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Director & President
S. Mitchell Harman is the Director and President of the Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He oversees all aspects of KLRI's operations, including planning, execution and reporting of research; staffing; and budget and administration. Prior to his work at KLRI, he was a National Institutes of Health (NIH) investigator with the Intramural Program of the National Institute on Aging, an officer in the United States Public Health Service, and a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for 25 years. He is an internationally recognized expert on hormones and aging, with more than 90 original research papers to his credit.
Dr. Harman graduated cum laude from Emory University and received his Bachelor of Science in biology with a focus in chemistry. Dr. Harman received a doctorate of medicine and a doctorate of philosophy in anatomy from the State University of New York Health Sciences Center. He also trained in internal medicine at the Yale New Haven Medical Center and endocrinology at the NIH.
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M. Akif Buyukbese, MD
Clinical Research Fellow
Dr. Buyukbese is a Clinical Research Fellow at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He assists in the development of new research protocols and the evaluation and interpretation of research results. Prior to KLRI, Dr. Buyukbese was an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Gaziantep in Turkey where he focused on diabetes management, patient education and research. Dr. Buyukbese has also worked at the Leicester University Clinical Diabetes Research Center in the UK. He also founded the Internal Medicine Department in Kahramanmaras City, Turkey where he established the Diabetes House, which served as an insulin bank for patients with diabetes who do not have insurance.
Dr. Buyukbese received his doctorate in medicine as well as trained in internal medicine at the University of Istanbul in Turkey.
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Patricia A. Crenshaw
Vice President, Education & Public Affairs
Patricia Crenshaw is Vice President of Education and Public Affairs at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She oversees all aspects of external affairs, including communications strategy, business development, public relations and financial development. Her role is to increase KLRI's awareness in the professional and lay communities, while developing relationships for collaborative and financial support opportunities.
Prior to her position at KLRI, Crenshaw worked for the National Nutritional Foods Association where she conducted fundraising activities for Senators Hatch, Harkin and White; Representatives Burton and Kucinich; the Ohio Republican Caucus and other political candidates.
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Mary F. Dunn, BSN, CNM, MPH
Principal KEEPS Clinical Study Coordinator
Mary F. Dunn is the KEEPS (Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study) Principal Study Coordinator for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She oversees the eight KEEPS clinical study centers. Ms. Dunn is responsible for reviewing study protocol compliance requirements, filling recruitment/randomization quotas, quality control of data entry and tracking of adverse events. She was previously a Clinic Manager/Lead Nurse Practitioner for the Women's Health Initiative at the University of Arizona and co-chair of the Western Region Nurse Practitioners of the Women's Health Initiative. Ms. Dunn received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Michigan, Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, and a certification as a nurse-midwife from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
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Frank Gucciardo, PA-C, BS, MPA
Clinical Study Coordinator
Frank Gucciardo is the Clinical Studies Coordinator for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He assists with planning and the preparation and submission of research protocols to institutional review boards. He is a board-certified physician assistant and manages all aspects of the Clinical Science Center, including protocol planning and implementation, recruitment of study subjects and data research collection. He also performs off-site visits to collaborating study facilities for quality control, protocol review and study support.
Mr. Gucciardo has spent most of his professional career in public service, including serving the veteran and Native American populations and delivering care to federal prisoners. He is a former Assistant Professor with the Physician Assistant Program in Galveston, Texas.
He completed the Physician Assistant Studies Program with cum laude honors at Long Island University in 1973, later returning to graduate with honors in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in physician assistant studies. He attended Syracuse University in 1977 to complete a Master of physician assistant studies.
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Jane Heilman
Administrative Assistant
Jane Heilman is the Clinical Study Center Associate for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She is responsible for study participant services, including contacting and/or responding to potential study participants, screening and scheduling patients, mailing patient instructions, preparing information for studies and performing various administrative duties. She was an X-ray Technician for the N.A.S.A. Space Program and later performed duties as Secretary at Morningside Presbyterian Church. She volunteers in various activities and organizations and completed the Citizen's Police Academy for the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. Her hobbies are reading, gardening and shooting as a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Ms. Heilman attended Arizona State University.
M. Carol Jackson, BA
Administrator
M. Carol Jackson is the Administrator for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She efficiently and productively orchestrates the administrative operations of KLRI. Prior to her work with KLRI, she taught health and physical education courses, typing and English at W.T. White High School in the Dallas Independent School District. Ms. Jackson coached varsity and junior varsity swimming and cross-country running. Her experience as an administrator includes McDonnell-Douglas Automation Company, PPG Industries, Glass Contractors and CORE/Jackson, Inc. Ms. Jackson received her Bachelor of Arts in secondary education from the University of Evansville. She attended East Texas State University of Commerce, completing several postgraduate classes in health and physical education.
