“Research is a continuum. It does not end.”
These words echo the spirit of discovery and mentorship that define the education at Wen Public Health.
Alissa’s research journey began with a question that challenged conventional thinking: What if we could improve brain health not just through medicine, but through community? Guided by her mentor, Founding Dean Bernadette Boden-Albala, Alissa is exploring Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline through a public health lens — one that centers equity, access, and family-based care.
Her work is part of the SERVE OC trial, a clinical study focused on Latino and Vietnamese families in Orange County. These communities are often underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research, which traditionally centers on White, European-descent populations. By studying modifiable risk factors and engaging directly with families, Alissa is helping to reshape how we understand — and address — cognitive health disparities.
“We’re testing whether working with families is actually better than experiencing disease alone,” says Dean Boden-Albala. “We’re embracing the whole family and sharing the opportunity for behavior change.”
Alissa’s story is a testament to what’s possible when students are supported by visionary mentors and a curriculum rooted in real-world impact. Her work doesn’t just contribute to science, it builds a foundation for future researchers, future families, and a healthier future for all.
