The BEACH Lab

Meet our team

Our diverse research team brings together individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, and expertise levels. United by a shared dedication to exploration and progress, we each contribute unique perspectives and skills, enriching our collective knowledge and driving groundbreaking discoveries. Through unwavering collaboration and inclusivity, we harness diversity as our greatest strength, fueling creativity, adaptability, and transformative impact in our pursuit of knowledge.

Nikesha Gilmore, PhD, MS-CI

BEACH Lab Director and Principle Investigator

Dr. Nikesha Gilmore, a tenure track Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), is a translational scientist specializing in molecular mechanisms, behavioral medicine, and health disparities/health equity. Her research focuses on developing interventions for frailty in older adults with cancer and fostering health equity for older Black cancer survivors. Additionally, she works on improving relationships between older Black cancer patients, caregivers, and oncologists. Dr. Gilmore has received several grants to support her research, including NCI-funded and NIH-funded awards. She is also dedicated to reducing barriers for marginalized individuals pursuing clinical research careers and co-founded the EmREACh Student Enrichment Program to address this issue.

Jihane Jean

Clinical Research Coordinator
“about me”

Helena Rajalingam

Research Assistant

Major: Computational Biology

From: Brooklyn, New York

Research: Understanding the associations of patient-centered communication and medical mistrust among older Black
male and female patients with cancer treatment

Celina Shoda

Research Assistant

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: Japanese

Research: Understanding physical activity in older cancer survivors

Laura Hincapie

Research Assistant

Major: Computational Biology

Minor: Spanish

From: Westchester, New York and Medellín, Colombia

Research:

Ramana Kolady

Research Assistant

Major: Biology

Minor: business

From: Cupertino, California

Research: Patient centered communication with respective caregivers and physicians under the lens of race

Aman Mulla

Research Assistant

Major: Computational Biology

Minor: Creative Writing

From: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Research: Assessing the potential of Virtual Yoga Therapy in alleviating cancer treatment related side-effects and toxicities.