Primary Investigator: 

Adriana Perez, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN – Principle Investigator

Dr. Perez is a researcher and professor at the University of Pennsylvania whose work focuses on the needs of the Latino community. As a professor, she has developed social justice sessions for nursing students aimed at addressing structural racism and advancing health equity, and teaches a graduate course on leadership in health care. She is energized by Penn Nursing students and enjoys teaching, mentoring, and learning from them. Her research is focused on the influence of various factors on physical activity, cardiovascular health, cognitive health, and sleep among Spanish-speaking older Latinos with mild cognitive impairment. She is a Scientist at the Center for Improving Care Delivery for the Aging (CICADA), a faculty member of the NewCourtland Center for Transitions of Health, and a Senior Fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. Dr. Perez is the head investigator of Tiempo Juntos por Nuestra Salud, a project she developed to improve health among the older Latino population of Philadelphia.

Investigators:

David Xavier Marquez, PhD – Co-Investigator

Dr. Marquez is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). He specializes in exercise psychology and behavioral medicine and is especially interested in the effects of physical activity on the health of older Latino adults. At UIC, he directs the Exercise Psychology Laboratory which studies and aims to reduce health inequalities between groups, such as people of color and older adults. Dr. Marquez is a fellow at the American College of Sports Medicine, the Society of Behavioral Medicine, the National Academy of Kinesiology, and the Gerontological Society of America.

Subhash Aryal, PhD – Co-Investigator

Dr. Aryal is currently the Director and an Associate Professor of BECCA (Biostatistics Evaluation Collaboration Consultation Analysis) Lab. He also serves as the Director of Biostatistics in the Osteopathic Research Center, and is a Senior Fellow for SaferCare Texas, which are both at the UNT Health Science Center. He had earned a B.A. from Tribhuvan University, a B.S. in the University of South Alabama, an M.S. and a Ph.D. in the University of Illinois at Chicago. His research experience spans epidemiology, community health, behaviors, environmental health, and occupational health, where he specializes in statistical theoretical and interdisciplinary research. He currently provides data-driven support to an array of medical professionals, health scientists, and researchers involved in various health issues.

Norma B. Coe, PhD – Co-Investigator

Dr. Coe currently is an Associate Professor of Medical Ethics & Health Policy at the Perelman School of Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Coe also serves as Director of the Policy and Economics of Disability, Aging, and Long-Term Care (PEDAL), as well as Co-Director of the Population Aging Research Center (PARC). She has earned her B.A. in Economics from the College of William and Mary, and her Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her research primarily focuses on identifying causal policy effects which impact human health, human behavior, and health care access, particularly in terms of costs, insurance, and delivery. Her emphasized research population lies with people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD).

Nancy A. Hodgson, Ph.D., RN., FAAN – Co-Investigator

Dr. Hodgson currently serves as the Anthony Buividas Term Chair in Gerontology and a Professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health at the University of Pennsylvania. She had previously earned her B.S.N. from Widener University, as well as both an MSN and Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hodgson is also the co-founder of the Palliative Care Program at the Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center, a nursing home-based palliative care program which trains nursing staff across Pennsylvania in aiding residents to living as independently as possible with a good quality of life. Her research experience mainly focuses on person-centered and family-centered intervention programs for people living with dementia. Dr. Hodgson also holds the titles of Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the Gerontological Society of America.

Antonia M. Villarruel, PhD, RN, FAAN – Co-Investigator

Dr. Villarruel is the Margaret Bond Simon Dean of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Director of the School’s WHO Collaborating Center for Nursing and Midwifery Leadership. Dr. Villarruel earned an MSN from the University of Pennsylvania, and her PhD in nursing from Wayne State University. As a bilingual and bicultural researcher, Dr. Villarruel has extensive research and practice experience with Latino populations, health promotion, and disparities. She currently co-leads the NIH funded Philadelphia Community Engagement Alliance to address COVID-19 Inequities (CEAL) a coalition to optimize the rollout and real-time evaluation of interventions focused on COVID-19 disparities across diverse populations within the Philadelphia region.

