Meet the team

Lindsay Kobayashi, PhD

Principal Investigator

My research focuses on the social epidemiology of cognitive aging from a global perspective. I primarily use data from internationally harmonized longitudinal studies of aging, including older populations of England, Canada, the United States, and South Africa. My current research is on 1) the life course social and economic determinants of cognitive aging in rural South Africa using longitudinal and randomized exposure measures, and 2) cross-national comparisons of socioeconomic and cardiovascular risk factors for cognitive health using data from the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. The goal of my research program is to inform policy solutions to improve cognitive health and health equity among low-income older populations.

I also direct the NIA-funded T32 training program, “Interdisciplinary Research Training on Health and Aging”, within the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan.

Outside of work, I enjoy long-distance running, traveling, playing with my dog Zola, and being outside as much as I can!

Ashly Westrick, PhD

Research Investigator

I earned a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, an MPH in epidemiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Miami.

My current research interests include epidemiological methods, health inequalities in cancer, social determinants of health, and the influence of the neighborhood environment on health outcomes.

In my downtime, I like to travel, read, and get outside to enjoy nature and be active.

Tsai-Chin (TC) Cho, MSc

Fourth Year PhD Student

I am a third-year PhD student in Epidemiology at the University of Michigan. My research interests revolve around social and contextual determinants of within- and between-country health disparities in older adults, and the impacts of neighborhood characteristics on health outcomes and healthcare utilization. I am currently participating in the project focusing on how social and economic factors influence cognitive functions using cross-national comparative longitudinal studies.

Outside of work, I like to read, enjoy tasty coffee with a pleasant aftertaste, and go for a walk.

Nasya Tan, MPH

Sixth Year PhD Student

I received my Bachelor of Arts, Psychology degree from Azusa Pacific University in 2011 and my MPH degree from Claremont Graduate University in 2013. From 2013 to 2019, I worked as a data manager and analyst on several NIH-funded research projects at different universities, such as Claremont Graduate University and University of California, Irvine. I entered the University of Michigan’s PhD in Epidemiologic Science program in 2019.

My research interests include examining social determinants of health and health disparities experienced by individuals with hearing loss, including D/deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.

In my free time, I enjoy watching tv shows and movies, traveling, and spending time with my pets and loved ones.

Pengyuan (Kelvin) Zhang, MPH

First Year PhD Student

I received my bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and my Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan. Before becoming a PhD student, I worked as a research assistant with Dr. Erica Jansen in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan, and a research associate for the SEGA research group.

My research interests include statistical methods, cardiometabolic diseases, and cognitive function of older populations.

Outside of working, I enjoy traveling, playing soccer, and supporting my favorite soccer team on the weekends!

Rebecca Milan, MPH

Research Associate

I currently have a bachelor of science in Health Science, a Master of Public Health, and a certificate in epidemiological research from Oakland University. I was a graduate research assistant while pursuing my master’s degree, studying social determinants of health and chronic disease epidemiology in Detroit, Michigan.

My research interests include cardiovascular diseases, substance abuse, and epidemiologic research methods. I eventually want to pursue a PhD in Epidemiologic Science and work as a biostatistician or research scientist at a research institute.

Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym and walking my dogs.

Peiyao Zhu, MPH

Research Associate

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa, where I majored in Health and Human Physiology. I then continued my education, receiving my Master of Public Health degree at the University of Michigan, specializing in Epidemiology.

My research interests include social determinants of health, health disparity, and chronic diseases.

When I’m not working, I find joy in cooking and exploring new recipes. Additionally, I love traveling and experiencing diverse cultures.

Chuwen Zhong, MPH

Research Associate

I hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in Clinical Medicine from Hebei Medical University in 2019, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan in 2023. My research interests center around understanding how social determinants of health affect mental well-being and cognitive function in aging adults. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy reading and spending time in nature; I aim to visit at least one national park every year.