Meet the Team
Tiffany L. Carson, PhD, MPH, FTOS
Associate Member, George Edgecomb Scholar
My interest in research came from a desire to want to help others. I am most interested in improving the health of underserved communities. I am particularly interested in helping people adopt healthier behaviors related to diet and physical activity. I recognize that all people may not have the same goals, desires, or opportunities as it relates to weight or body size. Therefore, my philosophy is to help people to make the best choice that they can in the context of their own life and personal goals. In addition to my research, I also enjoy mentoring and training the next generation of scientists. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors and I take pleasure in paying it forward. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, watching sports, and spending time with my family.
Acadia Buro, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
I am an Applied Postdoctoral Fellow in the T32 Behavioral Oncology Training Program at Moffitt. Dr. Carson is my primary mentor. My research broadly focuses on the intersection of obesity, cancer, and health disparities, with an emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in vulnerable and under-resourced communities. I have a BS in Computer Science and a BA in Psychology from the American University of Paris, an MS in Human Nutrition from Columbia University, and a PhD in Public Health from the University of South Florida.
Jazmin Henderson, BS, BA
Research Coordinator
I joined Moffitt in 2021 after graduating from the University of South Florida with a BS in Biomedical Sciences and a BA in World Languages and Cultures. Given the many ways that culture influences health and inspired by my work with the CRG, my interests lie in not only the use of community-based, culturally tailored interventions to reduce racial/ethnic health disparities but also the impact of geography on healthcare access. In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, photography, and trying new foods. I also love to travel and to discover new music.
Alissa Pena, BA
Research Coordinator
I started at Moffitt Cancer Center as an intern at the end of 2018. I have worked with multiple teams and studies at Moffitt and was able to join the Carson Research Group in 2021. I now work primarily on the DINING study in the Carson Lab. I completed a BA in Psychology at USF. I have an interest in disparities in mental health care, and plan to pursue further education. In addition to all the work and school activities I am able to be a part of, I also take time to unwind. Some of my favorite activities after work include painting, spending time with family, traveling, and riding my motorcycle.
Michael Abaskaron, MS
Research Coordinator
I joined Moffitt Cancer in January of 2022. I received a BS in Biology with a minor in Human Nutrition from The Ohio State University and received a MS in Medical Sciences from University of South Florida through the Morsani College of Medicine. Prior, I had worked in a Cognitive Development Lab as a Research Assistant in the Department of Psychology at The Ohio State University. I also worked as a Research Assistant in Dr. Gina Sizemore’s lab in the Department of Radiation Oncology at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center studying the tumor microenvironment of metastatic breast cancer. I currently work as a Research Coordinator II primarily with the DINING Study which studies how different diets affect the composition of the gut microbiome in order to learn more about cancer prevention. Outside of work, my favorite activities include: traveling, playing sports, going to the beach, and of course, spending time with family and friends.
Emily Rozen, BS
Research Coordinator
I joined Moffitt Cancer Center with the CRG team in 2022 as a Research Coordinator. I work on all three studies (DINING, RESET, and SHINE), helping throughout with tasks such as participant enrollment, satisfaction, data collection, and more. I got my BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Florida Southern College, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Public Health at USF. At Moffitt I am also an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Ambassador and the Co-Director of Community Events for UNITY@Moffitt. Outside of work you can usually catch me at a dog park or hanging out with friends and family.
Danielle White, BS
Research Coordinator
I was born and raised in Tampa, FL and earned a Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Healthcare from the University of South Florida (GO Bulls!). I joined Moffitt and Carson Research Group as a coordinator in 2022 for the RESET Study. When not working I enjoy spending time with family and traveling.
Nashira I Brown, PhD, MS
Postdoctoral Associate
I was born and raised in Mobile, AL then relocated to Birmingham, AL in 2011 to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). While at UAB, I earned my Bachelor in Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science (2015), Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (2017), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Behavior (2022). During this time, I was involved in numerous research projects centered around promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, especially physical activity, in diverse populations. Most recently, I joined Moffitt and the Carson Lab in 2022 as an Applied Post-Doctoral Fellow where I am beyond grateful to be a part of a passionate team of researchers. When I am not working, I am spending a great deal of time enjoying the beach, outdoors, shopping and adjusting to the Florida lifestyle.
Rachel Sauls, BA, BS
Research Coordinator
I started at Moffitt Cancer Center as an intern in 2018. I completed my B.A and B.S in psychology and biomedical sciences from USF. I have an interest in cancer epidemiology and am currently completing a masters in public health with a concentration in applied biostatistics. I currently work on Project SHINE for Dr. Carson, a pilot study for breast cancer women at Moffitt.