Nalaka Gooneratne, M.D., M.Sc. – Co-Investigator

Dr. Gooneratne is an associate professor of medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the Presbyterian Medical Center of Philadelphia, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center. His research interests include aging, sleep, and patient-oriented research. Currently, Dr. Gooneratne is investigating sleep disorders in elderly people and the role of the hormone melatonin on sleep. He also runs a Sleep Disorders Clinic for Seniors to address difficulties that older adults face with sleep. In addition, Dr. Gooneratne is the associate director of the Masters in Translational Research Program at the University of Pennsylvania and the director of the mHealth mobile app development service.

 

 

James F. Sallis, Ph.D. – Consultant

James F. Sallis is currently the Distinguished Professor of Emeritus at the Herbert Werthweim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the University of California, San Diego. He also currently holds the title of Professorial Fellow at the Australian Catholic University in Melboune for the Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, and is the Director of Active Living Research, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program. He previously earned his B.S. in Belhaven College, followed by an MS. and Ph.D. from Memphis State University in Psychology. His research is dedicated promoting health through physical activity, by investigating the relation to built environments and policies, in order to foster communities which facilitate physical activity.

Joseph Rhodes – Biostatistician 

Joseph Rhodes is a data scientist and a research and electronic data capture (REDCap) administrator at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing for the past 5 years. He manages roughly 800 active users and 1000 active projects both funded and unfunded. His responsibilities for the Tiempo Juntos research study include providing consulting and guidance on building and maintaining the database and providing technical support for REDCap. Joseph appreciates the opportunity to provide support and work with its incredible team.

Liming Huang – Biostatistician 

Liming Huang is a statistician in biostatistics at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She has been providing statistical support for the School of Nursing research community since 2015. She works with research data and builds and maintains the database for Tiempo Juntos.

 

 

Research Coordinator :

Maria Camila Loaiza – Research Coordinator 

Camila, or “Cami,” was born in Bogotá, Colombia. She is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, and earned her degree in Biology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali campus. Her personal experiences sparked a deep interest in health and its connection to nutrition. She completed her internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which further strengthened her passion for science, especially research. She is currently very happy to be part of the Tiempo Juntos team, where she has been able to combine two of her greatest interests: working with the Latino community and actively participating in the scientific field. It has been very rewarding for her to see the positive impact the study has had on the participants’ lives, whose main goal is to improve their quality of life and help them feel supported by science. This experience has also allowed her to advance her academic training by earning a certificate in Neuroscience, an area she wishes to continue exploring. In her free time, Camila enjoys doing crafts, cooking, walking, dancing, and exploring new places with her family.

Mariana Pérez – Research Coordinator

Mariana is originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, and has lived in Philadelphia since a young age. She earned an associate’s degree in Interior Design from the Community College of Philadelphia and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) through Penn LPS Online, with an individualized concentration focused on her goal of becoming a social worker. Mariana has several years of experience working directly with underserved, predominantly Hispanic communities in North Philadelphia, supporting people of all ages—particularly the elderly. These early experiences sparked her passion for community-based work and inspired her to pursue a path that would allow her to make a broader, more lasting impact. Her role in Tiempo Juntos has introduced her to a new and deeper perspective—allowing her to connect with individuals on a more personal level and better understand their unique needs and experiences. This work has not only given her insight into the challenges participants face but also positioned her to support them more meaningfully as a trusted and consistent resource. In her free time, she enjoys baking, spending time in nature, and expressing her creativity through painting, design, and other hands-on crafts

Research Assistants:

Ariana Borda – Research Assistant 

Ariana Borda is a Senior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Health and Societies and minoring in Chemistry and Nutrition Science. She is Peruvian and was raised in Miami, FL. Ariana is passionate about advocacy work related to the Latino immigrant community and is also deeply committed to addressing health disparities among underserved populations through community-based and public health interventions. At Penn, Ariana is a board member of Penn for Immigrant Rights, Quechua at Penn/Andean Representation, and the Latinx Coalition. She is actively involved in the Philadelphia community through volunteer work with Service Link and Puentes de Salud. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a Master’s in Public Health. She values her work with Tiempo Juntos, and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an important study that holds the goal of promoting health equity within the Latino community.

