TECHNOLOGY

Clinical Research Core

Translating the biology of aging to human research and health

Advancing the biology of aging towards human health applications

The mission of the Clinical Research Core at the Buck Institute is to accelerate the progress of translational geroscience to improve healthy aging for all people. The Core enables innovative, human-focused basic science of aging as well as carrying out early-stage, proof-of-concept clinical trials to test ideas and mechanisms that emerge from the laboratory. We specialize in older adults, but we conduct research across the lifespan. Aging affects every one of us, so we are committed to community-engaged, inclusive research involving diverse individuals and communities that represent all of us.

Information about active clinical studies can be found here:

Buck Clinical Trials

John Newman, MD, PhD . Director, Clinical Research Core
Dr. Newman is an assistant professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and in the Division of Geriatrics at University of California San Francisco (UCSF). His career goal is to translate our expanding understanding of aging biology to improve the care and help maintain the independence of older adults. His research at the Buck Institute studies the molecular details of how diet and fasting regulate the genes and pathways that in turn control aging, focusing on the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate and how its molecular signaling activities involving epigenetics and inflammation regulate aging and memory in mice. 

Dr. Newman is also a geriatrician who cares for hospitalized older adults at UCSF and the San Francisco VA Medical Center, focusing on preserving mobility and preventing delirium. His undergraduate education was at Yale University, with a BS/MS in molecular biophysics and biochemistry that included studying growth factor signaling in the roundworm C. elegans. He completed an MD/PhD at the University of Washington, where his graduate work studies focused on the progeroid Cockayne syndrome with Dr. Alan Weiner. While at UW, he developed new bioinformatics tools for the analysis of patterns in gene expression data. He then completed a residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in geriatric medicine at UCSF. He is an National Institute on Aging Beeson Scholar.

Dr. Newman is a native of Long Island, New York, and a lifelong Mets fan. He has lived in San Francisco since 2008. He enjoys playing volleyball, watching baseball, exploring the natural beauty of the Bay Area, and having fun food experiences.
Brianna Stubbs. PhD . Associate Director, Clinical Research Core
Dr. Stubbs is a world expert in exogenous ketone metabolism and its implications for performance, resilience and health-span. She completed her PhD in Metabolic Physiology at the University of Oxford, studying the metabolism and the application of exogenous ketone salts and esters. Whilst completing her studies, she competed on the British International Rowing Team, and was a two-time World Champion lightweight athlete. Brianna is currently Lead Translational Scientist in the Business Development Team at The Buck Institute for Research on Aging where she is focused on the translation of ketone body research into consumer products and drugs that target healthy aging.
Thelma Garcia. PhD . Administrative Director. Clinical Research Core
Dr. Thelma Garcia is the Newman Lab Senior Scientific & Administrative Laboratory Manager and Advisor. Her prior research project involved maintaining a comprehensive database of ketone body metabolics. Thelma is primarily interested in glucose and insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure, lipid metabolism, and other potential metabolic effects of BHB and its structural analogs. She also enjoys expanding her mentoring skills and takes pride in training, supervising, and maintaining lab relationships while addressing inequities in the workplace for all historically marginalized groups. She proactively assesses the needs of the scientists and develops methods to enable the efficient functioning of the lab. Moreover, she coordinates with relevant departments and collaborating research institutions to ensure the needs of all scientists are met.

Dr. Garcia also serves as a hands-on research project manager. She assists scientists in planning and troubleshooting experiments to promote awareness and communication in the lab. As a safety lab officer, Thelma ensures full compliance, updates, and modifications of Biological User Authorizations (BUA, BSL-2), IACUC, IRB and any other permits for all projects. In the role of lab administrator, she manages capitals and budgets, resource requirements, and financial budget analysis, in addition to grant support.

