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.  

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.

Ellie graduated from Florida State University with her Bachelor's of Science degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. She is passionate about neurogenerative disease prevention, as well as expanding our understanding of how public health impacts brain health. Prior to starting in the Wharton Lab, Ellie worked as a clinical medical assistant across multiple specialties. Outside of the lab, she volunteers in the pediatric wing of her local hospital, interns for Graceful Futures Society, and actively fundraises for neurogenerative disease research. Ellie hopes to combine these experiences with her work in the Wharton lab in her pursuit of a career as 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. 

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.

Anna Ahn is a second-year Emory College of Arts and Sciences student from Georgia, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-health track. She is active in the Atlas Consulting Group, Atlanta Pediatric Cancer Organization, the Korean Undergraduate Student Association, and volunteers at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Winship Cancer Institute. She is interested in how Alzheimer’s disease may induce rapid cognitive decline in populations already burdened by psychosocial stressors, particularly in women, racial minorities, and caregivers. Anna seeks to understand how estrogen dynamics and chronic caregiver stress may heighten inflammatory and vascular pathways linked to accelerated neurodegeneration. Her passion for this work is inspired by her grandmother. Her goal is to pursue a career in healthcare and contribute to research centered on underserved and minority communities. 

Joaquim Pianetti is an undergraduate student at Emory University double majoring in Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology and Mathematics on the pre-medicine track. Prior to joining the PREVAIL Lab, he served as a Medical Assistant at Oculare Clinic in Brazil, with additional clinical exposure across hospital settings, and has volunteered at institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These experiences continue to inform his interest in patient-centered care, particularly in the context of serious and life-limiting conditions, with attention to improving access, dignity, and quality of life for historically underserved populations. On campus, he is serving as President of the Men’s Club Volleyball Team, volunteering with Project Downtown Atlanta, and participating in ENSA and BioMe, as he prepares for a future career at the intersection of medicine, research, and community health. In his free time, he enjoys karaoke and trying new coffee shops with friends."

Abby Bojalad is an undergraduate student at Emory University from Pittsburgh. She is majoring in Nursing and hopes to be a pediatric cardiology nurse practitioner. Outside of the PREVAIL lab, she is a member of Emory's service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, participates in Emory Global Brigades, and serves as the Panhellenic Affairs Vice President of the Zeta Tau Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.  She is passionate about how cardiovascular risk factors affect longevity and susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease, and how public health initiatives may aim to reduce the burden of social determinants of health that contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Claire Kwon is an undergraduate student from San Jose, California, pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology at Emory University. Her research explores how biomarker levels and depressive symptoms contribute to Alzheimer’s disease risk and how cognitive resilience can modulate these effects. She is passionate about improving access to care for underserved communities through both research and community service. Aside from her work at the Wharton Lab, Claire serves as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with Emory EMS and as a co-committee leader of the Community and Public Health Committee within Emory’s American Medical Student Association. She also works as a clinical data abstractor for Grady’s mobile stroke unit and volunteers at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Outside her academic and service commitments, she enjoys going on long walks, discovering new cafes, and reading. 

Hayden Herring is a postdoctoral fellow at Emory University working with Dr. Brittany Butts and is affiliated with the PREVAIL Lab. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and PhD in Nursing from Emory University. As a registered nurse and nurse scientist, his research focuses on understanding how chronic inflammation influences cognitive aging and risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

His current work examines rheumatoid arthritis as a model of chronic inflammatory disease to better understand the biological and clinical pathways linking systemic inflammation to cognitive decline and dementia risk. He is particularly interested in identifying inflammatory and vascular mechanisms that may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and in developing strategies to reduce dementia risk among individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis.

Hayden’s long-term goal is to become an independent nurse scientist leading an interdisciplinary research program focused on Alzheimer’s disease prevention. His research seeks to bridge nursing, immunology, and neuroscience to identify modifiable risk factors and improve cognitive health across the lifespan.

Marela Cortés is a junior from Dorado, Puerto Rico, studying Integrative Biology on the pre-medical track at Emory University. She serves as President of the Emory Puerto Rican Student Association, where she works to create opportunities for cultural engagement, networking, and mentorship for Puerto Rican students, fostering a welcoming and connected community. She is also actively involved in the Emory University chapter of Project Sunshine, partnering with pediatric hospitals to bring play and support to children across the Atlanta area. Her research focuses on the intersection of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. She is particularly interested in how insulin sensitivity and resistance influence vascular dysfunction and contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. Through her work, she hopes to improve understanding of these interconnected systems and help identify strategies to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Outside the lab, Marela enjoys reading classical literature and cooking.

Adyaa Mishra is a sophomore undergraduate student at Emory University from Bangalore, India, and is majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-med track. On campus, Adyaa is involved in the American Medical Student Association, Emory Pipeline, and serves as an Academic Fellow and mentor for incoming international freshmen. She is also an active member of Emory’s Indian Cultural Association and Emory SaRaas, an Indian Garba and Raas dance team. Adyaa is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and is fascinated by the intersection of neuroscience and public health, with a particular interest in exploring the biological roots of inequities in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. She hopes to continue integrating research and clinical care to better understand and address disparities in neurological health outcomes.

Chris Tong is a junior undergraduate student from New York City. He is majoring in Biology on the pre-dental track. Outside of the PREVAIL lab, he works as a dental assistant and hopes to pursue a career in dentistry. On campus, he serves as a chemistry tutor, leads the mentorship program for Emory International Pre-Health Organization, and enjoys playing club basketball. As a new member of the lab, Chris is excited to study how research on cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and disease prevention can improve health outcomes and reduce disease risk in underserved communities.

Emily is a rising junior at Emory University majoring in Biology. She is interested in research
related to human health and hopes to integrate these experiences in her path towards a career
in dentistry. On campus, she is involved with Global Medical Training, the Emory Club
Badminton Team, and the Undergraduate Association for Women in Science. She also serves as Vice President of Records for Delta Phi Lambda, Inc., an Asian interest sorority dedicated to empowering Asian women through leadership and service, and its national philanthropy on
osteoporosis awareness and prevention. Outside academics, Emily enjoys skiing,
experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time with her dog, Toby.