Skeens Lab Staff

Micah Skeens, PhD, APRN, FAAN, CPNP-PC
Principal Investigator
Micah.Skeens@NationwideChildrens.org

Micah Skeens, PhD, APRN, FAAN, CPNP-PC, is a distinguished researcher and health care professional at the forefront of pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant research and care. Dr. Skeens, who holds a doctorate from Vanderbilt University, is principal investigator in the Center for Biobehavioral Health at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of pediatrics an at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Nursing. She is also a distinguished fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Skeens leads the Skeens Lab, where groundbreaking research unfolds at the intersection of psychosocial and biobehavioral outcomes for children facing cancer and undergoing stem cell transplants. She also continues to practice clinically as an advanced practice provider in the Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. With a passion for innovation, Dr. Skeens is dedicated to developing cutting-edge digital health interventions.

Known for employing mixed methodologies, including qualitative approaches, Dr. Skeens seeks a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of families affected by pediatric cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Through this comprehensive approach, Dr. Skeens aims to contribute to the scientific understanding of the field and improve the daily lives and outcomes of pediatric cancer patients.

With a blend of expertise in healthcare, research, and compassionate patient care, Dr. Micah Skeens is making significant strides in advancing knowledge and pioneering innovative solutions in the challenging landscape of pediatric oncology.

Anna Olsavsky, PhD
Research Scientist
Anna.Olsavsky@NationwideChildrens.org

Anna Olsavsky, PhD, is a research scientist for the Skeens Lab. She earned her doctorate in human development and family science from The Ohio State University. Dr. Olsavsky's research interests center on family systems and attachment theoretical perspectives to understand the roles of family relationships (i.e., parent−child relationships, coparenting, couple relationships) for parent, child and family outcomes. Additionally, given their often-overlooked roles in parenting, she has a special interest in fathers’ parenting behaviors and father–child relationships. Since coming to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the focus of her research has primarily been applied to children with cancer and their families—an area where familial relationships likely have far-reaching implications. Across her work, findings have underscored the importance of high-quality coparenting relationships for family, parent and child wellbeing. Dr. Olsavsky has expertise in dyadic data analyses, survey and observational evaluations of family relationships and child emotional, social and cognitive development.

Kerry Orton, MPH
Project Manager
Kerry.Orton@NationwideChildrens.org

Kerry Orton serves as project manager for the Skeens Lab and senior advisor to the Neurodevelopmental Research Affinity Group, led by H. Gerry Taylor, PhD. Kerry’s expertise encompasses community development, health, and academia. She has a proven track record of crafting and establishing successful programs from inception, including the development of the Safe Mobility Project at Akron Children’s Hospital and the Child Brain & Development Lab at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Kerry is passionate about facilitating collaborations, supporting learning and professional growth among trainees, and developing strong programs and initiatives from the ground up. Kerry obtained a bachelor's degree in biology from Miami University and a master's degree in health behavior and health promotion from The Ohio State University. She was selected as the Outstanding Research Staff Member by the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in both 2019 and 2024.

Julia Bergman
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Julia.Bergman@NationwideChildrens.org

Julia Bergman earned dual bachelor's degrees in psychology and Theater from Tulane University and a master's in child study and human development from Tufts University, with a concentration in clinical-developmental health and psychology. As part of her graduate studies, she completed a research internship at Boston Children’s Hospital. Julia has volunteered at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Manning Children’s and previously interned at a childhood cancer nonprofit. She is excited to return to a patient-facing role and deepen her clinical research experience. Her research interests include family-centered care, hospital design, palliative care, diagnostic odysseys and psychosocial interventions. Julia plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology and become a pediatric psychologist.

Adelaide Booze
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Adelaide.Booze@NationwideChildrens.org

Adelaide Booze is a 2023 graduate of the University of Vermont, where she earned her BA in psychology and neuroscience. Seeking an opportunity to further her research skills, she became a clinical research coordinator in the Skeens Lab, where she is responsible for recruitment, study management, data collection/analysis and dissemination. In the future, she hopes to pursue research related to children's quality of life, mental health and resilience. Her long-term goal is to obtain a doctorate in clinical psychology to help develop evidence-based interventions to improve the well-being of adolescents and young adults.

Bianca Franklin, MS
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Bianca.Franklin@NationwideChildrens.org

Bianca Franklin earned her bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in pre-med, with minors in chemistry and spanish, from Alabama State University in 2022. In August 2024, she completed her master's of medical science degree at Baylor University. Her research interests focus on youth with diagnoses and other pediatric chronic illnesses. Her passion lies in contributing to efforts that bridge healthcare gaps across all regions. Bianca became a research coordinator in the Skeens Lab to develop her skills in pediatric interventions and improve the quality of life in pediatric oncology. In the lab, Bianca executes varied tasks such as coordinating a project focused on managing treatment responsibilities for adolescents and emerging adults undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplants, including those diagnosed with cancer. Bianca aspires to pursue a medical education.