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Kimberly Jones
Medical Assistant
Kimberly Jones is a Medical Assistant for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She is responsible for performing baseline procedures, including blood draws and EKGs as well as assisting in other follow-up procedures. She has been a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist for the Motion Picture Television Fund, United West Lab, Biopath Lab, and Western and Venice Medical Clinic. Ms. Jones received a Medical Assistant diploma, CPR Card, Injection Certification and Venipuncture Certification from Bryman College.
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Pat Levin
Executive Vice President of Administration
Pat Levin is the Executive Vice President of Administration at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She oversees the aspects regarding the administrative staff either directly or indirectly. She assists in the preparation of the annual budget and financial reports in addition to managing financial and human resource policies and procedures. Ms. Levin was previously the Vice President of Medical Services at Planned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona where she was accountable for 17 health centers. She established policies, procedures and operational standards, as well as managed contracts and legal issues. Ms. Levin graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree and earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Health Services Advisory Committee at Gateway Community College and sits on the Board of Directors for Arizona Women's Education and Employment and Women at the Top.
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Arline Salbe, PhD
Senior Clinical Research Fellow
Dr. Salbe is a Senior Clinical Research Fellow at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She assists in the development of new research protocols. Prior to KLRI, Dr. Salbe was the Research Nutritionist for the National Institutes of Health intramural research program in Phoenix, Arizona. There her work was devoted to the problems of obesity and diabetes in the Native American population indigenous to the Phoenix area. She also served as the Nutrition Research Coordinator for the Cornell Medical College Clinical Research Centers in New York City.
Dr. Salbe received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College. She received her Masters and PhD degrees in Nutritional Sciences from the University of California at Berkeley.
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Anthoney Stock, MS
Clinical Research Associate
Anthoney Stock is the Clinical Research Associate for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He is responsible for various forms of exercise testing involved in research. These tests include measures of maximal strength, muscular power and endurance, and graded exercise tests to determine individuals' aerobic capacity and heart function. He also assists with the planning and implementation of research protocols and grant proposals. Mr. Stock obtained a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and physical education in 2001 from Arizona State University. He continued his education at ASU, earning a Master of Science in kinesiology in 2004. Mr. Stock is a certified health/fitness instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine.
Read more...
Tinna Traustadóttir, PhD, ATC, CSCS
Associate Director, Exercise Sciences
Tinna Traustadóttir is Associate Director of Exercise Sciences for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She conducts research in the area of stress resilience and aging. Dr. Traustadóttir directs all exercise testing conducted at KLRI. Her recent work focuses on oxidative stress and interventions to increase the resistance to oxidative stress. Of particular interest is the role of exercise in modifying the endogenous antioxidant defenses.
She is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). She received a fellowship from the American-Scandinavian Foundation to study at Arizona State University, where she earned her MS degree in Exercise Physiology in 1998 and a PhD in 2003. Her doctoral dissertation research investigated the effects of aging on the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular responses to stress, and the role played by physical fitness in attenuating the age-related effects on these physiological responses. Dr. Traustadóttir studied exercise science at the University of Salzburg in Austria and earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of Vermont in 1990.
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Panayiotis D. Tsitouras, MD
Clinical Director
Panayiotis D. Tsitouras is the Clinical Director for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He supervises the design, regulatory approval, implementation and reporting of studies involving human volunteers and clinical educational activities. Prior to his work with KLRI, Dr. Tsitouras was Site Coordinator of the Geriatric Fellowship Program and Senior Medical Student Rotation in the Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. He was also the Associate Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics and Director of the Sexual Performance Assessment and Rehabilitation Clinic in the Department of Geriatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
He received his doctorate in medicine from the National University in Athens, Greece. Dr. Tsitouras was trained in internal medicine, gerontology and endocrinology at the National Institute on Aging and Johns Hopkins.
Read more...
Stephanie Tusalem, BA
Marketing Coordinator
Stephanie Tusalem is the Marketing Coordinator for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She is responsible for assisting the Vice President of Education and Public Affairs with marketing, recruiting, grants and communications. Prior to joining KLRI, Ms. Tusalem was an Account Coordinator at a PR/marketing agency in Mesa, Arizona. Ms. Tusalem graduated with honors from Arizona State University in December 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communications.
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Viola Zepeda, RN
KEEPS Clinical Study Coordinator – Phoenix
Vi Zepeda is a Registered Nurse at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She is a study coordinator for the KEEPS (Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study). She is responsible for recruitment, randomization, data entry and safety monitoring of KEEPS participants in the Phoenix area. Prior to KLRI, she was employed by Scottsdale Healthcare North in the medical/surgical department and by Trinity Hospice where she worked as a case manager. She received her Associates degree in Nursing from Gateway Community College.
Read more...
