Staff

Brianna Heath, PhD, is the program manager for the APP and GAIN studies. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Southern Oregon University and her PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh, working with cell and animal models of neurodegenerative disease, before moving into autism research. Her role serves as a bridge between project leaders, collaborators, the research team, and participating families. She also serves on the MIND Institute Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, aids with sharing research findings through the IDDRC (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center) Scientific Dissemination efforts, and is an alum of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. She has ADHD and is passionate about promoting self-advocacy for neurodivergent individuals. Across all these domains, her work is aimed at bridging the gap between those with lived experience and the policy makers, clinicians, and researchers whose work directly affects the lives of those individuals.

Melissa Regester joined the research team in 2017 as a Lab Assistant. She is responsible for processing and managing inventory of biospecimens from APP participants. She maintains a specialized database system to track available quantity and quality of processed materials like DNA and blood cells and helps coordinate sharing materials with research collaborators. She has also undergone training at the MIND Institute to assist the pediatric phlebotomist during blood draws to ensure participant and staff safety. In addition to her role on the research team, Melissa maintains the MIND Institute Biorepository and manages operations for the MIND Institute Bioscience Building.

Mason Brown is a student assistant working with David Amaral and Christine Wu Nordahl on the Autism Phenome Project team. He joined the lab as a volunteer when he was a sophomore at Vista del Lago High School in 2017. After graduating in 2020, he began attending UC Davis where he is currently a junior majoring in English. Mason assists with many different tasks, including acquiring night time MRI scans, preparing MRI scans for analyses and managing undergraduate research assistants in the lab. We feel fortunate to have his perspective as an autistic young adult on our team.

Moriah Brasel is a Ph. D. candidate with a background in social work and behavior analysis. Moriah has her master’s degree in social work and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2015. Moriah also has her Pupil Personnel Services Credential in school social work. Moriah has worked with students with various levels of ability since 2011 serving as a school social worker, behavior analyst, and PBIS Coach. Moriah has been working with Elk Grove Unified School District across all three tiers of PBIS implementation since 2016 and is currently the Lead Behavior Support Specialist/PBIS Coach. Moriah is also in the final phase of earning her Ph. D. in Psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis. For the Nordahl Lab, Moriah works with participants and their families to facilitate and and promote a positive experience during MRI scans.

Christina Forgét is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who serves individuals diagnosed with autism and related development disabilities in school and clinic-based settings. She graduated with a Masters of Science Degree in Behavior Analysis from the California State University, Stanislaus in 2009. Christina has been a part of the Autism Phenome Project since 2016. As a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Christina uses evidence-based strategies to support participants through the MRI process. In addition to her work on our studies, she trains and supports educators in a local school district to use evidence-based practices in the classroom, with intentions to improve academic, social and behavioral outcomes for students ranging in age from 5 to 22 years. She is a participating member with the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) from 2016 to present. Christina assists with our MRI process to help children feel comfortable with the MRI environment and have a successful scan.