Madeline Peek
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Madeline.Peek@NationwideChildrens.org

Madeline Peek is a 2024 graduate of the College of Wooster, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree in psychology and a minor in spanish. She joined the Skeens Lab as a clinical research coordinator to gain research skills and expose herself to new clinical populations and research methodologies. In the lab, Maddie is responsible for a variety of tasks: study recruitment, data analysis/collection, manuscript writing and data/study management. Her research interests focus on health psychology, specifically the influence of physical activity on the wellbeing and mental health of developing individuals. After her time in the Skeens Lab, Maddie plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. She ultimately hopes to become a clinician-scientist working to improve patient outcomes.

Mark Wang
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Mark.Wang@NationwideChildrens.org

Mark Wang graduated from The Ohio State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s in psychology. Mark began his time in the Center for Biobehavioral Health as a student intern and now continues as a clinical research coordinator. He is responsible for various tasks including study recruitment, data analysis, and product testing. His research interests include adherence and understanding symptom burden. Mark hopes to eventually matriculate into medical school and pursue a career in medicine.

Olivia Kuns
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Olivia.Kuns@NationwideChildrens.org

Olivia Kuns graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2016 and subsequently worked in nonprofit development for five years in Chicago where she discovered her passion for medicine. In 2021, she completed a second bachelor’s degree in medical sciences at Dominican University in Illinois and is now a medical student at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dublin, Ohio. She plans to pursue hematology-oncology after graduation.

Lydia Wisne
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Lydia.Wisne@NationwideChildrens.org

Lydia Wisne is a 2024 graduate from The Ohio State University where she earned her bachelor’s in science in medical anthropology. During her undergraduate studies, she developed skills and passion in data analysis, scientific writing and a social and historical understanding of the medical field. After graduation, Lydia gained valuable experience in data collection and research design at The PAST Foundation. Currently, she is applying her skills in mixed methods data analysis in both the Skeens Lab and Ahna Pai’s lab. After her time in the lab, she plans to pursue further academic work in Public Health.

Haya Alsammerai
Research Intern
Haya.Alsammerai@NationwideChildrens.org

Haya Alsammerai is a freshman at The Ohio State University pursuing an honors degree in neuroscience. Haya is a curious and ambitious student with academic interest in medication adherence, preventative education and substance use/abuse. She is interested in multiple areas of the medical field as well as research. Upon finishing her undergraduate studies, Haya hopes to obtain an MD/PhD and become a surgeon-scientist, contributing to patient care, development of students and trainees and the scientific community at large. In the Skeens Lab, Haya is responsible for data management, transcription, SDOH coding and literature reviews.

Macy Courtney
Research Intern
Macy.Courtney@NationwideChildrens.org

Macy Courtney is a sophomore at The Ohio State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Macy joined the Skeens Lab as a research intern to gain hands-on experience in clinical research. In the lab, she assists with reviewing and analyzing data. She is interested in the intersection of biobehavioral health, immunology, and public health, and is passionate about understanding how psychological and biological factors influence overall well-being. After completing her undergraduate studies, Macy plans to pursue an MD or MD/MPH with the goal of combining clinical practice and research to better understand the complex factors that influence child and adolescent health.

Neil Hariths
Research Intern
Neil.Hariths@NationwideChildrens.org

Neil Hariths is a student at The Ohio State University pursuing his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and political science, with a minor in medical humanities. He joined the Skeens Lab as a research intern to gain experience in clinical research, with a particular interest in how research informs innovative patient-centered care. In the lab, Neil contributes to data analysis and transcription, along with various other tasks. Upon graduation, Neil plans to pursue an MD/MPH, with long-term interests in medical oncology and public health. He is especially interested in how population-level behavior and communication influence cancer detection and treatment, and in the future, hopes to build a career that blends both direct patient care and research.

Mariam Kochashvili
Research Intern
Mariam.Kochashvili@NationwideChildrens.org

Mariam Kochashvili graduated from Earlham College in 2023 with a degree in psychology and a minor in medical humanities. She joined the Skeens Lab as a Clinical Research Coordinator, supporting NIH-funded studies on mHealth interventions and cancer symptom communication. In Fall 2025, she will begin her PhD in clinical psychology at West Virginia University, where she will continue contributing to the lab's work. Her research interests include psychosocial outcomes in cancer care and family communication.

Tharun Nambi
Research Intern
Tharun.Nambi@NationwideChildrens.org

Tharun is a junior at Olentangy Orange High School, with plans to pursue a degree in bioinformatics after graduation. Tharun is an avid learner with research interests in biomedical sensing and diagnostics, as well as pediatric oncology. Before joining the Skeen’s Lab, Tharun gained experience in data cleaning and analysis in Dr. Paola Malerba's lab at Nationwide Children's. In his current role at the Skeen’s lab, he contributes to data transcription, SDOH coding and literature reviews.

Nivedha Sriramji
Research Intern
Nivedha.Sriramji@NationwideChildrens.org

Nivedha Sriramji is a sophomore at Ohio State University pursuing an honors degree in pharmaceutical sciences. She joined the Skeens Lab as a student research intern, excited to gain experience in clinical research and make a positive impact in the medical field. Nivedha is interested in medication adherence, social determinants of health and the translation of medical research from lab to clinic. In the lab, she contributes to qualitative data transcription, cleaning and analysis, literature reviews and participates in clinical shadowing. Nivedha plans to pursue an MD and become a physician who practices with empathy and care.