Staff Highlight - Marianthi Hareras

Get to know the Penn FTD Center staff! Learn more this month from Penn FTD Center Marianthi Hareras in the responses below!

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

I am a clinical research coordinator on the observational studies team. I work on the core UNICORN protocol which is our center's main observational research repository. I also am a coordinator for the ancillary PET studies our center offers certain types of Frontotemporal Dementias and atypical Alzheimer's diseases. I have been at the center since March of 2024.

What has this role taught you?

This current position has given me so much experience and exposure to different aspects of research and healthcare. It has reshaped how I understand both disease and care. I am very grateful for the supportive team I work with but also for the participant interactions and connections I have made. Listening to each individual's lived experience has deepened my understanding of the conditions we study beyond what textbooks or protocols can teach.

I hope to carry these lessons forward by continuing to contribute to work that improves our understanding of health and disease and helps advance more effective medical therapies in the future, while prioritizing patient advocacy and caregiver support.

What is your favorite thing to do in Philly?

One of my favorite places in Philadelphia is the Reading Terminal Market. It is an indoor farmer's market located in Center city with a variety of different vendors and products. My personal favorite stands are Hershel's Deli and Beiler's Doughnuts. The Mütter Museum is another favorite of mine. This museum, full of scientific archives, is a collection of medical oddities for anyone interested in learning about unusual conditions and seeing the evolution of medical science. I also love the music scene in Philadelphia. There are always concerts or live band performances to check out that never fail to disappoint!