Staff Highlight - Ashlyn O’Halloran

Get to know the Penn FTD Center staff! Learn more this month from Penn FTD Center Ashlyn O’Halloran in the responses below!

What is your role at the Penn FTD Center and how long have you been working at the center?

I have been a clinical research coordinator since August 2023. I work on our center's observational repository study UNICORN where we collect data on individuals with a neurodegenerative disease in hopes to help future generations of everyone who is impacted by these diseases. Additionally, I am the main coordinator on our Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLBC) which is a nationwide study, and UPenn is one of few sites contributing sites in the country looking at DLB.

What has this role taught you?

It's a genuine pleasure to be a part of this research center. The collaboration between brilliant individuals and the depth of our clinical research is fascinating. I believe my work here prepares me for the next chapter of my career and further work as I hope to pursue a PhD in clinical neuropsychology, where I intend to continue contributing to this community. It's inspiring to witness the strength and resilience of our research participants, caregivers, and families who persevere through these hardships and navigate this journey. I aspire to continue my commitment to this research, with the goals of advancing care for cognitive impairments and mental health and serving as a valuable resource for others.

What is your favorite thing to do in Philly?

Philadelphia is a beautiful historic city, and each neighborhood is filled with its own unique community charm. In the winter, there are plenty of great museums to visit, like the Barnes Foundation or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In the summer though, it's fun to see a show at the Mann, walk along the Schuylkill, or go to Cherry Street Pier to see beautiful art created by local artists and then sit by the water with company. The best event is West Philly Porchfest, an annual DIY community music festival, with live musicians and performers on every block. Admire the beauty of walking around West Philly's beautiful architecture, enjoy the local restaurants and cafes, and thank me later!