She is an exemplary role model for the students of the Newman lab from starting her academic career as a first-generation college student herself and becoming an amazing and inspiring Latina leader for the team. She is also deeply invested in using best practices to increase student learning, reduce barriers and close the opportunity gap. She believes that everyone can be a capable STEM learner. Her passion and calling for equity in education through research in science is her engine. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonoma State University, and later completed doctoral studies in Chemistry at UC Davis. As a APHL-CDC/NCEH Environmental Health Fellow postdoctoral fellow, her focus was in human biochemistry/toxicology.
Laura Alexander, RN . Clinical Research Nurse
Laura grew up in the Chicago area and attended Northern Illinois University where she received her Bachelors in Nursing. She is a registered nurse with 40+ years experience, fifteen of those in management. Her most recent position was Director of Nursing at a long term care facility where she fell in love with her elderly patients and became a strong advocate for the elderly population. She has started her own business as a medical foot care specialist for seniors. Laura is new to research and is excited to learn all she can at The Buck. She has lived in San Rafael with her husband, Jon since 1987. She has four grown sons, three daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. Her outside interests include outrigger canoeing, camping, baking, photography and writing and she is always looking for a new adventure.
Wendy Silverman-Martin, RN . Clinical Research Nurse
Ester Hernandez . Bilingual Clinical Researcher Associate
Ester was born in Mexico and raised in Fresno, California. Ester completed her B.S. in biochemistry at Sonoma State University in 2020. When she was 18, she began working as a certified nurse assistant in long-term care facilities. During college she worked as a caregiver and nursing assistant at her community hospital. Her experience with vulnerable patients such as those with Alzheimer's and dementia has inspired her to pursue a medical career in the future. Additionally, she worked for LGC Biosearch Technologies for two years as a member of the purification team. During her free time, Ester enjoys hiking the mountains, cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, exploring coffee shops, taking photographs, and spending time with her sisters.
Lali Perez . Clinical Research Associate
Alejandra Citlali Perez-Bilingual Clinical Research Associate -Lali was born in Santa Rosa, California, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Sonoma State University. She further pursued her studies in Organic Chemistry at the University of Florida. At just 19, she embarked on her first undergraduate research experience, investigating the toxicity of PFNA in K562 leukemia cells under the guidance of Dr. Eric Gato at Georgia Southern University. This formative experience ignited her passion for research and solidified her decision to pursue a career in the field. Initially focused on Organic Chemistry, Lali’s trajectory shifted after losing a close relative to Alzheimer’s disease, which sparked a deep personal interest in neurological disorders and their impact on individuals and families. Motivated by this experience, she decided to redirect her focus toward clinical research in the area of Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases. Through a professional connection with Thelma from MESA organization, Lali was introduced to opportunities in clinical research, where she now works as a Bilingual Clinical Research Associate. Her unique combination of scientific expertise, personal drive, and dedication to improving patient outcomes has made her a valuable contributor to advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological diseases. Outside of work, Lali enjoys long-distance running, yoga, and spending time with her cat, Keanu Reeves. She’s passionate about self-reflection through journaling, listening to podcasts, and immersing herself in nature, finding balance and inspiration in these activities.
Chat Senadheera . Clinical Project Manager
Chatura is a Clinical Research Associate working on the Buck Clinical Unit set up to carry out research on human volunteers. He received his B.S in biotechnology and M.S in molecular life sciences research from Kings College London in the UK and a Diploma in clinical pharmacology practice from the University of West London. He has worked in microbiology laboratory at Kings College London on characterizing antibiotic profiles in mobile genetic elements as well as in a molecular biology laboratory in the Department of Virology in the University of Cambridge where he worked on RNA virus translation mechanisms. He has worked in the field of clinical research for over a decade at a Clinical Research Organization (CRO) in London, Hammersmith Medicines Research, which specialized in early phase (phase I & II) clinical trials of study drugs for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. When he is not working, he will be found cooking, reading and exploring his local area for foodie hidden gems.
Elizabeth Stephens . Clinical Research Associate
Liz completed her B.S. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2023. She also earned minors in Molecular Biochemistry and Philosophy with an emphasis in Ethics, Law, and Politics. Liz has fostered a passion for improving the lives of older adults, bringing 5 years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant working in long term, post-acute, and acute care. When she isn't working, Liz enjoys spending time with her cats, Gizmo and Miranda, baking, playing the piano, and exploring Northern California.
Susan Gross, MD . Clinical Research Physician
Dr. Susan Gross is a physician with over two decades of experience in family and sports medicine, and leadership within healthcare systems. She most recently served as Senior Physician at The Permanente Medical Group in San Rafael, California, where she held several leadership roles, including Elected Director on the TPMG Corporate Board (2018-2024). Dr. Gross’s career has focused on advancing healthcare and well-being, particularly through exercise and community health initiatives. She has been active in promoting brain health following concussions and served as team physician for St. Vincent de Paul High School and as a captain of the Nike Women’s Marathon medical tent. Dr. Gross earned her Doctor of Medicine, cum laude, from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Alabama, Huntsville. She is board-certified in Family, Sports, and Lifestyle Medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, various outdoor activities and travel.
Susan Schneider, MD, MSPH . Clinical Research Physician