top of page
Our Team
Tracy E. Crane, PhD, RDN
Associate Professor, Medical Oncology
Co-Lead, Cancer Control Research Program
Director, Digital Health and Lifestyle Medicine
tecrane@miami.edu
(305) 243-8255
Dr. Crane is an Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at the Miller School of Medicine. As the Director of Lifestyle Medicine and Digital Health at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, she is committed to building an evidence-based foundation for mobile health interventions to reach the greatest number of cancer survivors.
Co-Lead, Cancer Control Research Program
Director, Digital Health and Lifestyle Medicine
tecrane@miami.edu
(305) 243-8255
Dr. Crane is an Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at the Miller School of Medicine. As the Director of Lifestyle Medicine and Digital Health at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, she is committed to building an evidence-based foundation for mobile health interventions to reach the greatest number of cancer survivors.
Grey Freylersythe, NBC-HWC
Senior Manager, Research Support
CRANE Lab
g.freylersythe@miami.edu
(305) 243-9832
Grey is the Senior Manager in Research Support for Dr. Crane’s research lab. Grey is a board-certified health and wellness coach with eight years of experience in lifestyle and behavioral research.
CRANE Lab
g.freylersythe@miami.edu
(305) 243-9832
Grey is the Senior Manager in Research Support for Dr. Crane’s research lab. Grey is a board-certified health and wellness coach with eight years of experience in lifestyle and behavioral research.
Aylin Barrios
Executive Assistant
CRANE Lab
abarrios6@miami.edu
(305) 243-5013
Aylin is Dr. Crane's executive assistant with a love for all things creative and cooking. Aylin is an professional entrepreneur with a degree in Health Information Technology from DeVry University's College of Health Sciences & Applied Sciences.
CRANE Lab
abarrios6@miami.edu
(305) 243-5013
Aylin is Dr. Crane's executive assistant with a love for all things creative and cooking. Aylin is an professional entrepreneur with a degree in Health Information Technology from DeVry University's College of Health Sciences & Applied Sciences.
Paola Rossi, MD
Lifestyle Medicine Clinical Program Director
pxr495@miami.edu
Paola is the Lifestyle Medicine Clinical Program Director for Dr. Crane’s research lab, as well as an exercise physiologist and family and palliative care physician. She is spearheading the development of programs to meet the needs of cancer patients at Sylvester Cancer Center and the broader community.
pxr495@miami.edu
Paola is the Lifestyle Medicine Clinical Program Director for Dr. Crane’s research lab, as well as an exercise physiologist and family and palliative care physician. She is spearheading the development of programs to meet the needs of cancer patients at Sylvester Cancer Center and the broader community.
Melissa Lopez-Pentecost, PhD, RDN
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Cancer Control Training in Disparities and Equity Program (C-TIDE)
mlopez-pentecost@miami.edu
Melissa is a Registered Dietitian and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Translational Sciences at the University of Arizona.
Cancer Control Training in Disparities and Equity Program (C-TIDE)
mlopez-pentecost@miami.edu
Melissa is a Registered Dietitian and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Translational Sciences at the University of Arizona.
LaShae Rolle, MPH, CPH
Doctoral Research Fellow
Prevention Science and Community Health
ldr84@miami.edu
LaShae is a Caribbean-born certified public health professional. She earned her BSc in Chemistry, and MPH in Epidemiology and Global Health. She is currently working toward her Ph.D. in Prevention Science and Community Health.
Prevention Science and Community Health
ldr84@miami.edu
LaShae is a Caribbean-born certified public health professional. She earned her BSc in Chemistry, and MPH in Epidemiology and Global Health. She is currently working toward her Ph.D. in Prevention Science and Community Health.
Madalyn Wheeler, MSEd
Doctoral Research Fellow
Exercise Physiology
mxw1071@miami.edu
Madalyn has her B.S. in Biochemistry and Biology from Roanoke College. She recently graduated at the University of Miami with an M.S.Ed. in Applied Physiology and began working toward a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. Madalyn has been an active contributor for a number of programs, including Believe in You, You Got This, and the clinical trial OnPoint within the lab.
