at Emory. She has taken the lead role on complex statistical analyses and data interpretation. For this project, she will oversee the recruitment team at Emory to coordinate tracking of participants, their samples, and phenotype assessments.
Dr. Tatyana Adayev is a molecular geneticist at IBR. With a Ph.D. in Biology-Neuroscience from CUNY, Tatyana Adayev brings over a decade of experience in molecular diagnostics, specializing in fragile X syndrome and related conditions.
Dr. Adayev's work centers on clinical evaluations, prenatal diagnosis, DNA structure-cognition correlations, mutation mechanisms, and gene product regulation related to fragile X. She collaborates with diverse research groups, contributing to the understanding of Fragile X protein expression across various FMR1 genotypes.
At the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Dr. Adayev leads projects exploring topics such as fragile X newborn screening, genotype-specific FMRP expression during early human development, AAV-FMR1 gene therapy for fragile X syndrome, and prenatal proteome assessment in FMR1 Premutation conditions.
Veronica Hinton is a developmental neuropsychologist, with expertise in clinical assessment of, and clinical research with, children with neurodevelopmental disorders. She received her PhD in Psychology (Neuropsychology) from the City University of New York (CUNY) and completed post-doctoral training at Columbia University. She has spent her career working with children at risk for cognitive and behavioral disabilities, characterizing their neuropsychological profiles in the context of their underlying etiology. She is a dedicated clinical researcher and clinician and has recently left Columbia University after a more than 20-year tenure to take on a leadership role in the Clinical Psychology PhD program (with specialization in neuropsychology) at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY). This puts her in the ideal position to characterize the neurodevelopmental profiles of a large a cohort of children with the fragile X premutation.
Her primary research work has been in examining children with disorders of known genetic etiology as a means of understanding the neuroscience underlying the cognitive and behavioral phenotype. As an NIH- and foundation- supported Principal Investigator, she characterized the neurocognitive and behavioral profile of children with dystrophinopathy and she is internationally recognized as an expert in this area. She has worked as a co-investigator on multiple studies examining pediatric development. Her initial dissertation work, investigating the cognitive profile in female carriers of the fragile X gene, provided her the model for this research as it confirmed her interest in examining subtle cognitive phenotypes in relation to known genetic abnormalities.
Dr. Hinton is also a clinician and directed the Pediatric Neuropsychology Service in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University. Now as Professor of Psychology at Queens College, CUNY, she serves as the Director of Clinical Training for the PhD program in Clinical Psychology. She is overseeing the neuropsychological evaluations conducted in this study.
Dr. Hunter is a genetic epidemiologist whose research is focused on the assessment and improvement of health outcomes among individuals and families with genetic conditions. She received her PhD in genetics and molecular biology from Emory University and is currently a Senior Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International where she is leading numerous interdisciplinary studies assessing complex genetic populations, including fragile X syndrome. She has over 15 years of experience in the assessment of neuropsychological, behavioral, stress, and reproductive outcomes among adults who carry an FMR1 premutation allele, including investigation of the influence of shared environment and genetics. She has authored two book chapters focused on premutation-associated outcomes and has also led mixed-methods studies to comprehensively assess maternal stress and the feasibility of a mindfulness intervention in mothers of children with fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. For this project, she will lead the analysis of data collected.
Institute for Basic Research Study Team
Nicole Tortora is the Project Coordinator for the Fragile X Premutation & Child Development study. She has worked in the fragile X laboratory at IBR since 2007, performing clinical diagnostic analyses and she has been part of several research projects focused on fragile X. Nicole is a wife and mother of three and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and baking.
Anne Glicksman began working in the Fragile X lab at IBR almost 40 years ago before the FMR1 gene was identified and linked markers were used to determine carrier status. With a bachelor's degree in Medical technology and a master's degree in Genetic epidemiology, she now works both in the lab doing prenatal testing and on the computer storing and studying the data we collect from families. Although most of her friends are retired, she keeps working because she loves what she does.
Emory University Study Team
Lisa Shubeck is a Senior Research Coordinator at the Stephen T. Warren National Fragile X Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She has enjoyed facilitating research and working with many wonderful families affected by fragile X for more than 20 years. In her off hours, Lisa loves to spend time outdoors, walking her dogs and kayaking.
City University of New York Study Team
Shira Russell-Giller received her Masters degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and is currently a 5th year student in Clinical Psychology at Queens College doctoral program, CUNY, with a neuropsychology emphasis. She has lived in all of the Tristates and loves to draw, paint and go on hikes with her dog!
Amanda Kenepp is a 4th year student in Clinical Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Queens College doctoral program, CUNY, with a neuropsychology emphasis. She is originally from Ohio and earned her bachelor's degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Clinical Psychology from Ohio State University. She is interested in studying developmental disabilities and math skills. Amanda enjoys trying new restaurants, walking her dog, and playing Animal Crossing in her free time.
Sonia Seehra is a 3rd year student in Clinical Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Queens College doctoral program, CUNY, with a neuropsychology emphasis. She has a master's degree in human nutrition and is interested in child development. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, painting, and designing jewelry.
Shantal Taveras is currently a 4th year student in the Clinical Psychology at Queens doctoral program, CUNY, with a neuropsychology emphasis. She has experience working on a number of research studies related to development. Shantal enjoys freshly-made coffee and babysitting her niece and nephews!
Rachel Goldman is her 3rd year in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Queens College, CUNY. She previously worked as a special education teacher in Chicago, IL and in the extramural division of the National Institute of Child Health and Development. In her free time, enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and playing with her dog.
