Caitlin Brown
2018 SNRF Scholar-University of Miami
Caitlin Brown, a 2016 and 2017 SNRF scholarship recipient, has completed her third year of the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami. Caitlin’s research focuses on cognitive and psychiatric assessment in bilinguals with mental illness, examining how the language of clinical assessment (English or Spanish) impacts perceived symptom severity and effortful control in bilingual Hispanics with schizophrenia. Currently, Caitlin and her fiancée plan to wed at the Liberty Science Center, with cocktail hour involving exploring exhibits and checking out the many species of animals housed at the center!
Charles Moreno
2018 SNRF Scholar-University of Florida
Charles Moreno, a 2017 SNRF scholarship recipient, just completed his second year in the neuropsychology track of the Clinical and Health Psychology doctoral program at the University of Florida. After serving a tour in Afghanistan as a US Marine, he was motivated to research concussions. He worked in a dementia research laboratory for three years that led to further interest in memory disorders. Charles’ clinical and research interests include memory and perception changes following mild traumatic brain injury and repetitive brain injuries in collision sport athletes. He is also interested in identifying the overlapping neuropathological features and clinical symptoms between individuals with repetitive head injuries and Alzheimer's disease. When not in class or conducting research, Charles enjoys training Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing as well as playing with his dog, Xena!
Elle Wiggins
2018 SNRF Scholar-University of Florida
Elle Wiggins is entering her third year of the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Neuropsychology, at the University of Florida. Prior to pursuing her Ph.D., Elle worked as a research analyst at the Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center in Nashville, TN where she realized her passion for better understanding the various diseases of the aging brain. Elle’s research currently focuses on white matter diseases and post-operative cognitive outcomes in older adults. She hopes that her research will one day help identify older adults at risk for cognitive decline, resulting in earlier intervention and a more comfortable life. When not in the laboratory, Elle enjoys time as a loving puppy-mom venturing out with her dog, Waffle!
Josue Pinell
2018 SNRF TiAnViCa Rider
Josue Pinell is 5 years old and has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. He is an active and outgoing child who is developing his communication skills while exploring the world. While riding Lily during his weekly lessons, he enjoys counting, talking shapes and colors, and putting colored rings on poles while riding Lily.
Devlin York
2018 SNRF TiAnViCa Rider
Devlin York is 10 years old and has a rare genetic condition that affects his physical and cognitive development. During his lessons, he enjoys riding Nala and interacting with the volunteers at TiAnViCa. He is happy to be able to move freely without his wheelchair. Devlin enjoys music and leaves all those who interact with him with smiles on their faces!
Taraz Sikder
2018 SNRF TiAnViCa Rider
Taraz Sikder is 6 years old and experiences social and sensory difficulties. He loves animals and benefits from sensory stimulation. Taraz enjoys placing the rings and singing songs while riding Chickweed during his weekly lesson.