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Dr. Cellas Ari’ka Hayes is a translational neuroepidemiologist whose research examines the intersection of vascular health, neurodegeneration, and population-level heterogeneity in brain aging. His work integrates longitudinal cohort data, plasma biomarkers, neuroimaging, neuropathology, proteomics, genomics, and advanced epidemiological methods to better understand the biological and social determinants of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

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Dr. Hayes’ research program focuses on three primary areas: longitudinal changes in blood-based biomarkers and their relationships with cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative outcomes; multi-omics discovery of biomarkers and pathways contributing to ADRD heterogeneity; and population differences in brain aging related to vascular risk, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic conditions.

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Before joining the University of Kentucky, Dr. Hayes completed four years of postdoctoral training in neuroepidemiology at Stanford University. He earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences with an emphasis in pharmacology and also completed formal training in observational epidemiology and biostatistics. His earlier preclinical research examined cell-specific insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling in cognition and stroke.

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As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Hayes is strongly committed to mentorship, inclusive training, and expanding access to research careers. He has mentored learners across career stages, from high school and undergraduate students to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

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​Research interests: Neuroepidemiology; vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia; blood-based biomarkers; cerebral small vessel disease; neuropathology; proteomics; genomics; causal inference; population health; and ADRD heterogeneity.

Natalie Rader, MS, is a Research Scientist I in the Hayes Laboratory at the University of Kentucky. She earned both her Bachelor of Public Health and a Master of Science in Biostatistics from the University of Kentucky. Beginning with a foundation in public health, Natalie developed an interest in biostatistics as a way to answer complex questions about health and disease, ultimately leading her to apply these skills within neuroscience and neuroepidemiology.

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Her research interests center on understanding the complex factors that contribute to cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She is particularly interested in social determinants of health, cognitive decline, and the vascular and neuropathologic processes involved in dementia. Natalie is drawn to collaborative, interdisciplinary research that brings together public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and neuroscience.

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Outside of research, Natalie enjoys staying connected to her background in music as a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, and spending time with her golden retriever, Booker.

Kaylah Pitts is a Scientific Research Coordinator in the Hayes Laboratory at the University of Kentucky. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from The Ohio State University, specializing in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, with a minor in American Sign Language. She is fluent in ASL and works as an American Sign Language Interpreter. Kaylah also earned her Master of Public Health from Indiana University. Outside of research, she is the founder of KP Learning Lab LLC, which has served over 100 families and partners with local community centers to provide free and reduced-cost tutoring to students in underserved communities. She hopes to intersect her passions for neuroscience, education, and public health throughout her future endeavors. Kaylah is also a proud, active, and financial member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.