You Rock Science

Asia Millender (She/Her)

RN, OCN, CHPN, Hillman Cancer Center

Asia Millender is a seasoned registered nurse with nearly a decade of hands-on experience. With a passion for oncology, palliative, and hospice care, she’s had the honor of serving in diverse healthcare environments including the bedside right here in Pittsburgh and across the nation during my time as a travel nurse. Currently, Asia is pursuing my Bachelor ’s of Science in Nursing while fulfilling my role as a Nurse Navigator at the Hillman Cancer Center. Here, she is deeply engaged in assisting patients grappling with GI/GU malignancies, navigating them through their healthcare journey with compassion and expertise. Asia’s ultimate goal is to further my education and become a Nurse Practitioner specialized in hospice and palliative care. It ’s her firm belief that every patient deserves unwavering support and comfort, especially during life ’s most challenging moments.

Becky Clarkson, PhD (she/her)

With assistant Rutvi Chahal, MBBS, Physician and Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Pittsburgh

Becky Clarkson, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor and Director of the Continence Research Unit within the Division of Geriatric Medicine. Her undergraduate degree is in Astrophysics, and she took a winding path through medical imaging before doing her PhD in medical device development. She now spends her time trying to understand how the brain controls the bladder, and what happens in older women with incontinence. She loves to use new technologies and holistic therapies such as brain stimulation, mindfulness, and novel medical devices to help relieve bladder symptoms which can drastically affect quality of life.

Shelby Bradford (PhD) (she/her)

Assistant Editor, The Scientist

Shelby got her BS in immunology and medical microbiology in 2017 and received her PhD in immunology and microbial pathogenesis in 2023. She completed the American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media Fellowship in the summer of 2023, where she wrote news stories for StateImpact Pennsylvania.

Shelby writes a variety of stories about recent research and general topics related to the life sciences for an audience of academic researchers. Some of these are short synopses of a group ’s research findings, while other pieces are long stories that explore the history or applications of popular science tools. As part of this job, she interviews scientists and other topic experts to learn about their work and work alongside a senior editor to craft the best possible work.

Alicia Vervain (she/her)

Community Engagement Coordinator & Full-Spectrum Doula, The Midwife Center

Alicia Vervain currently works as the Community Engagement Coordinator at The Midwife Center, southwestern PA ’s only independent birth center, and previously held a position with Allegheny Reproductive Health Center as an abortion counselor and full-spectrum doula. Just recently, she graduated from the CCAC doula certification program through Masters of Maternity. Off the clock, Alicia enjoys taking in stories through any possible medium – be that books, audiobooks, podcasts, TV, movies, tabletop or video games – as well as dreaming up and writing her own. She is a spoken word poet and performer, belly dancer, and first-time mom to wonderful and hilarious twins.

Dr. Shira “Doc” Feigelstein, DPT (She/They)

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Amedisys Home Health

Doc is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, and serves the greater Pittsburgh area as a Geriatric Home Health PT. For the last 16 years, Doc has gone into their patient’s homes, typically after a hospitalization or a doctor’s recommendation, to help them regain their strength, balance, and ability to function safely. They love their profession, and they look forward to sharing their experiences as a Non Binary, Queer, Jewish clinician.