Exercise Physiology
mxw1071@miami.edu
Madalyn has her B.S. in Biochemistry and Biology from Roanoke College. She recently graduated at the University of Miami with an M.S.Ed. in Applied Physiology and began working toward a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. Madalyn has been an active contributor for a number of programs, including Believe in You, You Got This, and the clinical trial OnPoint within the lab.
Richard Ramos, MPH
Clinical Research Coordinator
r.ramos94@miami.edu
Richard is a Miami-born public health professional. He earned his BA in Biology and MPH degrees at the University of Miami. He began with the CRANE Lab as a Communications Intern. Since graduation, he has taken on the role of Clinical Research Coordinator.
r.ramos94@miami.edu
Richard is a Miami-born public health professional. He earned his BA in Biology and MPH degrees at the University of Miami. He began with the CRANE Lab as a Communications Intern. Since graduation, he has taken on the role of Clinical Research Coordinator.
Reanna Clavon, MPH
Clinical Research Coordinator
rdc139@med.miami.edu
Reanna received her BS in public health and Japanese, and her Masters of Public Health in epidemiology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Her research interests include the impact of health behaviors on chronic disease outcomes and maternal and child health, specifically how maternal mental health impacts child development. Her personal interests include learning languages, reading fiction novels, playing and watching video games, and baking or cooking.
rdc139@med.miami.edu
Reanna received her BS in public health and Japanese, and her Masters of Public Health in epidemiology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Her research interests include the impact of health behaviors on chronic disease outcomes and maternal and child health, specifically how maternal mental health impacts child development. Her personal interests include learning languages, reading fiction novels, playing and watching video games, and baking or cooking.
Alexandra Cruz, BS, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator
axc2609@med.miami.edu
Alexandra earned her BS in Biological Sciences and BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is currently working towards her MBA in Healthcare Management at Florida International University. She is passionate about preventative medicine and health equity amongst underserved populations. Her personal interests include traveling, learning new languages, sports, and weight training.
axc2609@med.miami.edu
Alexandra earned her BS in Biological Sciences and BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is currently working towards her MBA in Healthcare Management at Florida International University. She is passionate about preventative medicine and health equity amongst underserved populations. Her personal interests include traveling, learning new languages, sports, and weight training.
Atif Bhatti, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Public Health
axb2836@miami.edu
Atif is an MPH student at the University of Miami and a Graduate Research Assistant at the CRANE Lab. Atif spent two years working in cancer research as a clinical research coordinator at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA before joining the CRANE lab in 2022.
Masters of Public Health
axb2836@miami.edu
Atif is an MPH student at the University of Miami and a Graduate Research Assistant at the CRANE Lab. Atif spent two years working in cancer research as a clinical research coordinator at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA before joining the CRANE lab in 2022.
Rachel Kimble, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Public Health
rxk807@miami.edu
Rachel is a Graduate Research Assistant at the CRANE Lab, focusing mainly on the LIFE-L study. She is a second-year graduate student at the University of Miami pursuance a Master in Public Health, with hopes of pursuing medicine following graduation.
Masters of Public Health
rxk807@miami.edu
Rachel is a Graduate Research Assistant at the CRANE Lab, focusing mainly on the LIFE-L study. She is a second-year graduate student at the University of Miami pursuance a Master in Public Health, with hopes of pursuing medicine following graduation.
Juan Joly Perez, MD
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Public Health
jdj88@miami.edu
Juan is a doctor of medicine (MD) from Colombia and currently an MPH student at the University of Miami. He is a graduate research assistant at CRANE lab, and also a certified respiratory therapist (RRT) with clinical experience in trauma, cardiac, and respiratory intensive care unit.
Masters of Public Health
jdj88@miami.edu
Juan is a doctor of medicine (MD) from Colombia and currently an MPH student at the University of Miami. He is a graduate research assistant at CRANE lab, and also a certified respiratory therapist (RRT) with clinical experience in trauma, cardiac, and respiratory intensive care unit.
Kenna Hollander, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Science in Education
kxh909@miami.edu
Kenna is a graduate research assistant at CRANE Lab. She has her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia and is now a first-year graduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Kenna has hopes of pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology following her Master’s.
Masters of Science in Education
kxh909@miami.edu
Kenna is a graduate research assistant at CRANE Lab. She has her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia and is now a first-year graduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Kenna has hopes of pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology following her Master’s.
