Penn FTD Center - New Staff Highlight

At the end of 2025, the Penn FTD Center welcomed two new staff members. Read the details below on the new staffers and how you may meet them at the Center!

Joel Thompson

• What is your role at the Penn FTD Center? 

My role at the Penn FTD Center will be as a clinical research coordinator on the clinical trials team.

• Can you describe your academic and work experience prior to this role?  

I have previously worked in the Robert J Lee lab here at Penn studying cell physiology in airway cells. In the lab I handled patient samples and prepared them for research use. I am currently finishing a paper studying the effects of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa metabolites on human nasal epithelial cells and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Additionally, I previously worked as an EMT during the Covid-19 pandemic where I frequently interacted with a variety of patients.

•  How might you be interacting with patients? Where will patients see you?

I will likely be interacting with patients during visits, where I will perform a variety of clinical assessments including taking vital signs and doing blood draws. Additionally, I will help schedule follow up visits and ensure I can answer questions patients and/or caregivers may have. 

• Tell us about a hobby or activity you like to do!

I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee and have played in several leagues here in Philly! I also enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly hiking and camping which I have done frequently this summer. 

Brittany Baker, MSW

• What is your role at the Penn FTD Center? 

I am the social worker at the Penn FTD Center. 

• Can you describe your academic and work experience prior to this role?

I have extensive experience working with individuals with severe mental illness. I held positions as Partial Care Counselor, Group facilitator, and Program Supervisor. 

• How might you be interacting with patients?

My role as the FTD social worker is to support patient and families throughout the disease. My interactions focus on assessing patient and caregiver needs, supporting patient’s quality of life, supportive counseling, care planning, and connecting to community and long-term care resource

s. 

• Tell us about a hobby you enjoy!

I enjoy weightlifting!