Our Team

Lab Director

Office: Psychology Building, Room 139

Phone (office): 614-688-0368

Email: grant.866@osu.edu

Lab Director

Dr. Grant is a clinical neuropsychologist and an instructor in the Department of Psychology at the Ohio State University. He completed a bachelor’s degree in biology at Andrews University and a master’s degree in neuroscience from Carleton University. He obtained a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Wayne State University. He subsequently completed a predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology in the Department of Clinical & Health Psychology at the University of Florida. He joined the faculty at Ohio State in Autumn 2024 and will transition to tenure-track assistant professor in Autumn 2026. His research focuses on behavioral interventions to promote brain health in populations at greatest risk for dementia.

Talk to Dr. Grant about:

Clinical neuropsychology
Alzheimer's disease
Cognitive reserve
Non-pharmacological Interventions to promote brain health
Neighborhood context and brain health

Research Coordinator

Kyra Bonta, B.S.

Research Coordinator

Kyra recently graduated from Yale University with a B.S. in Psychology-Neuroscience and joined the lab in Summer 2025. Her research interests include Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive aging, biomarkers, and the social determinants of brain health. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology. Her long-term goal is to become a clinical neuropsychologist dedicated to advancing Alzheimer’s prevention and care, with an emphasis on reducing racial health disparities and improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for communities of color. In her free time, she enjoys taking ballet classes, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Talk to Kyra about:

Alzheimer’s disease
Cognitive decline
Ballet
Baking

Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistants

Emma Corbett, B.S.

Research Assistant

Emma recently graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. She graduated summa cum laude with Research Distinction. Emma currently works as a Psychometrist at The Ohio State University Neuropsychology Clinic, where she administers neuropsychological evaluations for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Her research interests focus on how various lifestyle factors influence memory and cognitive aging. Emma plans to pursue a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. She is passionate about ensuring that all individuals have access to the resources and support they need to improve their brain health. Outside of her career goals, Emma enjoys going on long walks, shopping at Target, watching Friends, and going out to eat with friends.

Talk to Emma about:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Memory
Stranger Things
Baking

Elijah Meredith, B.A.

Research Assistant

Elijah is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, but grew up in Lewis Center, Ohio, and is a graduate of the College of Wooster. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience-Biology. His research interests center on the intersection of neuroscience and medicine and how disruptions in brain function give rise to neurological and psychiatric conditions. Elijah plans to pursue a Medical Doctorate Degree and practice within the field of Neurology. Elijah works as a basketball coach at JustHoops Columbus in his spare time. He enjoys watching basketball and football, taking his dog on walks and watching history documentaries.

Talk to Elijah about:

Sports
World War Facts
Halloween/Christmas Movies
Music

Lauren K. Hilderbrand, B.S.

Research Assistant

Lauren is currently pursuing a dual Master's Degree in Social Work and Public Health at The Ohio State University. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology also at Ohio State, with minors in History and Aging. Lauren joined the lab in Fall 2024; her research interests include how social determinants of health and physical activity affect the progression of neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. She plans to become a geriatric social worker and eventually pursue a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology. In her spare time, she works a part-time job on campus and enjoys reading, taking walks, and spending time with family.

Talk to Lauren about:

Studying abroad
Movie musicals
Psychology
Columbus Must-Sees

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Isabella Blum

Research Assistant

Isabella Blum is a junior at The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in psychology on a pre-med track. As a research assistant in the CHILL Lab, she hopes to gain the skills needed to work in the field of psychiatry, specifically working with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. She is passionate about working with and for the Spanish-speaking population. She has experience in clinical involvement as a medical intern at Garabis Family Medicine and at the Columbus Free Clinic. She volunteers at the Stefanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center, tutors in Student Athlete Support Services, and worked in community outreach as Mental Health Chair for Chi Omega Zeta Alpha. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, crocheting, tennis, and family time.

Talk to Isabella about:

Dementia's psychosocial impact on family
Spanish language/culture
Crooner/jazz music

Kevin Shen

Kevin Shen is a third-year undergraduate student at The Ohio State University majoring in Neuroscience. He is passionate about advancing the fight against neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on reducing dementia caregiver stress in the Central Ohio community. Outside the lab, Kevin is involved in Alzheimer’s advocacy, respite volunteering, and home health care. He also leads Living Memory, a community initiative that supports dementia caregivers through appreciation efforts. Kevin hopes to become a leader in the biotechnology industry, developing devices that support individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, watching football, going to the gym, and spending time with friends.

Talk to Kevin about:

Ohio State Football
Caregiver support
Neurodegenerative diseases

Meseret Alemu

Research Assistant

Meseret Alemu is a junior at The Ohio State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. She is passionate about understanding the connection between the brain and behavior and aims to advance research in neuropsychology, particularly in memory-related disorders and neurodegenerative disorders. As a former Clinical Research Assistant at the FEAR BUCK Lab, she contributed to projects examining anxiety in adults with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, as well as in individuals with substance use disorders. She has also served as a PASS Mentor, a Student Ambassador for the Center for African Studies, an Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences, and a volunteer at The James Cancer Hospital. Through her research and mentorship experiences, she hopes to develop the skills and insight needed to become a Neuropsychologist and contribute to both clinical practice and research.

Talk to Meseret about:

Brain-behavior relationships and Anxiety functioning
Mentorship and student success
TV shows and Movies

Lewis Gallagher

Research Assistant

Lewis Gallagher is a sophomore at The Ohio State University majoring in Psychology on the pre-med track. He is passionate about advancing health equity for underserved populations experiencing adverse health outcomes. As an undergraduate research assistant Lewis hopes to gain knowledge, leadership skills, and deeper experience in neurodegenerative diseases to become a leader in the field of treating these diseases. He has experience as a volunteer for the Columbus Free Clinic, Co-Service Chair of MAPS, and working as a patient observer for UH Parma Medical Center.

Talk to Lewis about:

Cleveland Browns & Ohio State Football
Neurodegenerative diseases
Health equity

Diya Pandhi

Research Assistant

Diya Pandhi is a sophomore at The Ohio State University majoring in Psychology and minoring in Neuroscience and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is interested in the neuropsychology behind addiction and hopes to develop personalized treatments for individuals struggling with mental or neurological disorders. Her research interests include neurobiological and psychological factors contributing to substance use, neurodegenerative disorders, and emotional dysregulation. Outside the lab, Diya conducts independent research on the effectiveness of psychotropic medications in individuals with genetic mutations and serves as the Marketing Director for a student organization. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, animating, and spending time with friends.