Ihab Hajjar, M.D.
Principal Investigator
Ihab Hajjar, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Neurology and the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He specializes in geriatric medicine, Alzheimer's disease, and hypertension. He holds the Pogue Family Distinguished University Chair in Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Research and Care, in Memory of Maurine and David Weigers McMullan.
Dr. Hajjar earned his medical degree at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. He completed a residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio and gained advanced training through a fellowship in geriatric medicine and dementia at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Malik Obideen, M.D.
Lab Manager
Dr. Obideen is an accomplished physician and dedicated clinical researcher. After earning his medical degree from the University of Aleppo School of Medicine, he embarked on a career specializing in neurology. Driven by a passion for clinical research, Malik made a bold move to the United States and joined the Emory University Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit in 2012.
During his eleven-year tenure, he worked closely with the cardiology and neurology departments, focusing his research on mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia, dementia, and memory and cognitive impairment. Malik's expertise and contributions to the field led to his appointment as a lab manager at UT Southwestern in 2023, where he continues his journey in clinical research. His unwavering dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes has earned him respect in the research community and beyond.
Kexin Yu, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Yu's work focuses on developing lifestyle interventions for delaying cognitive decline and enhancing older adults' quality of life. She is investigating the underlying mechanisms that can explain the associations between social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive health.
Dr. Yu received her PhD and MSW from the University of Southern California Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. She completed her postdoctoral training at the Oregon Health and Science University Department of Neurology and Layton Alzheimer's Disease Research.
Danny Dabroy, M.P.H.
Clinical Research Coordinator II
Danny was born in Garland, TX and has an interest in clinical research and epidemiology. He graduated with his Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology (MPH) in 2023 and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health in 2021 from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Prior to arriving at UTSW, he previously researched the effects and impact of human health rising from tobacco and emerging nicotine devices at UTA since 2019. He is a current Clinical Research Coordinator II and started his position in January of 2024.
Kathryn Roper
Clinical Research Assistant I
Kathryn Roper earned her Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from the University of Missouri in 2023, followed by a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 2024. She joined UT Southwestern's Department of Neurology as a Research Assistant in November of 2024, and she is excited to be part of the team.
Kimberly Martinez
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Kimberly Martinez earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas Woman’s University in 2022. Her journey with UT Southwestern began in 2021. She now serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Cognitive and Memory Section of the Neurology Department. Her earlier work centered on expanding the Neuro-Science Biorepository to support researchers and scientists investigating Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology conditions. Kimberly is excited to continue pursuing her interests in clinical research.
Kyle Krautkramer, CCRC
Clinical Research Coordinator II
Kyle Krautkramer is a Clinical Research Coordinator II in the Department of Neurology. He earned his B.S. in Psychology from Baylor University, during which time he completed a clinical internship at Baylor Scott & White Research Institute studying PTSD and related disorders in first responders and veterans. Before arriving at UTSW, Kyle worked for the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University, helping coordinate an NIH-funded research program. He is excited to focus his research interests on cognitive and memory disorders, dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's Disease (AD). During his time here at UTSW, Kyle has met the requirements established by the Academy of Clinical Research Professional and is now a Certified Clinical Research Coordinat
Ifeanyichuku Ozobu, M.D.
Post Doctoral Researcher
Ifeanyichukwu Ozobu is recent medical school graduate from Riverdale, Maryland. Dr. Ozobu is active in the research that surrounds the utilization of Advanced Artificial Intelligence and its ability to assist in predicting the development of dementia including Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Ozobu is excited to be a part the research that Dr. Hajjar is currently conducting and is thrilled to be apart of UT Southwestern.
Brandon Henley, PhD.
Research Scientist
Dr. Brandon Healey, PhD
Joey Yang
Biostatistician Consultant II
Joey received his Master of Science in Applied Statistics from Pennsylvania State University. He serves as the Sr. Biostatistician for providing statistical support and expertise at Emory for three years before moving to UTSW. He assists with study design, data collection and management, and statistical analyses related to study reporting and hypotheses. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music and traveling.
Jordan Hughes
Psychometrist I
Jordan Hughes is a psychometrist specializing in neurology research focusing on cognitive testing. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2021, followed by a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University Commerce in 2023.
Before joining the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), Jordan honed her skills during an internship at the Community Psychology Clinic in Commerce, Texas. There, she conducted individual and group therapy sessions and completed comprehensive battery assessments for adolescents, college students, and community members.
Jordan is thrilled to be part of the UTSW community and contribute to a dynamic research team dedicated to studying diverse populations. Her work at UTSW aims to advance our understanding of cognitive function in neurological conditions, helping to shape future interventions and treatments.