Monica Gutierrez Paneque, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Science in Education
monicagutierrez@miami.edu
Monica is a Graduate Research Assistant at the CRANE Lab, focusing mainly on the LIFE-L Study. She is a first-year student in the Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Miami. Her area of interests include understanding the relationship between food, culture, and health disparities within underrepresented communities.
Masters of Science in Education
monicagutierrez@miami.edu
Monica is a Graduate Research Assistant at the CRANE Lab, focusing mainly on the LIFE-L Study. She is a first-year student in the Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Miami. Her area of interests include understanding the relationship between food, culture, and health disparities within underrepresented communities.
Carlos Wright, BS
Graduate Research Intern
Masters of Public Health
cxw954@miami.edu
Carlos received his BS in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida. He is now in the second year his Master of Public Health degree at the University of Miami. His goal is to work in healthcare to assist underserved communities to improve quality of life and cardiovascular outcomes. He has always been attentive to diet and exercise, having played sports for many years.
Masters of Public Health
cxw954@miami.edu
Carlos received his BS in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida. He is now in the second year his Master of Public Health degree at the University of Miami. His goal is to work in healthcare to assist underserved communities to improve quality of life and cardiovascular outcomes. He has always been attentive to diet and exercise, having played sports for many years.
Nicole Saldarriaga Vargas, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Public Health
nxs1422@miami.edu
Nicole is a graduate student at the University of Miami in the Master of Public Health program, working toward a future career in health policy. She has recently joined the CRANE Lab as a graduate research assistant on the LIFE-L study. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, pilates, and attending concerts.
Masters of Public Health
nxs1422@miami.edu
Nicole is a graduate student at the University of Miami in the Master of Public Health program, working toward a future career in health policy. She has recently joined the CRANE Lab as a graduate research assistant on the LIFE-L study. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, pilates, and attending concerts.
Alexandria Scarlett, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Public Health
aps205@miami.edu
Alexandria Scarlett is a new Research Assistant from Port St. Lucie, Florida. She received her
Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Florida along with obtaining a minor in
Disabilities in Society. She is currently attending the University of Miami School Miller School of
Medicine in the Master’s of Public Health Program. Alexandria’s current passions include
reading, spending time with her family and friends, and playing with her two dogs. She is a first
generation student and will be the first in her family to pursue a masters. Her current goal is to
graduate from her masters program and attend medical school. She is so excited to be on board
with an amazing team!
Masters of Public Health
aps205@miami.edu
Alexandria Scarlett is a new Research Assistant from Port St. Lucie, Florida. She received her
Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Florida along with obtaining a minor in
Disabilities in Society. She is currently attending the University of Miami School Miller School of
Medicine in the Master’s of Public Health Program. Alexandria’s current passions include
reading, spending time with her family and friends, and playing with her two dogs. She is a first
generation student and will be the first in her family to pursue a masters. Her current goal is to
graduate from her masters program and attend medical school. She is so excited to be on board
with an amazing team!
Angie Gaitan, BA
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Public Health
avg72@miami.edu
Angie Gaitan is an accomplished and dedicated professional with a strong academic background and a passion for public health, research, and community service. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Angie's educational journey began at Miami-Dade Dual Language Honors College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Biology. She then pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Johns Hopkins University, where she demonstrated her resilience and determination to excel academically.
Her research experiences reflect her profound interest in scientific inquiry. Angie actively participated in the MDW Inflammatory Biomarkers Study at Johns Hopkins University. In addition to her academic and research pursuits, Angie engaged in extracurricular activities, including membership in organizations such as Johns Hopkins Underrepresented in Medical Profession (JUMP), Student Government Association, and Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society.
Angie's commitment to her community is further exemplified through her volunteer work at the Pediatric Emergency Department of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Angie has been an essential part of the healthcare team. Her presence has undoubtedly enhanced the overall patient experience by offering comfort, empathy, and a reassuring presence during often stressful times.
Masters of Public Health
avg72@miami.edu
Angie Gaitan is an accomplished and dedicated professional with a strong academic background and a passion for public health, research, and community service. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Angie's educational journey began at Miami-Dade Dual Language Honors College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Biology. She then pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Johns Hopkins University, where she demonstrated her resilience and determination to excel academically.
