Denise D. Tran, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor, USC Keck School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Tran is the director of the SHINE Research Lab at the USC Keck School of Medicine. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Loma Linda University. Her research focuses on the prevention and intervention of substance use behaviors in adolescents, young adults, and minority populations with a primary focus on the use of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. Her interests also include examining factors associated with alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use.
Viviana Alba, B.S., B.A. – Lab Manager
Viviana Alba is a first year student pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Data Science. She earned her B.S. in Molecular Biology and B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Viviana is passionate about using technology to improve healthcare interventions and outcomes. She has a background in clinical research and program management, aiming to leverage data science to drive impactful, evidence-based solutions in public health.
Clara Mintzer – Undergraduate Research Assistant
Clara Mintzer is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Southern California. She is interested in the genetic factors affecting addiction. In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, and hiking.
Grace Huang – Undergraduate Research Assistant
Grace Huang is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biopharmaceutical Sciences with a minor in Business Finance at the University of Southern California. She is passionate about driving social impact and advancing healthcare initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys visiting national parks and trying out new restaurants.
Izabel Sharp – Undergraduate Research Assistant
Izabel Sharp is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Global Health and a minor in Applied Analytics at the University of Southern California. She is interested in utilizing data analytics to address public health issues and passionate about public health education. In her free time, Izabel volunteers with the USC Health Science Education Program, goes hiking and to the beach, and searches for the perfect chai latte.
Silvia Dzhugaryan, B.S. – Graduate Research Assistant
Silvia Dzhugaryan is in her final year of pursuing a Master of Addiction Science from the University of Southern California. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Exercise Science from California State University, Northridge. Her academic interests focus on behavioral addiction and the effects of substances within the realm of exercise science. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting and gaming.