In the battle against Alzheimer's disease (AD), researchers at The Alber Lab and the Memory and Aging Program (MAP) at Butler Hospital are spearheading a revolutionary project. The Atlas of Retinal Imaging in Alzheimer's Study 2 (ARIAS 2), led by Dr. Jessica Alber, aims to develop a groundbreaking method for early AD detection using simple eye exams.
Among the dedicated researchers contributing to this collaborative study are three passionate individuals: Jordan Sergio, Savannah Doster, and Lauryn Thibault.
Savannah Doster: From Molecular Neuroscience to Clinical Research
Savannah Doster's path to the ARIAS 2 project began with her fascination for the brain's molecular workings. Initially drawn to neuroscience out of a desire to understand addiction's effects on the brain, Savannah's interests evolved during her studies.
"As I began studying neuroscience, I grew to love the field as a whole and developed a passion for neurodegenerative disorders," she explains.
A recent graduate with a BS in Interdisciplinary Molecular Neuroscience from the University of Rhode Island, Savannah joined the ARIAS team as a full-time research coordinator. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including cognitive battery assessments, informed consent procedures, sample collection, and training for retinal imaging.
A particularly impactful experience for Savannah came when she was allowed to sit in on a disclosure session with a participant. This experience reinforced her commitment to the ARIAS 2 study and its potential impact on AD diagnosis.
Savannah values the supportive environment of the MAP team, praising the mentorship she's received. "My mentors, Dr. Alber, Ashley Price, and Megan Stradtman, have taken so much time to make sure I feel comfortable and confident in all the new skills I am learning," she notes.
Savannah is currently preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and aspires to pursue a medical doctorate.
Jordan Sergio: From Personal Experience to Scientific Pursuit
Jordan Sergio's journey into neuroscience research is deeply personal. Both of his grandmothers developed neurodegenerative diseases, one with Alzheimer's, the other with Parkinson's.
"Through these experiences, I saw firsthand the devastating effects of these diseases and developed a passion to understand their underlying neurobiology," Jordan recalls.
Now as a Ph.D. student, Jordan administers cognitive batteries, handles data entry, and assists in MRI scans to ensure participant safety and comfort. He says he appreciates the collaborative nature of the MAP team and enjoys working with patients.
One of Jordan’s most memorable experiences came during his first attempt to take a participant's blood pressure. Despite initially putting the cuff on backward, the participant's kindness and patience left a lasting impression, helping him feel more comfortable with participant-facing tasks.
Looking to the future, Jordan plans to enter the pharmaceutical or biotech industry after completing his Ph.D., with the goal of becoming a medical science liaison. In this role, he hopes to bridge the gap between lab research and clinicians at the forefront of patient care.
Lauryn Thibault: From Caregiving to Cutting-Edge Research
Lauryn Thibault's journey into neuroscience also began with personal experience.
"My first job was in a dementia unit at an assisted living facility," she recalls. "I witnessed the profound impact of neurodegenerative diseases on patients and their families."
This experience ignited her passion for understanding the brain and inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience.
As part of the ARIAS project, Lauryn administers cognitive assessments, conducts physical exams, handles data entry, and oversees MRI visits. She says she finds the work both challenging and rewarding.
“Knowing that our efforts might lead to a significant breakthrough in detecting the disease at a much earlier stage, thereby improving the quality of life for many individuals, is incredibly fulfilling,” she explains. “The mentorship and guidance provided by Dr. Alber and my other team leaders such as Ashley Price, Megan Stradtman, and Savannah Doster have been extremely invaluable in enhancing my skills and understanding of the field.”
Lauryn is set to graduate from the URI College of Pharmacy with a B.S. in Neuropharmacology in May 2026. Her goal is to pursue a career in the medical field, focusing on the discovery and development of new treatments for nervous system disorders.