Dr. James Burch, MS, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator

Dr. Burch is a Professor of Epidemiology at VCU and an Investigator at the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. As Co-Principal Investigator, he leads the HERO Study’s scientific direction and research design. With more than 25 years of experience studying circadian rhythms, sleep, and stress physiology, his work helps connect biological rhythms to health and recovery. He has led numerous federally funded research projects exploring how lifestyle and occupational stressors affect long-term health, and his expertise ensures that HERO’s methods are grounded in rigorous science and real-world application.

Dr. William C. Walker, MD

Co-Principal Investigator

Dr. Walker is the Ernst and Helga Prosser Professor and Executive Vice Chair of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at VCU. As Co-Principal Investigator, he provides clinical leadership and expertise in neurological rehabilitation and traumatic brain injury (TBI). He is nationally recognized for his research on concussion recovery and long-term brain health in veterans and service members. Dr. Walker has published extensively on TBI recovery, directing multiple national research programs that improve patient care and advance understanding of how brain injury affects long-term wellness.

Dr. Raouf (Ron) Gharbo, DO

Clinical Director / Sub-Investigator

Dr. Gharbo is Clinical Associate Faculty at VCU and Director of Autonomic Rehabilitation within the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. As Clinical Director and Sub-Investigator, he provides medical oversight and ensures the clinical implementation of autonomic rehabilitation protocols across the HERO Study. Board-certified in PM&R and neuromuscular electrophysiology, his work bridges neuroscience, physiology, and rehabilitation to promote recovery and resilience in those affected by chronic stress and injury. He collaborates closely with the study’s investigators to advance evidence-based methods of autonomic rehabilitation that improve long-term functional outcomes.

Dr. JP (Jack) Ginsberg, PhD

HRV Advisor

Dr. Ginsberg is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist with over two decades of experience applying biofeedback and autonomic rehabilitation in clinical practice. As the HERO Study’s HRV Advisor, he guides physiological data collection and analysis to ensure scientific and clinical precision. He holds a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology and has spent his career developing HRV-based approaches for reducing pain, PTSD, and brain-injury symptoms. Working in partnership with Dr. Gharbo and the HERO leadership team, he helps align the study’s HRV methodology with best practices in both clinical and research settings.

Dr. Jennifer Weggen, PhD

Research Scientist

Dr. Weggen serves as a Research Scientist for the HERO Study, where she oversees lab operations, participant testing, data collection, and staff training. Her research background includes published work on PTSD, exercise physiology, and autonomic and vascular function. A U.S. Navy veteran with a PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, she combines firsthand military experience with scientific expertise to advance the understanding of veteran health and recovery.

Bret Clayton-Brooks, CAPM, CCRP

Project and Operations Manager

Bret manages the daily operations of the HERO Study and oversees recruitment, participant coordination, compliance, and project organization. Certified in both clinical research and project management, he brings seven years of experience running large-scale clinical trials. His organizational leadership ensures the study remains efficient, ethical, and participant-focused.

Urenna Orazulike, MS

Study Coordinator

Urenna coordinates recruitment, scheduling, regulatory affairs, and lab sample collection and processing for the HERO Study. With more than five years of experience in clinical research operations, regulatory writing, and medical communications, she ensures each participant’s experience is professional, seamless, and supported from start to finish.

Muna Ali

Project Administrator

Muna supports project management and administrative coordination for the HERO Study. She organizes meetings, tracks milestones, manages participant reimbursements, and assists with sponsor reporting. Her attention to detail helps maintain smooth operations and accurate documentation across the team.

Nathan Kane

VA Recruitment Coordinator

Nathan leads veteran recruitment efforts at the Richmond VA Medical Center, collaborating with providers and research teams to identify eligible participants. A VCU graduate with degrees in psychology and philosophy of science, he is committed to helping veterans access innovative care and research opportunities.

Ben Ginsberg, MS

Clinical Research Assistant

Ben helps ensure each study visit runs smoothly by managing equipment setup and data collection. He holds a master’s degree in Applied Health Research and Evaluation and a Bachelors in Psychology. He is especially interested in how stress and physiology interact to influence well-being. His goal is to continue his education and contribute to improving care for those recovering from injury and stress-related conditions.

Annica Balentine, MPH

Graduate Research Assistant

Annica assists with participant testing, data collection, and study documentation. She holds a Master of Public Health degree and is currently pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at VCU. A former Presidential Management Fellow at the Richmond VA, she brings dedication and experience in veteran and environmental health to her role.

Dr. Robert Perera, PhD

Biostatistician

Dr. Perera is Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Biostatistics at VCU. As the HERO Study’s Biostatistician, he leads data analysis and provides oversight for study design and statistical modeling. With extensive experience in applied statistics and clinical research, he ensures that HERO’s findings are scientifically rigorous, reliable, and meaningful for improving health outcomes.

Sudeep Karki

Data Manager

Sudeep is the Director of Information Science and Technology at VCU. As Data Manager for HERO, he leads the research data operations and information technology providing strategic guidance, IT governance and roadmap for efficient and innovative IT solutions to support the project. He has led several healthcare information systems and data science projects for 16 years. His previous roles include Director of Information Technology at Department of Mental Health Services, Systems Manager for Department of Health where he successfully led the strategic alignment of IT services across departments, overseeing the statewide and countywide implementation of EBT and EHR systems.

Refah Shaik, MS

Data Coordinator / Data Scientist

Refah supports the development, management, and quality assurance of HERO’s databases, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all study measures. With a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina and a strong background in data science, he plays a key role in validating, transforming, and preparing data for analysis. His technical expertise, analytical mindset, and commitment to data integrity help drive high-quality research outcomes and informed decision-making.

Prashanth Wagle, MS

Software Developer

Prashanth builds and maintains the HERO Study’s secure digital systems, including web applications that support participant interaction and data collection. He holds an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Virginia and serves as a Senior Full Stack Developer within VCU Health’s Data and Biostatistics Core. His innovative design and technical oversight ensure that HERO’s data systems are both functional and secure.

Meghan Varner, DPT, PT

Dr. Varner is a licensed physical therapist with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and a strong background in neurorehabilitation and physiology. She has worked extensively with individuals recovering from neurological and musculoskeletal conditions and is passionate about using evidence-based techniques to promote whole-person health. Her expertise ensures that HERO participants receive individualized, professional guidance during biofeedback training.

Laura Boylan, MS

Laura holds a master’s degree in psychology and brings extensive experience supporting families and individuals in both clinical and research settings. She specializes in understanding the connection between stress, behavior, and health, helping participants feel supported throughout their HERO journey. Her calm, empathetic approach reflects her dedication to helping others navigate recovery with confidence.

Emme Simon

Emme brings a background in behavioral health and applied physiology, combining an understanding of the mind-body connection with practical experience in participant engagement. Her approachable style and attention to detail help create a positive, encouraging environment for participants learning biofeedback techniques. She is passionate about helping others strengthen their resilience through education and self-regulation skills.