Research Staff

Laura Wong
Program Manager - Assistant Director, MOTIVATE Research Lab

Laura Wong is a seasoned research and program management professional with over two decades of experience in clinical research, pharmaceutical development, and cross-functional leadership. Currently serving as a Program Manager at NYU Langone Health, Laura leads multisite research initiatives across premier institutions such as the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Bellevue Medical Center. She manages a team of over 25 professionals and oversees every aspect of project execution—from budgeting and IRB submissions to grant writing and data dissemination.

Prior to her current role, Laura spent nearly four years as a Research Coordinator at NYU, where she played a key role in digital health innovation and clinical trial coordination, including leadership of the PAL Study and VA clinician training programs. Her earlier career includes nearly eight years at Alkermes, Inc., where she advanced from Research Associate to Senior Research Associate, contributing to method development, regulatory compliance, and product quality for drug development.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Boston University and is known for her strategic thinking, strong organizational skills, and commitment to operational excellence.
Email: Laura.Wong@NYULangone.org

Sandra Wittleder, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Project Manager, The GEM Study & The VA WOOP Study

Sandra completed her PhD in psychology at the University of Hamburg and was a visiting scholar in the Department of Psychology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Sandra is passionate about understanding the cognitive processes underlying health behavior change and finding new multidisciplinary approaches to health interventions.
Email: Sandra.Wittleder@NYULangone.org
Phone: 212-263-4149

Sally M. Vanegas, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Project Manager, Bariatric Study

Sally M. Vanegas, PhD, is a NIDDK T32 postdoctoral fellow and program manager of NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Program on Obesity. She has a PhD in biochemical and molecular nutrition with expertise in designing and implementing human studies. Her research interests thus far have included the areas of inflammation, microbiome, obesity, and metabolic disease. As a recently funded T32 Fellow, Dr. Vanegas will investigate the biological factors that contribute to surgical weight loss and analyze metabolic disease regression in a cohort of vertical sleeve gastrectomy patients. In addition, she will explore metabolic factors that can predict which subpopulations undergo different responses to weight loss surgery and disease regression.
Email: Sally.Vanegas@NYULangone.org

Stephanie L. Orstad, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Project Manager, FIReWoRK Study & GAP Study

Stephanie is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine. She is a behavioral scientist and epidemiologist with a background in physical activity assessment and promotion. Her research examines associations among the built environment, physical activity, and mental health. She is interested in optimizing the effectiveness of environmental strategies (such as trails) and motivational approaches (such as financial incentives) to increase physical activity and reduce obesity in adults. When she is not doing research, you will most likely find Steph exploring New York City, hiking, or hanging out in a park with her French bulldog mix, Nugget.
Email: Stephanie.Orstad@NYULangone.org
Phone: 212-263-4143

Andrea Aquines, MBA
Research Coordinator, MOTIVATE Lab

Andrea Aquines is an accomplished research professional with over five years of experience at the MOTIVATE Lab at NYU Langone Health and the VA NY Harbor Health Care System. Throughout her tenure, she has held multiple roles that reflect her growth and versatility, including Project Coordinator, Research Manager, and Research Data Associate. Andrea has led and contributed to several impactful health studies such as the WOOP Study, the Green Activity Pilot, and the Peer Assisted Lifestyle Study, all of which emphasize behavior change, patient engagement, and public health innovation.

In her role as Project Coordinator for the WOOP Study, Andrea trained and supervised research associates, managed complex data systems for hundreds of patient visits, and collaborated closely with institutional review boards and the CDC to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. As a Research Manager, she directed inclusive health research tailored for underserved communities in New York City. As a Health Coach, she designed and delivered motivational interviewing-based programs for prostate cancer survivors nationwide, supporting patients in setting and sustaining healthier lifestyle goals.

At the MOTIVATE Lab, Andrea has consistently demonstrated leadership in coordinating teams, developing training protocols, and managing research workflows across diverse populations. Her work bridges data-driven design with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and health equity.

Andrea’s background also includes service in the U.S. Air Force as both an Air Transportation Specialist and an In-Flight Refueling Boom Operator, bringing a unique combination of discipline, logistics expertise, and commitment to mission-driven work. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry and an MBA from St. Joseph’s University, along with an Advanced Certificate in Project Management from CUNY School of Professional Studies. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Andrea ensures that her work remains accessible, inclusive, and impactful across communities.
Email: Andrea.Aquines@NYULangone.org

Rachel Cansler, MA
Lead Research Assistant, VA WOOP Study

Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and serves as the Lead Research Data Associate and Interventionist for the MOTIVATE Lab. She helps oversee the research and clinical operations of the WOOP VA Study, which explores the impact of an imagery-based goal-setting strategy on weight loss, healthy eating, and physical activity in Veterans. Rachel works closely with Co-Investigators, Project Coordinators, data specialists, and stakeholders within NYU Langone Health and the Manhattan VA to develop and scale research processes for our lab. She assists in leading our team of research assistants as well as training and supervising our WOOP Coaches. Rachel is passionate about evidence-based interventions that enhance overall well-being and is currently training to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her focus is on supporting individuals' mental and physical health through counseling, nutrition, and holistic lifestyle modifications.
Email: Rachel.Cansler@NYULangone.org

Dilara Portelli, BA
Research Data Associate, VA WOOP Study

Dilara Portelli is an incoming medical student and current Interventionist at the MOTIVATE Lab. After three years of volunteer research experience during her undergraduate studies, she transitioned into a full-time role in 2023, contributing to the lab’s mission of supporting Veterans through evidence-based, goal-oriented interventions. Dilara’s work centers on the WOOP VA Study, which investigates the impact of mental imagery and goal-setting techniques on weight loss, nutrition, and physical activity in Veterans.

Her responsibilities include working directly with Veterans to explore and support their health-related wishes and goals, with a focus on improving quality of life and long-term wellness. She is also involved in the lab’s qualitative research efforts, gathering in-depth insights to enhance the effectiveness and delivery of the WOOP intervention.

Dilara’s passion for primary care and preventative medicine drives her interest in addressing obesity and related comorbidities, particularly in underserved communities. With a strong foundation in clinical research, patient communication, and data analysis, she remains committed to advancing holistic, patient-centered care throughout her future career in medicine.
Email: Dilara.Portelli@NYULangone.org

Current Research Assistants

WOOP Study

Abigail Uchitelev
Lily Suleiman
Noah Sheikh
Jasmeen Kaur
Mahima Khan
Amtul Syed
Kyara Agudelo
Gabriella Susino
Janice Arteaga
Andrew Nguyen
Sara Sanchez
Kyra Trivedi

Retrain Your Brain

Maliha Jeba, BS
Christopher Sanchez, BA
Raya Balabanova, MA

Bariatric Study

Evelyn Armijos, BS

MoSTS Pilot

Janice Arteaga Ruan

GAP (Data Analysis)

Katherine Tinco
Michelle Carfagno

GEM (Data Analysis)

Nathan Ihemeremadu
David Aguilar, BA
Christopher Sanchez, BA
Talia Ostrow
Karthik Madhia, BS
Sreejan Saha

A big thank you to all our former staff and interns who have made our studies possible!