The Study of Healthy Aging
& Applied Research Programs
Clemson University
Pennsylvania State University
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Tate Steele
I am currently a junior at Clemson University studying Genetics with a minor in Psychology. I have been a part of the SHAARP team since my freshman year and have loved every second! I have grown so passionate about Alzheimer's prevention since I have started spending time here at the SHAARP lab. In my free time I love to be with my friends, family, and 2 dogs, but I spend most of my time doing school work. After graduation, I hope to attend Physician's Assistant school.
Madison Pollock
I am a junior Biological Sciences major and Psychology minor at Clemson University. This is my second semester working with the SHAARP Lab. I am a member of the Clemson University Honors College, and I hold three leadership positions in clubs on campus. These include being the 2022-2023 Vice President of the Minority Association of Premedical Students, the 2022-2023 Spiritual Leader of CURE Clemson, and the 2022-2023 Philactor of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Outside of the SHAARP Lab, I serve as an intern with Clemson’s Engineering and Science Education Department where I study STEM education research under Dr. Karen High. After college, I plan to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a physician in the future.
Bennett Davis
I am a sophomore at Clemson University where I am studying Pre-Professional Health Studies: Health Science. I plan to attend medical school after my undergraduate studies and am currently in the process of applying. On campus I'm involved in Greek life and spend time hanging out with my friends or studying for various classes. Out of school, I work part time as an EMT with Prisma Health and have developed a love for geriatric care. I'm interested in learning more on how behavioral health such as cognition can influence the development of chronic conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Akiha Saito
I am a junior at Clemson University, currently majoring in psychology with a minor in the biological sciences. I am currently enrolled in the Honors College at Clemson and serve as an Ambassador for new students. In the future, I plan to pursue psychiatry and medicine while working towards my MD.
Morgan Thomas
I am a junior at Clemson University studying Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. This is my first semester with the SHAARP lab. In the future, I plan to attend Physician’s Assistant school and take a gap year after graduating this Spring. In my free time, I enjoy running and am currently training for my second half-marathon!
Julia Bonetto
Julia is serving as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the IEA on the TRAILS study. She is a junior at Clemson University and is pursuing a Biological sciences Major and Psychology minor. She was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and enjoys sports, music, and the outdoors.
Samuel Roebuck
I am a junior at Clemson University majoring in Biological Sciences. This is my first semester with the SHAARP lab and my first semester as a research assistant. I am very much looking forward to the experience and am thankful for the opportunity. At Clemson, I am a member of Greek Life and a few intramural sports that the university has to offer. Outside of school, I make sure to spend time with my family and friends. After graduation, I plan on attending medical school in my dream to become a physician.
Sammi Webber
I am a junior at Clemson University majoring in Language and International Health with a double minor in Life Sciences and Business Administration. I do Alzheimer’s research back home in San Antonio, Texas and wanted to continue this passion here. This led me in finding the SHAARP Lab. This is my first semester as a research assistant here and absolutely love it! On campus, I am involved with Greek life and other clubs that are oriented around healthcare. In the future, I hope on attending medical school, with a special interest in Emergency Medicine.
Amanda Padillo
I am a junior at Clemson University studying Special Education with a minor in Psychology. This is my first semester with the SHAARP lab and I am very excited for this opportunity! After my time at Clemson I plan to attend Occupational Therapy School. I am involved with ClemsonLIFE as well as am a member of the Pre-OST Club. Outside of school I have a part time job at Moe Joe Coffee Company and enjoy going to CrossFit Epoch.
Ashley Hertzfeld
I am a senior at Clemson University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Life Science. This is my first semester at the IEA. On campus, I am involved in various clubs, one of my favorites being Clemson Hope, where we serve as mentors and pen-pals for students in elementary schools surrounding the Clemson area! Outside the lab and school, I volunteer in the Cardiac Rehab Center at Prisma. I also enjoy baking and hiking with my friends. After I graduate, I plan on getting my MD and am particularly interested in neurology.