Her research experiences reflect her profound interest in scientific inquiry. Angie actively participated in the MDW Inflammatory Biomarkers Study at Johns Hopkins University. In addition to her academic and research pursuits, Angie engaged in extracurricular activities, including membership in organizations such as Johns Hopkins Underrepresented in Medical Profession (JUMP), Student Government Association, and Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society.
Angie's commitment to her community is further exemplified through her volunteer work at the Pediatric Emergency Department of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Angie has been an essential part of the healthcare team. Her presence has undoubtedly enhanced the overall patient experience by offering comfort, empathy, and a reassuring presence during often stressful times.
Zuhair Khan, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Public Health
zmk8@miami.edu
Zuhair is a current M.P.H. student interested in widespread health disparities. Zuhair received
his B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign.
While in college, Zuhair was primarily engaged in health research and community service, which
led him to develop an interest for public health. After graduating, Zuhair worked at a Federally
Qualified Health Center located in Chicago, Illinois, supporting a collaborative research grant
centered around health education community interventions. After earning his master’s degree,
Zuhair wishes to pursue a doctoral degree in Epidemiology, with aims of working in the field of
clinical and translational science
Masters of Public Health
zmk8@miami.edu
Zuhair is a current M.P.H. student interested in widespread health disparities. Zuhair received
his B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign.
While in college, Zuhair was primarily engaged in health research and community service, which
led him to develop an interest for public health. After graduating, Zuhair worked at a Federally
Qualified Health Center located in Chicago, Illinois, supporting a collaborative research grant
centered around health education community interventions. After earning his master’s degree,
Zuhair wishes to pursue a doctoral degree in Epidemiology, with aims of working in the field of
clinical and translational science
Farid Mawanda, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Masters of Public Health
fam82@miami.edu
Farid Mawanda is a first-generation Ugandan, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, with a minor in chemistry, from Saint Anselm College in 2020. Farid is currently in his first semester of courses in pursuit of a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Miami: Miller School of Medicine.
With the combination of the extensive professional skills he has gained over the years, and the knowledge being passed down to him from the University of Miami, Farid looks to pursue a career within the United Nations. Farid is an exceptionally bright individual looking to help the world wherever he can.
In Farid’s free time, he likes to participate in a wide variety of hobbies. From being a professional runway model to learning how to play the piano, his interest does not stop there. When Farid has downtime, you can find him reading about the wonders of this world, or playing a video game. Although the information above shines a small light on what makes Farid the Renaissance man he is today, there is one more thing that brings it all together, he loves to sing Karaoke with friends. You can catch Farid every Wednesday night at the Rathskeller on the University of Miami main campus, signing out his heart's desire.
Masters of Public Health
fam82@miami.edu
Farid Mawanda is a first-generation Ugandan, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, with a minor in chemistry, from Saint Anselm College in 2020. Farid is currently in his first semester of courses in pursuit of a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Miami: Miller School of Medicine.
With the combination of the extensive professional skills he has gained over the years, and the knowledge being passed down to him from the University of Miami, Farid looks to pursue a career within the United Nations. Farid is an exceptionally bright individual looking to help the world wherever he can.
In Farid’s free time, he likes to participate in a wide variety of hobbies. From being a professional runway model to learning how to play the piano, his interest does not stop there. When Farid has downtime, you can find him reading about the wonders of this world, or playing a video game. Although the information above shines a small light on what makes Farid the Renaissance man he is today, there is one more thing that brings it all together, he loves to sing Karaoke with friends. You can catch Farid every Wednesday night at the Rathskeller on the University of Miami main campus, signing out his heart's desire.
Stefan Spee Erlandsen, MSEd
Exercise Physiologist, CRANE Lab
sns180@miami.edu
Stefan is a graduate kinesiology intern at CRANE lab. He is a M.S.Ed Applied Physiology major at the University of Miami. Stefan studied Kinesiology from Universidad Mayor in Santiago de Chile, and has over 8 years of experience in sports medicine and kinesiology.
sns180@miami.edu
Stefan is a graduate kinesiology intern at CRANE lab. He is a M.S.Ed Applied Physiology major at the University of Miami. Stefan studied Kinesiology from Universidad Mayor in Santiago de Chile, and has over 8 years of experience in sports medicine and kinesiology.
