Staff and Faculty

Sara Masoud, MPH, PhD

Director

Dr. Sara Masoud is a community engaged researcher with a focus on the inclusion of family caregivers and persons living dementia as partners in research. Sara partners with stakeholders in dementia care to conduct research that aligns with their priorities, needs, and experiences. She applies community engaged research methods to address the traditional practices that have resulted in the exclusion of communities from leading the research that ultimately shapes their access to dementia care and support. Dr. Masoud can be reached by email HERE.

Angelica Davila, MD, MS

Co-Director

Dr. Angelica Davila is a Geriatrics and Supportive Care physician in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Davila is a board certified family physician. She received her medical degree in 2012 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed the Family Medicine residency in 2015 at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In 2015 and 2016 & 2017 she did fellowships in Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

 

Caitlin Sangdahl, BS

Research Coordinator

Caitlin serves as the Research Coordinator for two practice-based research networks: South Texas Oral Health Network (STOHN) and Supporting Older Adults through Research Network (SOARNet). She graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in Biomedical Sciences in May 2023. During her studies, she acquired experience in quantitative research, specifically in maintaining live specimen and data collection. Her research interests include microbiology, surgical advancements, and cancer research. Caitlin can be reached HERE for any questions.

 

SOARNet Advisory Board:

Vidya Sharma, MA, RD, LD, CDCES

Vidya Sharma is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas, San Antonio. She is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (CDCES). Her expertise is in community dietetics, with a research focus on chronic disease prevention, community nutrition, and improving health outcomes for older adults.

Jennifer LaCoss, MD

 

 

 

 

Cynthia Sierra, MA, RD, LD, CDCES

Cynthia Sierra, with over 15 years of experience in psychosocial and neurological clinical assessments and evidence-based services, focuses on supporting individuals with psychotic disorders and improving cognitive function and community integration. Her passion for person-centered care and empowerment led her to focus on delivering individualized treatment approaches. Additionally, her personal experience as a care partner for her mother with early-onset Alzheimer’s has shaped her perspective on caregiving, leading her to share her journey at conferences and become a member of research advisory boards, advocating for underrepresented communities in research.

 

Eduardo Zilli, MD

Dr Eduardo Zilli is a general neurologist in San Antonio, with fellowship training in dementia and cognitive disorders, previous academic experience with several publications and grants, and whose practice now focuses primarily the senior Latino population in San Antonio .