Staff
Julie Chapman-Greene is an accomplished healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience in academic medical research. She holds a PhD in Health Science from Seton Hall University, an MPH from New York University, and a BS in Psychology from Brooklyn College. As Program Director for Dr. Kinney’s research enterprise at Rutgers Cancer Institute, Dr. Greene oversees all research activities within the Kinney Lab. She leads the implementation and dissemination of ongoing studies, ensuring the collection of high-quality preliminary data for grant submissions while managing data analysis and research operations. Additionally, she develops and refines strategies to enhance efficiency, establish standardized protocols, and ensure safe and effective execution of research projects. Driven by a passion for research administration and leadership, Dr. Greene is dedicated to fostering collaboration to advance research and improve health outcomes.
Emily Heidt holds an MPH in Epidemiology and a BS in Public Health from Rutgers University. As a Program Coordinator for the Kinney Lab, she manages oncology trials, including those focused on genetic risk assessment and cancer prevention strategies. With extensive experience in oncology research since 2018, Emily’s work centers on improving cancer risk communication, enhancing patient engagement, and developing AI interventions to support informed decision-making. She is committed to advancing cancer research and optimizing clinical trial outcomes through innovative methodologies and efficient study management.
Current projects:
- Choices About genetic Testing And Learning Your risk with Smart Technology (CATALYST)
- Genomic Disparities in Cancer Survivors
- Genetic Risk Assessment for Cancer Education and Empowerment (GRACE)
- Biobehavioral Effects of Tai Chi Qigong for Male Cancer Survivors with Fatigue (HERO)
Rebecca Ayala is a Research Teaching Specialist in the Kinney Lab at Rutgers Cancer Institute. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration and a minor in Human Resource Management from Rutgers University. As the day-to-day lead for the TELESCOPE project, she is grateful for the opportunity to guide her team while empowering patients and promoting initiatives to prevent health disparities in cancer screening and treatment. Rebecca is pursuing a Master’s in Digital Marketing at the Rutgers Business School. She plans to promote awareness, health education and literacy, and patient engagement in intervention related programs by means of strategic health marketing and communication.
Current projects:
- TELEhealth Shared decision-making COaching and navigation for lung cancer screening in Primary carE (TELESCOPE)
- Reducing Racial Disparities in Cancer Care with Promoting Informed approaches in Precision Oncology and ImmuNoTherapy (PINPOINT)
Sarah Foran is a Research Teaching Specialist IV in the Kinney Lab at Rutgers Cancer Institute. Prior to her joining the team, she earned a BS in Zoology and a certificate in Global Health from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She is currently pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology at the Rutgers School of Public Health. Her experience as a Research Teaching Specialist IV has allowed her to focus on cancer prevention and control methods using epidemiological and clinical perspectives to improve health outcomes. Sarah’s current research interests include epidemiology, oncology, virology, real world evidence, applications of AI in clinical trials, and implementation science.
Current projects:
- TELEhealth Shared decision-making Coaching and navigation for lung cancer screening in Primary carE (TELESCOPE)
Shanzeh is a Program Assistant in the Kinney Lab with research experience spanning lung cancer prevention, informed patient decision-making, and designing smart healthcare technology such as chatbots. Passionate about improving healthcare systems and patient outcomes, she is particularly interested in data-driven decision-making, tech integration, and health communications. Shanzeh holds a bachelor's degree in Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Public Health from Rutgers University and is currently pursuing her MBA at Rutgers Business School. Through her studies she is further strengthening her knowledge at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and business.
Current projects:
- TELEhealth Shared decision-making COaching and navigation for lung cancer screening in Primary carE (TELESCOPE)
Samuel Tundealao is a Rutgers Presidential Fellow and PhD Epidemiology student at the Rutgers School of Public Health under the tutelage of Dr. Anita Kinney. He obtained his dental degree (BDS) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2019 and his Master's in Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology and a graduate certificate in Data Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas in 2023. Sam previously worked on various research projects aimed at tobacco control and cancer prevention among different vulnerable populations before joining Rutgers Cancer Institute. Sam is currently a member of the Kinney Lab at Rutgers Cancer Institute, where he is contributing to research aimed at addressing genomic disparities among Black cancer patients and their families in the United States. His research interest focuses on addressing cancer disparities among marginalized populations such as ethnic minorities, immigrants, adolescents, young adults, and sexual and gender minority groups.
Current projects:
- Genomic Disparities in Cancer Survivors
Adaeze Uwaomah is a Research Assistant in the Kinney Lab at Rutgers Cancer Institute. Before joining the lab, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and minor in Psychology from Temple University, where she also worked in a Cognitive Neuropsychology Lab, a dementia-focused lab that assessed the everyday cognitive function of senior citizens. Prior to this Adaeze also interned with Dr. An’s Lab at the Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, the lab focused on the mechanobiology of living cells in health and disease. Adaeze was inspired to join Dr. Kinney’s Lab at Rutgers Cancer Institute in order to contribute to research that aims to address genomic disparities among underprivileged people and their families. Some of Adaeze’s responsibilities in the lab include screening and recruiting prospective participants over the phone and through email and entering participant assessment data into various databases. She intends to pursue further education in the medical field in the near future.
Current projects:
- Genomic Disparities in Cancer Survivors
Erin Speiser is Principal Research Associate in the Kinney Lab, where she leads a multidisciplinary team on the Genomic Disparities in Cancer Survivors Study. This R01 is developing an AI intervention for expanding access to genetic testing, with an associated study for evaluating hereditary cancer risk in family members. Prior to joining the lab, she helped establish and manage one of the only hospital-based environmental health research programs in the country, which focused on identifying exposures to everyday toxicants among pediatric populations and adult cancer survivors. Dr. Speiser holds a PhD in Health Sciences from Seton Hall University, an MA in Environmental Education from New York University and a BA in English from the Honors Program at The College of New Jersey.
Current projects:
- Genomic Disparities in Cancer Survivors
Lindsay O'Boyle is a Graduate Assistant in the Kinney Lab at Rutgers Cancer Institute. She graduated from the University of San Diego in 2020 with a B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Marketing and is currently getting her Master's in Genetic Counseling at Rutgers University. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a genetic counseling assistant in both Cancer Genetics and Medical Genetics at UCSF. Lindsay is very excited to help bring cutting-edge AI technology to a clinical setting to enhance the genetic counseling experience for patients and providers.
Current projects:
- Choices About genetic Testing And Learning Your risk with Smart Technology (CATALYST)
- Genomic Disparities in Cancer Survivors