Lara Traeger, PhD

Study-PI (UM)

Dr. Traeger, a clinical psychologist, is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami and Assistant Director of Population Sciences at the UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Traeger has dedicated her career to improving psychological care for transplant recipients and other patients and families affected by cancer. She and Dr. El-Jawahri worked closely with their team to develop the current study for transplant recipients with chronic GVHD. Her favorite part of living in Miami is going to the beach at sunset with her family and their new foster dog, Daisy.

Areej El-Jawahri, MD

Study PI (MGH)

Dr. El-Jawahri is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a medical oncologist specializing in the care of patients with blood cancers and those undergoing stem cell/bone marrow transplantation. Her research is focused on improving the quality of life and care for patients with blood cancers and transplant survivors. Dr. El-Jawahri likes to play table tennis for fun and enjoys her quality time with the family.

Ashley Nelson, PhD

Co-I, Clinical Supervisor (MGH)

Dr. Ashley Nelson is a clinical psychologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Nelson’s research and clinical work focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving daily life for patients with blood cancers and those receiving stem cell transplant. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.

Trent Wang, DO

Co-I, UM Clinical Lead

Dr. Trent Wang is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine within the Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Since joining Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, his clinical focus has been treating patients with blood cancers who require allogeneic stem cell/bone marrow transplantation and other cellular therapies. Dr. Wang's research focuses on reducing complications following stem cell transplantations to improve the quality of care for transplant survivors. Dr. Wang is a college football enthusiast and always enjoys the opportunity to talk sports with fellow fans.

Nora Horick, MS

Statistician (MGH)

Nora Horick is a Senior Biostatistician at Massachusetts General Hospital who specializes in the design and analysis of cancer studies. Nora provides statistical support for Cancer Outcomes Research and Education (CORE) investigators, including assistance with planning and design considerations for trials and data analysis. When she’s not crunching numbers, Nora enjoys playing the oboe in chamber ensembles and working in her garden.

Anna Barata, PhD

Co-I, Project Manager (MGH)

Dr. Anna Barata is an Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Barata’s research focuses on improving survivorship in patients with blood cancers receiving treatment with cellular therapies such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. What she likes the most about living in Boston is experiencing all four seasons.

Upeka Samarakoon, PhD, MPH

Research Scientist (MGH)

Dr. Upeka Samarakoon is a Research Scientist within the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education (CORE) Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Her research interests focus on developing interventions to improve the quality of life for patients and their families, addressing the spectrum of needs that arise during and after cancer treatment. In her spare time, she enjoys learning and experimenting with naturalistic planting styles and garden design.

Joely Centracchio

Graduate Assistant (UM)

Joely Centracchio, B.A., is a clinical psychology doctoral student at the University of Miami who works as a graduate student research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Lara Traeger. Joely is passionate about the psychological care and survivorship of transplant recipients, patient-provider relationships, and research programs, like Horizons, dedicated to improving BMT survivors' well-being and daily functioning. Her favorite part of living in Miami is new dining experiences, year-round beach trips, and the vibrant community. 

Hanna Culang, MA

CRC (UM)

Hanna Culang is a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Miami, where she helps coordinate the Horizons study and other projects in the Traeger Lab. She is passionate about making psychological care more accessible for cancer patients and survivors through web-based and digital programs. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, visiting farmers’ markets, and exploring painting as a new hobby.

Andrea Magallanes

CRC (MGH)

Andrea Magallanes, a clinical research coordinator, is a part of the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program (CORE) at Massachusetts General Hospital. Andrea recently graduated from Boston College and works closely with Dr. Traeger and Dr. El-Jawahri to enhance patient experience and outcomes across all stages of cancer treatment and recovery. Outside of her work at CORE, she finds joy in the simple comforts of a good book and a warm cup of coffee.

Andrea Pineda

CRA (UM)

Andrea Pineda, M.S., a research associate, works with Dr. Lara Traeger at the University of Miami. Born and raised in Miami, Andrea earned her master’s degree in psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She has a strong interest in improving psychological care for patients and families affected by cancer and chronic illness. Andrea plays a key role in supporting the current study for transplant recipients with chronic GVHD. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga and Pilates.

Tessa Stewart

Backup CRC (MGH)

Tessa Stewart is a clinical research coordinator with the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education (CORE) Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. She graduated from Pomona College in 2024 with a BA in Neuroscience and works with Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on projects designed to enhance the patient experience for patients with Acute Leukemia and patients who have undergone stem cell transplant. Outside of her work at CORE, she enjoys running along the Charles River with her friends!

Johan Euceda

CRA (UM)

Johan Euceda is a Research Associate at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami. He coordinates a variety of studies, including the Horizons study, which focuses on improving quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. Passionate about patient empowerment, Johan works to advance innovative approaches—such as digital health applications—that help individuals address their health needs. Outside of work, he enjoys playing soccer and spoiling his cat, Sami, with toys and treats.