Study Staff

Ruth Talamoa, BS, BA, Clinical Research Coordinator

Ruth Talamoa received her B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Biology with a concentration of Physiology at California State University-East Bay (CSUEB). She is aspiring to become a physician and specialize in endocrinology. She was a summer intern for both the STRONG-D and IMPACT study here at the Stanford DiscoverLab, Stanford School of Medicine. She was also an intern for the Center for Asian Health Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) program at the Stanford University School of Medicine. At CSUEB, Ruth was a peer mentor for Transfer Asian Pacific American Student Success (T-APASS) program, where she mentored students transferring to the institution from various community colleges and helped them navigate the resources on campus as well be of support to the students. She was an advocate for Helping Our Pioneers Excel (H.O.P.E.) program in which she promoted the food pantry and other services to students on campus. She is active in the community working with the Pacific Islander Wellness Initiative (PIWI) as a health navigator in the Alameda County promoting Mental Health Wellness for Pacific Islanders in the East Bay Area. She is a board member of the Pacific Islands Together (PIT) for the San Mateo County promoting Pacfic Island cultures and resources to the community. Her passion is working with underprivilege communities and improving the quality of life focusing on diabetes.

Cindy Lamendola, MSN, ANP-BC, FAHA, FPCNA

Cindy Lamendola is an adult nurse practitioner/and clinical research nurse coordinator at Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford California. She received her master in nursing science and adult nurse practitioner at UCSF. Her career's focus has been on cardiovascular disease, as well as type 2 diabetes and prevention. Her research focus is on insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and its relationship to cardiovascular disease. Her current clinical practice is with the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease with a focus on genetics specific to familial hypercholersterolemia and other lipid disorders as well as other inherited cardiovascular diseases as well as cardiometabolic disorders. She previously had a clinical practice for 6 years caring for patients with complex type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic issues.       

Her research focus continues to be involved with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and relationship to cardiovascular disease. Ms. Lamendola has been involved in cardiovascular nursing and primary and secondary prevention most of her career.       

She is a founding member of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA), and a current board member, fellow and past president. She is also a member and fellow of AHA and a member of the American Diabetes Association. She has been involved with many PCNA projects involving cardiovascular risk reduction and projecs focusing on insulin resistance, CVD and Type 2 Diabetes. She has worked with the AHA and ADA on projects focusing on CVD and DM. She lectures nationally, and has published scientific peer reviewed articles and book chapters on lipids, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiometabolic risks and the relationshiph to CVD.

Naresh Khurana, MBBS, Clinical Trials Design and Management (Certification)

Naresh Khurana received his medical doctor degree, MBBS with major in Medicine and Surgery from Grant Medical College in Mumbai, India. He has practiced as a General Physician and gained significant clinical experience by treating diverse medical conditions. He has worked for the India-based multinational company Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) where he practiced occupational health. Througout his medical career, Naresh has been actively engaged in the prevention of chronic illnesses like diabetes and coronary artery disease.       

Naresh received his professional certification in Clinical Trials Design and Management from University of California, Santa Cruz Extension. He is currently pursuing a career in clinical research by leveraging his clinical knowledge and medical practice. Determined to improve patient health and safety through development of new treatments in health care, Naresh is currently working on the STRONG-D study at Stanford University School of Medicine, California.