Natalie Nagpal is a 2nd year student in Clinical Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Queens College doctoral program, CUNY, with a neuropsychology emphasis. She received her Bachelor in Science degree from the University of Michigan and her Masters in General Psychology from NYU. Before entering the Clinical Psychology PhD program, she worked at the Simons Foundation as a clinical research coordinator for their autism and genetics study. In her free time, she likes to listen to live music and travel.
Ariel Zucker is a 6th year student in Clinical Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Queens College doctoral program, CUNY, with a neuropsychology emphasis. She received her Masters degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and is currently a 4th year PhD student in Clinical Psychology with a neuropsychology emphasis. She loves to run, hike, and travel the world.
My name is Kina Brailsford, I'm 21 years old. I am currently a senior at Queens College double majoring in both Psychology and Film. My favorite hobbies are many forms of art such as painting, music, and film. I also am a huge fan of video games on all platforms!
Jordan Dickson is a research assistant for the Fragile X premutation study. She is an undergraduate student at Queens College in Psychology and English and is currently in her last semester. She is also a peer counselor at Queens College which means she was trained in counseling others who may need help. Next year she hopes to pursue a master's degree in clinical psychology. In her free time she enjoys biking, crocheting, and playing piano!
Shayna Herszage-Feldan is in the Behavioral Neuroscience M.A. program at Queens College, CUNY. She is originally from Ohio, and obtained her Bachelor's degree from Yeshiva University. In the past, she has worked in labs affiliated with MediaScience, Yeshiva University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and the Nathan Kline Institute. In her spare time, she loves hiking, writing, theatre, and community organizing.
Natalia Mejia is a senior at Queen's College, CUNY majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business and Liberal Arts (BALA). After graduation she plans to pursue a master's degree in cognitive neuroscience. She aspires to become a cognitive neuropsychologist. During her free time, she loves making music, cooking and reading.
Cinthia Narciso is a junior at Queens College aiming to earn her bachelor's degree in psychology and biology. She is interested in becoming a clinical psychologist and hopes to specialize in helping young children. In her free time, she loves to play piano, draw, and spend time with her cats and dogs.
Declan Sung is currently enrolled in the General Psychology Master's program. He is hoping to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. Declan is a research assistant in Dr. Veronica Hinton's lab. He has worked with individuals with a variety of different developmental and intellectual disorders. During his free time, he trains in boxing and loves playing on his Nintendo Switch.
Bella Weiss is a Research Assistant in Dr. Veronica Hinton's lab at Queens College. She earned her bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Queens College and is currently taking a gap year while applying to medical school. Bella has extensive experience volunteering with children with developmental disabilities as well as children with terminal illnesses. In her spare time, Bella coaches a middle school girls' basketball team. She also enjoys running, hiking, and watching sunsets.
Elizabeth Yakubova is a graduate from Queens College with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She is currently in a gap year while working and applying for a Master's program. Elizabeth has a great interest in helping others through volunteer work and cherishes the experiences that come from them. Some of her favorite hobbies include painting, hiking, and spending quality time with her two cats.
Emeritus Consultants
Dr. Nolin's scientific career has been focused on understanding the genetics and molecular biology of the fragile X gene. Dr. Nolin earned her Bachelor's degree at Cornell University, and went on to receive her M.S. in Genetic Counseling at Sarah Lawrence and her PhD in Molecular Genetics from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Since 1981 she has worked with fragile X families both as a genetic counselor and molecular geneticist and have contributed to the vast improvements in diagnosis and risk estimation for triplet repeat expansion that have occurred since identification of the fragile X gene. Because of Dr. Nolin's involvement in counseling, clinical diagnosis and molecular research, she has been able to interpret the data from thousands of diagnoses to examine risk factors associated with fragile X repeat instability and to use this information to address issues that are critical in genetic counseling for individuals who carry expansions of the fragile X triplet repeat. The proposed study will allow her to apply my experience in fragile X molecular analysis and genetic counseling into a careful assessment of the genotype/phenotype correlations in children with premutation alleles.
Dr. Sherman was an internationally known investigator in the field of fragile X-associated disorders. She successfully directed an NIH-funded research program on fragile X-associated disorders since 1999 until 2020. Trained as a genetic epidemiologist, having received her PhD in medical genetics from Indiana University, her early work identified the unique aspects of the inheritance of the fragile X syndrome prior to the discovery of the FMR1 gene. Once obtaining a position in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine, she was involved in understanding the population dynamics of the fragile X mutation, characterizing the factors that influence the initial mutation leading to instability and those that influence hyperexpansion of the premutation, and understanding the genotype/phenotype relationship of high repeat FMR1 alleles, particularly with respect to their effect on ovarian function. She approached these problems using a combination of tools from population genetics, genetic epidemiology, and molecular genetics. Along with Dr. Allen, she helped to develop a research infrastructure to recruit families diagnosed with fragile X-associated disorders, to collect biological samples and to obtain clinical and phenotype data. Dr. Sherman was one of the original members of the International Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium, for which she has played several leadership roles. She was also a member of the Scientific Advisory Board and a recent board member for the National Fragile X Foundation. Prior to retiring in 2020 and becoming a Professor Emerita at Emory University, she was involved in all aspects of the design of this study along with Dr. Sarah Nolin and engaged with the current principal investigators, Drs. Hinton, Adeyev, Allen and Hunter.