Staff
S. Mitchell Harman, MD, PhDDirector & President
S. Mitchell Harman is the Director and President of the Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He oversees all aspects of KLRI's operations, including planning, execution and reporting of research; staffing; and budget and administration. Prior to his work at KLRI, he was a National Institutes of Health (NIH) investigator with the Intramural Program of the National Institute on Aging, an officer in the United States Public Health Service, and a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for 25 years. He is an internationally recognized expert on hormones and aging, with more than 90 original research papers to his credit.
Dr. Harman graduated cum laude from Emory University and received his Bachelor of Science in biology with a focus in chemistry. Dr. Harman received a doctorate of medicine and a doctorate of philosophy in anatomy from the State University of New York Health Sciences Center. He also trained in internal medicine at the Yale New Haven Medical Center and endocrinology at the NIH.
Read more...
M. Akif Buyukbese, MD
Clinical Research Fellow
Dr. Buyukbese is a Clinical Research Fellow at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He assists in the development of new research protocols and the evaluation and interpretation of research results. Prior to KLRI, Dr. Buyukbese was an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Gaziantep in Turkey where he focused on diabetes management, patient education and research. Dr. Buyukbese has also worked at the Leicester University Clinical Diabetes Research Center in the UK. He also founded the Internal Medicine Department in Kahramanmaras City, Turkey where he established the Diabetes House, which served as an insulin bank for patients with diabetes who do not have insurance.
Dr. Buyukbese received his doctorate in medicine as well as trained in internal medicine at the University of Istanbul in Turkey.
Read more...
Patricia A. Crenshaw
Vice President, Education & Public Affairs
Patricia Crenshaw is Vice President of Education and Public Affairs at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She oversees all aspects of external affairs, including communications strategy, business development, public relations and financial development. Her role is to increase KLRI's awareness in the professional and lay communities, while developing relationships for collaborative and financial support opportunities.
Prior to her position at KLRI, Crenshaw worked for the National Nutritional Foods Association where she conducted fundraising activities for Senators Hatch, Harkin and White; Representatives Burton and Kucinich; the Ohio Republican Caucus and other political candidates.
Read more...
Mary F. Dunn, BSN, CNM, MPH
Principal KEEPS Clinical Study Coordinator
Mary F. Dunn is the KEEPS (Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study) Principal Study Coordinator for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She oversees the eight KEEPS clinical study centers. Ms. Dunn is responsible for reviewing study protocol compliance requirements, filling recruitment/randomization quotas, quality control of data entry and tracking of adverse events. She was previously a Clinic Manager/Lead Nurse Practitioner for the Women's Health Initiative at the University of Arizona and co-chair of the Western Region Nurse Practitioners of the Women's Health Initiative. Ms. Dunn received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Michigan, Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, and a certification as a nurse-midwife from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Read more...
Frank Gucciardo, PA-C, BS, MPA
Clinical Study Coordinator
Frank Gucciardo is the Clinical Studies Coordinator for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He assists with planning and the preparation and submission of research protocols to institutional review boards. He is a board-certified physician assistant and manages all aspects of the Clinical Science Center, including protocol planning and implementation, recruitment of study subjects and data research collection. He also performs off-site visits to collaborating study facilities for quality control, protocol review and study support.
Mr. Gucciardo has spent most of his professional career in public service, including serving the veteran and Native American populations and delivering care to federal prisoners. He is a former Assistant Professor with the Physician Assistant Program in Galveston, Texas.
He completed the Physician Assistant Studies Program with cum laude honors at Long Island University in 1973, later returning to graduate with honors in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in physician assistant studies. He attended Syracuse University in 1977 to complete a Master of physician assistant studies.
Read more...
Jane Heilman
Administrative Assistant
Jane Heilman is the Clinical Study Center Associate for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She is responsible for study participant services, including contacting and/or responding to potential study participants, screening and scheduling patients, mailing patient instructions, preparing information for studies and performing various administrative duties. She was an X-ray Technician for the N.A.S.A. Space Program and later performed duties as Secretary at Morningside Presbyterian Church. She volunteers in various activities and organizations and completed the Citizen's Police Academy for the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. Her hobbies are reading, gardening and shooting as a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Ms. Heilman attended Arizona State University.
M. Carol Jackson, BA
Administrator
M. Carol Jackson is the Administrator for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She efficiently and productively orchestrates the administrative operations of KLRI. Prior to her work with KLRI, she taught health and physical education courses, typing and English at W.T. White High School in the Dallas Independent School District. Ms. Jackson coached varsity and junior varsity swimming and cross-country running. Her experience as an administrator includes McDonnell-Douglas Automation Company, PPG Industries, Glass Contractors and CORE/Jackson, Inc. Ms. Jackson received her Bachelor of Arts in secondary education from the University of Evansville. She attended East Texas State University of Commerce, completing several postgraduate classes in health and physical education.
Read more...