 

Luz Bravo – Research Assistant

My name is Luz Bravo. I was born in Veracruz, Mexico, where I studied for a degree in Clinical Chemistry. I worked in the clinical field and in research on pesticides in food. I’ve always been interested in science, but also in caring for and supporting others. In 2007, I moved to the city of Philadelphia. Like many immigrants, I faced many challenges, but I also found opportunities to grow. I worked caring for older adults for 15 years-a role that taught me a lot about patience, empathy, and human dignity. During that time, I also volunteered with organizations like Make the Road and National Domestic workers Alliance, where I connected with other working women and supported the fight for our rights. I currently work with Tiempo Juntos, a project that brings me so much joy. I have the honor of working with the older adult community, a group full of wisdom, history, and strength. For me, this work is a way to give, to learn, and to build a community every day.

 

Abraham Medina – Research Assistant 

Abraham is a third-year student at the University of Pennsylvania, double majoring in Neuroscience and Nutrition with a minor in Healthcare Management on the pre-med track. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and proud of his Mexican heritage, Abraham became interested in medicine through his curiosity about the connection between brain health, diet, and chronic disease. He is especially passionate about how lifestyle interventions—like improved nutrition and physical activity—can prevent long-term health issues and promote overall well-being. His commitment to preventative care has led him to research roles with Tiempo Juntos, a community-based study focused on sleep, physical activity, and cognitive health in older Latino adults, and with the Foodie Lab, which investigates early-life risk factors for childhood obesity. Outside the lab, Abraham serves the Hispanic community through his work at Puentes de Salud and supports patients in the emergency department at Penn Presbyterian Hospital. On campus, he stays engaged through leadership and involvement in the Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club, the Magnolia Project at Penn, and the Penn Neuroscience Society. Through each of these experiences, Abraham hopes to build a career that combines clinical care, public health, and community-centered research to address health disparities and promote brain and metabolic health. In his free time, he enjoys running, reading, exercising, and painting. 

 

Jose Martinez 

Jose is a sophomore undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Neuroscience with a minor in Healthcare Management on the pre-medical track. Born in Tamaulipas, Mexico and raised in McAllen, Texas, Jose is eager to delve more deeply into the human nervous system—its physiology and behavior—with the goal of one day returning to his hometown to serve as a surgeon. Coming from a low-income, predominantly Mexican-American community in the Rio Grande Valley, Jose is driven by a firsthand understanding of the healthcare disparities that exist in underserved regions. He is especially passionate about increasing access to specialized care in border communities, where resources are often scarce and systemic inequality persists. At Penn, Jose is exploring the intersection of medicine, equity, and leadership through his involvement in classes and organizations focused on community health and mentorship for underrepresented students. Outside of academics, Jose finds meaning in serving others, from leading Bible studies at his Church, to personally training friends to achieve their physical goals, Jose is content when he is serving others. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, studying theology, spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and swimming. 

Natalia Pagán 

Natalia is an incoming Junior at New York University studying Economics. She grew up in New York City to Mexican and Puerto Rican parents and is a native Spanish speaker. Her academic and personal experiences have shaped her interest in understanding and addressing health inequities, especially in the areas of preventative health and aging, to help improve the well-being of underserved communities. She is excited to contribute to the ongoing work of Tiempo Juntos with the Hispanic community in North Philadelphia, where she aims to explore how physical activity can improve cognitive and cardiovascular health, and how these interventions can be implemented sustainably and equitably. 

