Dr. Butts' research focuses on pathophysiologic mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases and outcomes in persons living with cardiovascular disease, including symptoms and brain health. Dr. Butts first got involved in research during her undergraduate studies at the University of the Virgin Islands, where she studied the phylogenetic history of a species of coral, Acropora, that display a great amount of morphological variability, using genetic sequencing. As Dr. Butts moved into research at the graduate level, she realized she was lacking a solid understanding of human health and disease, a key component of translational research. To gain knowledge and hands-on clinical experience vital to meeting her research goals, Dr. Butts completed a BS degree in nursing at Georgia State University. Dr. Butts completed her doctoral training at Emory University, where she was able to successfully combine her basic science and clinical knowledge. Dr. Butts completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. 

Dr. Butts is currently an Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Nursing where she continues her translational research and teaches Pathophysiology. Her research continues to have a translational approach to identifying pathophysiologic processes in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Butts has had multiple NIH-funded studies, including her current ongoing studies. 

Danielle joined Emory as a Clinical Research Coordinator in March 2016 following Research Recruiter and Coordinator positions with the University of Pittsburgh, a pharmaceutical contract research organization (CRO) and University of Central Florida. Danielle received her B.A. in Psychology from Stetson University and M.A. in Mental Health Counseling with the University of Central Florida. Her research background includes the HHS funded Supporting Healthy Marriage project, NIMH funded Pittsburgh Girls Study, and numerous Phase One pharmaceutical studies.  

​Enid is a Clinical Research Coordinator II working on the MVP, CARDI, and E2 studies. Enid completed a Master of Public Health degree  at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, focusing on Sexual Reproductive Health and Population studies. Prior to working with Dr. Butts, she was a graduate research assistant at the Rollins Global Health Department examining the associations between neurodevelopment and cardiovascular health in children and young adults

Chloe graduated from a BA in public health studies from Vanderbilt University and is interested in working with underserved populations to improve their access to health treatments and resources. She has a wide variety of experiences, ranging from working in the hospital to serving abroad in developing countries; along with her experience working in the Wharton Lab, she hopes to draw from these backgrounds in her journey to become a physician.

Jordan is a recent Emory University graduate working as a Clinical Research Coordinator I. Jordan earned both a Bachelor's of Science degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and a Bachelor's of Arts degree in African American Studies, graduating with Highest Honors. Her academic interest lies in increasing diversity and representation in clinical trials as a means of addressing inequities In health. She is passionate in her pursuit to understand how neurodegenerative diseases disproportionately affect minority populations and how access to healthcare can be improved in underserved communities. 

Ashley is a fourth-year undergraduate student from Los Angeles, California, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-medical track. She is deeply passionate about fostering health equity and community well-being. On campus, Ashley serves as a Pre-Health Advising Peer Mentor and Committee Head, President of Health & Development in Guatemala, a Healthy Eagle, and a Labor & Delivery Doula at Emory Decatur Hospital. Ashley’s interest in Alzheimer’s research, particularly in translational medicine, stems from her commitment to improving access to preventative measures and early diagnosis of the disease. She is passionate about bridging the gap between scientific advancements and community health by ensuring that tools for early detection, such as biomarkers and cognitive screening methods, are more accessible to underserved populations. 

Brian is an undergraduate student from Rockville, Maryland. He is majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology at Emory University. He is passionate about neurodegenerative diseases and the ongoing efforts of attempting to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. His other involvements include being a member of the American Medical Student Association, a medical scribe at Piedmont Hospital, and an Orientation Leader for incoming new students. Brian hopes to go to medical school and continue to explore neurodegenerative diseases and its effects on cognition.

Hello, my name is Maxim. I’m from Atlanta and am a third-year student pursuing a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Russian. I’m passionate about exploring decision making in diseases like Alzheimer’s and understanding how cognitive functions are impacted by aging or diet. Outside of academics, I enjoy soccer, weightlifting, and staying informed about nutrition and fitness. I’m also a big fan of cats, value multiculturalism, and am eager to learn from diverse perspectives.

Saharla Mohamoud is a third-year Emory College of Arts and Sciences student from Alexandria, Virginia. She is studying neuroscience and behavioral biology and is on a pre-med track. She has recently transferred from Northern Virginia Community College. She has worked as a home health aide, specifically serving Somali elders, and as a research intern within Civelek’s Lab at the University of Virginia. At Emory, she is a writer for Blackstar Magazine. She is actively involved in the Black Student Alliance, Muslim Student Association, and local mutual aid organizations within the Atlanta and DC area. She hopes to work as a neurologist or psychiatrist in the future, specifically working in underserved populations. She is passionate about investigating neurodegenerative risk factors, especially regarding sexually dimorphic hormones and ones that disproportionately impact underrepresented groups and inequities in healthcare.

Shuyang is a third-year undergraduate student from New Jersey, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology with a minor in Classical Civilization. Outside the classroom, he actively volunteers with organizations such as Emory Helps Guatemala, Canine Cellmates, community clinics, and hospices, fostering his commitment to service and community health. His fascination with cognitive neuroscience and memory processes, combined with personal experiences caring for dementia patients, has cultivated a passion for understanding and addressing neurodegenerative diseases. Shuyang hopes to contribute to advancing research in this field and enhance the quality of life for those affected.

Arin Watson is a second-year undergraduate student at Emory, originally from Atlanta, GA. She is currently undecided for her major, but hopes to pursue Pharmacology following her undergraduate career. Prior to working with the Butts Lab, Arin worked with an Orthopedic Surgeon from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, while maintaining campus involvements such as FirstSTEM, The Kitchen Table, and Emory’s Black Women Initiative. Arin is dedicated to recognizing and researching chronic health conditions in underrepresented communities through socioeconomic surveys and techniques and furthering health literacy for those same communities.

Julia Kamara is an undergraduate student from Los Angeles, California, majoring in Biology with a minor in Global Health, Culture, and Society at Emory University. On campus, she is actively involved as an Emory Student Ambassador, a team lead for 180 Degrees Consulting, and Programming and Service Chair for Phi Delta Epsilon, Emory's premier co-ed pre-medical fraternity. Julia is deeply committed to Alzheimer’s awareness, having helped organize the first Walk with the Mayor of Beverly Hills for Alzheimer's Awareness in 2018. Currently, she is leading a research project investigating sex differences in biomarkers and cognitive function in pre-clinical populations related to Alzheimer's disease. Julia aspires to pursue a career in healthcare and life sciences consulting and ultimately aims to attend medical school, where she can continue advancing her knowledge and contributions to addressing health disparities and Alzheimer’s research.

Sofie Ragins is an undergraduate student at Emory University from Hopewell, New Jersey. She is majoring in Chemistry with a pre-medical path. On campus, her involvements include Emory EMS, Women’s Club Volleyball, APO Service Fraternity, and PhiDE medical fraternity. She is passionate about advancing the understanding of cardiovascular health and investigating inflammatory pathways contributing to the rise in cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ali holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Neuroscience. After moving to the United States, Ali completed a postgraduate research year at Emory and another year at Yale, conducting proteomic studies in Alzheimer’s disease. Currently a PhD student, Ali is interested in biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke, with a particular interest in predicting cognitive impairments and enhancing the quality of life for patients.