Sauyeh Zamani – PhD Student
Sauyeh was born in Texas and raised in Iran. She holds a BSc in Exercise Science from UT Arlington and currently is pursuing her MSc in Exercise Science focusing on cardiac physiology and ventricular function in APAI Lab. She worked as an intern in Texas Health Physicians Group Consultants in Cardiology Diagnostic Lab and performed daily non-invasive diagnostic procedures for referred cardiac patients. In her spare time, Sauyeh enjoys writing, baking, traveling, video-making, and photography.
Surabhi Naik – MSc Student
Surabhi Naik was born and raised in India, where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s in Physiotherapy, and worked as an Assistant Professor of Physiotherapy. She is now pursuing additional graduate training in Exercise Science at UT Arlington. Her research interests primarily focus on utilizing advanced imaging techniques to gain a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved in musculoskeletal disorders. Apart from work, Surabhi loves traveling with her husband and exploring new dining experiences.
1LT Brandon Hathorn – PhD Student
Brandon was born and raised in Texas. He graduated with a BSc in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 2016. He joined the APAI lab in 2023, bringing >7 years of clinical experience, having worked as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention in patients with chronic heart failure, valvular disease, coronary artery disease, heart transplant and left ventricular assistance devices. He is interested in broadening his understanding of advanced imaging and its use in elucidating the global and local mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. His long-term goal is to lead an extramurally funded independent research program at a major research intensive University and/or Medical Center. Outside of work Brandon enjoys scuba diving, spelunking, rock climbing, obstacle races, renaissance festivals and aquarist activities.
Rajvi Shah – Research Support Specialist II
Rajvi was born and raised in India. She obtained a Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery at AMC Dental College & Hospital in October 2019. After earning a Master’s in Public Health with a major in Epidemiology at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in May 2022, she worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator/ Psychometric Rater at a private Clinical Research Firm. She joined the APAI lab in April 2023 to further her interest and knowledge in cardiovascular research and exercise physiology. Outside of work, she enjoys portrait sketching, yoga, language learning, watching movies, and traveling.
Delaney Davis, PhD – Research Scientist
Delaney is from Texas where they received their Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas Christian University in 2016. They worked in Dr. Nathalie Sumien’s lab at the University of North Texas Health Center for 2 years as a research assistant and then joined their Ph.D. program in 2018. Delaney was a three-year recipient of the T32 Neurobiology of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Training Grant from the NIA. Delaney earned their Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences in 2022 where they studied the long-term consequences of psychostimulants on brain function. They are interested in using advanced imaging techniques to elucidate mechanisms of aging and aging-related disease on function/physiology of the cardiac and nervous system. Outside of work, Delaney enjoys adventuring with their partner, learning about weird animal facts, and watching bad movies.
Shames Alaesa, BSc – Research Scientist
Shames was born and raised in Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of North Texas in 2020. After working as a middle school math and science teacher for a couple of years, she joined the APAI lab in September of 2023 to further her interest in cardiovascular research. Through research, she hopes it will help deepen and increase her appreciation in medical science as she works on her goal to pursue medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, interior design, photography and volunteering.
Vivianna Sandoval
Vivianna is an undergraduate student majoring in biology with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Outside of the lab, Vivianna serves as the Social Chairman of Advancement of Females in Medicine.
Jennifer Nguyen
Jennifer is an undergraduate student at UTA majoring in Public Health and minoring in Biology. When not in the lab, she volunteers as a medical scribe in the ER. Her long-term goal is to become a Physician Assistant. She was drawn to the APAI lab because of her strong interest in Cardiology.
Chloe Hoang
Chloe is a third-year undergraduate student at UTA majoring in Biology (pre-med track). When not in the lab, she works as an ER medical scribe, is an officer in the Mavericks for Medical Humanities, a designer for Stimulus: A Medical Humanities Journal, and a former UGTA. Chloe joined the APAI Lab to expand her knowledge in cardiovascular physiology and gain more experience with research.