 

Sayeem Hossain

Sayeem is a senior at Binghamton University majoring in Global Public Health with a minor in Economics on the pre-med track. At Binghamton, he serves on the mental health advisory board and has been a project lead as part of the Innovation Scholars program. He grew up in Queens in New York City and hopes to attend medical school after taking a gap year. He is interested in tackling healthcare disparities, management of health systems, and utilizing innovative methods to improve healthcare access and delivery.  He has previous experience working and volunteering with older adult populations through community health initiatives. He has also conducted extensive research in dementia and executive function. His passion for cognitive health brought him to the Tiempo Juntos team, where he is excited to work with the community to reduce the impacts of cognitive decline and make strides to prevent it through health-promoting behaviors. In his free time, he likes to exercise, cook new recipes, and travel to new places. 

 

Community health promoters:

Ruby Rivera – Community Health Promoter

Ruby Rivera from Colombia is a community health promoter for Tiempo Juntos. In Colombia, she received a technical degree in commercial secretarial studies. She worked as an instructor of commercial writing, typing, sternography, and grammar. Here she has had the opportunity to do a variety of courses as a promoter of health, and was called to work with older adults for whom she has great respect. She is very proud and happy to embark on this new program and hopes to be able to continue collaborating with projects oriented towards the Hispanic community.

 Elizabeth Alvarado – Community Health Promoter 

Elizabeth Alvarado (Lizzy) is originally from Puerto Rico. She’s been working for a non profit for the last 15 years serving the community with social work services. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Ashford University in Business and Administration. She recently took over the role as a Resident Service Coordinator, working with the elder and she’s excited to embark on this new journey and hope to become resourceful to the community of elder folks. She enjoys baking and going on walks.

 

 

Nancy Rodriguez – Community Health Promoter

Nancy Rodrigues is Mexican and is currently a senior social work student at La Salle University. She has been completing her field work at Taller Puertorriqueño and ever since has been working with the older adults. Nancy hoped to be a great support to the community and to gain insight on other ways she could support the community. 

 

 

 

 

Erikka Goslin – Community Health Promoter
(MSS, LSW she/her/ella): With a background in Cultural Anthropology and Social Work, Erikka is dedicated to being an agent for social change to dismantle white supremacy, patriarchy, and imperialism in all forms. Her experience ranges from working in person-centered dementia care to conducting therapy focused on serving BIPOC, non-binary and trans clients.

Amarili Lopez – Community Health Promotor

Amarillo is originally from Puerto Rico. She has been working as a health educator with medical plans for 9 years. Previously, she was working as a health promoter since 2004 with a non-profit organization. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health administration and focused on training in diabetes and chronic disease prevention to better help her community. Amarili is ready to undertake this new stage of opportunities to continue helping her community. Amarillo also loves exercising, dancing and learning new things. 

 

Dora Viacava, a native of Lima, Peru, where she studied Business Administration at the Catholic University. Working in Peru and Venezuela for a few years, ultimately settling in Philadelphia, USA in 1988. For 35 years, she served as Outreach Director at Taller Puertorriqueno, where she oversaw the implementation of an Art Program at Philadelphia Schools (k to High School) and Senior Centers. Dora also was a founding member of the successful Naylamp Street and Puppet Theater from 2003 to 2008. Under her leadership, the organization received two awards at the Puerto Rican Parade in Philadelphia. She was a member of the Latino Golden Age Committee that was established in 2003, until her retirement in July 2022. She had the opportunity to contribute to the Tiempo Juntos por Nuestra Salud initiative, which she found to be a highly rewarding experience.

 

 

Community Advisory Board:

Teresa Elliott – Community Advisory Board 

Teresa Elliot has over 25 years of experience working with Latino populations in the U.S. and Latin America. She has a B.A. in Political Science from Middlebury College and M.A in Public Administration from New Yok University. Teresa is passionate about advocating for social justice, building cultural connections, and bringing generations together. Her Cuban roots led her to make deep connections with the Latino community in North Philadelphia through her work as a hopsice volunteer and as Director of the Aging at Home initiative at Congreso de Latinos Unidos. In her spare time, Teresa enjoys cooking, theater, walking and trails and parks of Philadelphia, and above all, friends and family. Teresa is thrilled to join the Tiempo Juntos team and feels privileged to be working with the Norris Square community. 

Esperanza Lopez – Community Advisory Board