Research Assistants

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. 

Kaytlin Richardson

Research Assistant

Stephanie S. Ogonuwe, B.S.

Research Assistant

Stephanie Ogonuwe hails from Hilliard, Ohio, and is a graduate of The Ohio State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health with Scholars and Research Distinction and a minor in Women, Gender, and Public Policy. Her research interest is further exploring how social and political determinants of health impact prevention and access to care in traditionally underserved populations. Stephanie is a former White House intern, Lead Undergraduate Coordinator for the Columbus Free Clinic, and Founder of Policy Explained. She joined CHILL Lab in January 2025 and is looking forward to promoting brain health in the Columbus community and assessing its impact on social determinants of health. 

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 an undergraduate research assistant in the CHILL Lab, she hopes to gain the experience and skills needed to work in the field of geriatric psychiatry, specifically working with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. She is passionate about working with and for the Spanish-speaking population. She has experience in community outreach as a Wellness Ambassador at the OSU Student Wellness Center and Mental Health Chair for Chi Omega Zeta Alpha. She has clinical involvement as a volunteer at the Columbus Free Clinic and at the James Cancer Hospital. 

Talk to Isabella about:

• Geriatric psychology
• Cooking
• 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