tom larocca, ph.d.
Assistant Professor, Health and Exercise Science
Tom LaRocca joined the department of Health and Exercise Science in 2019. His background is in molecular biology and physiology, but he is particularly interested in translational research (using laboratory science to develop practical applications or treatments that can help people). As a graduate student, he studied cellular changes that occur in the heart and arteries as we age, and as a postdoctoral fellow he focused on the molecular biology of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s. As a result of these experiences, he became very interested in understanding the biology of healthspan, the period of life during which we are healthy and productive, and in research on biology-based ways to increase healthspan. Tom is also a former high school chemistry teacher and college instructor, so he enjoys bringing his interests into the classroom.
devin wahl, ph.d.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Devin joined the Healthspan Biology Lab as a postdoctoral fellow in 2019. He recently completed his Ph.D. in medicine, with a focus on studying the neurobiology of aging and identifying interventions to reduce the risk for neurodegenerative disease. Devin has a broad interest in identifying novel interventions that may delay age-related disease, improve healthspan, and increase lifespan. He is currently working on several projects and investigating the influence of novel pharmacological interventions on brain health and cognitive function during aging.
Shelby Osburn, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Alyssa Cavalier
PhD Student
Aly graduated from CU Boulder in 2017 and spent a couple years researching neurodegeneration as a PRA. She joined the Healthspan Biology Lab in its infancy and is the lab’s first graduate student. She is interested in how the immune system changes with age. In her free time, Aly likes to read (fiction, not manuscripts), play board games, and hang out with rescue cats.
MEG SMITH
PhD Student
Cali McEntee
PhD Student
Randy Grant
PhD Student
Sam Burke
Research Assistant