Ruth de Mesa, MPH
Social Media Manager
rxd2099@miami.edu
Ruth is a Health Communications Intern at CRANE lab, where she serve as the social media manager. She recently completed her Master's in Public Health at the University of Miami.
rxd2099@miami.edu
Ruth is a Health Communications Intern at CRANE lab, where she serve as the social media manager. She recently completed her Master's in Public Health at the University of Miami.
Manisha Israni, MBA
CRANE Lab Graphic and Video Designer
msi25@miami.edu
Manisha Israni is a passionate media professional with a wealth of experience in visual content creation. She holds an MBA and is currently pursuing an MFA in Documentary Production at the University of Miami to explore her creative passions further. With her expertise in production, direction, and editing, Manisha has earned recognition as an award-winning filmmaker. Alongside her media pursuits, she is a certified yoga instructor and published author in the field. Her love for storytelling and wellness brings a refreshing perspective to her work.
msi25@miami.edu
Manisha Israni is a passionate media professional with a wealth of experience in visual content creation. She holds an MBA and is currently pursuing an MFA in Documentary Production at the University of Miami to explore her creative passions further. With her expertise in production, direction, and editing, Manisha has earned recognition as an award-winning filmmaker. Alongside her media pursuits, she is a certified yoga instructor and published author in the field. Her love for storytelling and wellness brings a refreshing perspective to her work.
Taylor Carto, MD Candidate
Oncology and Related Health Disparities Pathway Intern
Miller School of Medicine
tlc152@med.miami.edu
Taylor is a second year medical student at the University of Miami. She studied chemical engineering at Michigan State University before following her passion for medicine. Taylor aims to make a lasting impact in the field of medicine and contribute to the development of innovative treatments and therapies.
Miller School of Medicine
tlc152@med.miami.edu
Taylor is a second year medical student at the University of Miami. She studied chemical engineering at Michigan State University before following her passion for medicine. Taylor aims to make a lasting impact in the field of medicine and contribute to the development of innovative treatments and therapies.
Our Partners
We have the privilege of collaborating with a diverse team of healthcare professionals from Sylvester Cancer Center. Our collaborative efforts extend to physicians, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and many other experts in their respective fields. Their expertise and passion enable us to provide comprehensive and holistic care to cancer survivors, and we are honored to have them as part of our team.
Jessica MacIntyre, ARNP NP-C AOCNP
Executive Director, Clinical Operations, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Anna Gonzales, RDN LDN
Oncology Dietitian, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Federika Garcia, MS RDN LDN CNSC
Clinical Nutrition Manager, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Leslie Beth Klein, RD
Oncology Dietitian/Clinical Nutrition Manager, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Christopher Fitzmaurice, MS. ACSM-CEP/CET
Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Cancer Exercise Trainer
Julio C. Rodriguez MS, ACSM- CEP/CET
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Past Team Members
Johnathon Johnson
Graduate Research Intern
Masters of Public Health
jxj2138@miami.edu
Masters of Public Health
jxj2138@miami.edu
Justin Harris, BS
Graduate Research Intern
Sabrina Khan, BS
Graduate Research Assistant
Sabrina is a Canadian-born Medical Physics graduate student obtaining her Master of Science at the University of Miami and a Graduate Research Assistant at the CRANE lab. She obtained a Bachelor's in Health Physics and Radiation Science from Ontario Tech University.
Sabrina is a Canadian-born Medical Physics graduate student obtaining her Master of Science at the University of Miami and a Graduate Research Assistant at the CRANE lab. She obtained a Bachelor's in Health Physics and Radiation Science from Ontario Tech University.
Angel Rodriguez, MD
CRANE Lab Visiting Scholar Spring 2023
Medical Oncology Resident and Fellow, Fundación Jiménez Diaz, Spain
Medical Oncology Resident and Fellow, Fundación Jiménez Diaz, Spain
Mercedes Heinermann, MD
CRANE Lab Visiting Scholar Summer 2023
Family Medicine Resident, Hospital Universitario CEMIC, Argentina
Family Medicine Resident, Hospital Universitario CEMIC, Argentina
Nina Okoroji, BS
Graduate Research Intern
Moira Pissinis, MD
CRANE Lab Visiting Scholar 2022
Internal Medicine Resident, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires. Argentina
Internal Medicine Resident, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires. Argentina