Kimberly Jones
Medical Assistant
Kimberly Jones is a Medical Assistant for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She is responsible for performing baseline procedures, including blood draws and EKGs as well as assisting in other follow-up procedures. She has been a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist for the Motion Picture Television Fund, United West Lab, Biopath Lab, and Western and Venice Medical Clinic. Ms. Jones received a Medical Assistant diploma, CPR Card, Injection Certification and Venipuncture Certification from Bryman College.
Read more...
Pat Levin
Executive Vice President of Administration
Pat Levin is the Executive Vice President of Administration at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She oversees the aspects regarding the administrative staff either directly or indirectly. She assists in the preparation of the annual budget and financial reports in addition to managing financial and human resource policies and procedures. Ms. Levin was previously the Vice President of Medical Services at Planned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona where she was accountable for 17 health centers. She established policies, procedures and operational standards, as well as managed contracts and legal issues. Ms. Levin graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree and earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Health Services Advisory Committee at Gateway Community College and sits on the Board of Directors for Arizona Women's Education and Employment and Women at the Top.
Read more...
Arline Salbe, PhD
Senior Clinical Research Fellow
Dr. Salbe is a Senior Clinical Research Fellow at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She assists in the development of new research protocols. Prior to KLRI, Dr. Salbe was the Research Nutritionist for the National Institutes of Health intramural research program in Phoenix, Arizona. There her work was devoted to the problems of obesity and diabetes in the Native American population indigenous to the Phoenix area. She also served as the Nutrition Research Coordinator for the Cornell Medical College Clinical Research Centers in New York City.
Dr. Salbe received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College. She received her Masters and PhD degrees in Nutritional Sciences from the University of California at Berkeley.
Read more...
Anthoney Stock, MS
Clinical Research Associate
Anthoney Stock is the Clinical Research Associate for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He is responsible for various forms of exercise testing involved in research. These tests include measures of maximal strength, muscular power and endurance, and graded exercise tests to determine individuals' aerobic capacity and heart function. He also assists with the planning and implementation of research protocols and grant proposals. Mr. Stock obtained a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and physical education in 2001 from Arizona State University. He continued his education at ASU, earning a Master of Science in kinesiology in 2004. Mr. Stock is a certified health/fitness instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine.
Read more...
Tinna Traustadóttir, PhD, ATC, CSCS
Associate Director, Exercise Sciences
Tinna Traustadóttir is Associate Director of Exercise Sciences for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She conducts research in the area of stress resilience and aging. Dr. Traustadóttir directs all exercise testing conducted at KLRI. Her recent work focuses on oxidative stress and interventions to increase the resistance to oxidative stress. Of particular interest is the role of exercise in modifying the endogenous antioxidant defenses.
She is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). She received a fellowship from the American-Scandinavian Foundation to study at Arizona State University, where she earned her MS degree in Exercise Physiology in 1998 and a PhD in 2003. Her doctoral dissertation research investigated the effects of aging on the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular responses to stress, and the role played by physical fitness in attenuating the age-related effects on these physiological responses. Dr. Traustadóttir studied exercise science at the University of Salzburg in Austria and earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of Vermont in 1990.
Read more...
Panayiotis D. Tsitouras, MD
Clinical Director
Panayiotis D. Tsitouras is the Clinical Director for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). He supervises the design, regulatory approval, implementation and reporting of studies involving human volunteers and clinical educational activities. Prior to his work with KLRI, Dr. Tsitouras was Site Coordinator of the Geriatric Fellowship Program and Senior Medical Student Rotation in the Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. He was also the Associate Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics and Director of the Sexual Performance Assessment and Rehabilitation Clinic in the Department of Geriatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
He received his doctorate in medicine from the National University in Athens, Greece. Dr. Tsitouras was trained in internal medicine, gerontology and endocrinology at the National Institute on Aging and Johns Hopkins.
Read more...
Stephanie Tusalem, BA
Marketing Coordinator
Stephanie Tusalem is the Marketing Coordinator for Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She is responsible for assisting the Vice President of Education and Public Affairs with marketing, recruiting, grants and communications. Prior to joining KLRI, Ms. Tusalem was an Account Coordinator at a PR/marketing agency in Mesa, Arizona. Ms. Tusalem graduated with honors from Arizona State University in December 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communications.
Read more...
Viola Zepeda, RN
KEEPS Clinical Study Coordinator – Phoenix
Vi Zepeda is a Registered Nurse at Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI). She is a study coordinator for the KEEPS (Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study). She is responsible for recruitment, randomization, data entry and safety monitoring of KEEPS participants in the Phoenix area. Prior to KLRI, she was employed by Scottsdale Healthcare North in the medical/surgical department and by Trinity Hospice where she worked as a case manager. She received her Associates degree in Nursing from Gateway Community College.
Read more...
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