Ra Research Program – People

Gayle Chong-Barber
Research Project Coordinator

My name is Gayle Chong-Barber, and I am the Research Project Coordinator at Ra Lab, Section of Behavioral Sciences, Rutgers Cancer Institute. I have been with Rutgers University since 2018. Additionally, I hold a part-time position as a Healthcare Provider and Peer Support Specialist at the Rutgers University Behavioral Health Center. My previous roles at Rutgers include Senior Administrative Assistant at the Office for Research - Innovation Ventures, Principal Management Assistant at Rutgers RBHS - Office of the Vice Chancellor, and Administrative Research Associate at the Rutgers Cancer Institute. Before my tenure at Rutgers, I dedicated 29 years to the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), including 17 years in a supervisory role. I retired from DCP&P in 2018. My hobbies include watching Marvel movies and traveling.

Dr. Nazife Pehlivan
Postdoctoral Associate

My name is Nazife Pehlivan, and I am a Postdoctoral Associate at Ra Lab, Section of Behavioral Sciences, Rutgers Cancer Institute. I received my PhD in Public Health with a concentration in Biostatistics from Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University. My doctoral research focused on the associations between ambient temperature variability and health outcomes such as mortality and morbidity. My current interests include the interactive effects of environmental stressors and sleep health on tobacco cessation, as well as the use of just-in-time interventions and mHealth technologies to improve sleep health and support smoking cessation. Outside of work, I enjoy jogging and spending time with my cats.

Prianca Nadkarni
Intern

My name is Prianca Nadkarni, and I am a medical student at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I am interested in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral research, and I am excited to learn more about preventative health practices in diverse communities. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy reading fiction and dancing!

Anushri Mahabir
Intern

My name is Anushri Mahabir, and I am a rising junior at Princeton University, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Global Health and Health Policy, and History. My research interests lie at the intersection of behavioral neuroscience and public health, especially as they relate to cancer outcomes. Outside of the lab, I tutor chemistry and enjoy singing and dancing!

Teresa Ross
Intern

My name is Teresa Ross. I am a rising senior at St. Rose High School, and I plan to major in biology or chemistry. I am very excited to be a part of Ra Labs and very thankful to Dr. Ra for giving me this opportunity. My hobbies include acting and drawing.