Dr. Hacker graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a B.S. in Chemistry in 2007. She attended Vanderbilt University where she earned a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology studying neurodegenerative pathways arising from Coenzyme Q deficiency in 2013. She received postdoctoral training in neurology clinical research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and was a visiting assistant professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in 2016. She completed the Vanderbilt School of Medicine Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) program in 2019.

Dr. Hacker received the 2019 Kumar New Investigator Award from the North American Neuromodulation Society. She has received funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), and the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). 

@MalloryHacker

Dr. Charles graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University School of Engineering in 1986 with a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics and earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1990. He did his internship in the department of Medicine and his residency in the department of Neurology at Vanderbilt. From 1993-94 he was Chief Resident in Neurology, and from 1994-95 he was a Fellow in Movement Disorders and Clinical Neurophysiology at Vanderbilt. In 1996, he completed a Health Care Management course at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management, and in 1997 he completed the Harvard Macy Institute Program for Physician Educators at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Charles is currently Professor and Vice-Chair of Neurology and Medical Director of Vanderbilt Telehealth.

Dr. Charles is a member of the American Neurological Association, Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, and Chair of the Alliance for Patient Access. He is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society and in 2007 received the CANDLE Award. Recipients are chosen based upon their positive impact on the lives of physicians-in-training and are recognized by their students as examples of excellence in medical education. From 1997-98, Dr. Charles served as a Health Policy Fellow in the United States Senate on the staff of the Labor Subcommittee for Public Health and Safety. In 1998 he studied deep brain stimulation for the treatment of movement disorders as a Fulbright Senior Scholar at the Universitaire de Grenoble in Grenoble, France. In 2000 Dr. Charles was a nominee for the United States House of Representatives from Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District.

@DavidCharlesMD

Kelly Harper is a Senior Program Manager in the Department of Neurology. She graduated with honors from Lipscomb University with a BPS in Organizational Leadership and Psychology. Kelly is the Principal Investigator on several investigator-initiated teleneurology studies and the study coordinator on clinical trials for movement disorders. She also leads departmental quality improvement projects and directs medical education programs for resident physicians and junior faculty. What she finds most enjoyable, however, is assisting with a spasticity clinic for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Outside the office, Kelly enjoys hiking, listening to true crime podcasts, traveling, and teaching her old dog new tricks.

@kellyharper_

Nicole Jones is a Senior Clinical Trials Specialist in the Department of Neurology. Nicole hails from Ohio where she graduated from Kent State University with a BA in Psychology and a MS in Forensic Psychology from Tiffin University. She is an experienced coordinator previously working in the Cerebrovascular Center at the Cleveland Clinic and in the Mood Disorders Program at University Hospitals. Nicole appreciates the learning opportunities she has received thus far at VUMC from Dr. Charles and Dr. Hacker and is looking forward to all the upcoming studies!

In her free time, she enjoys working out, playing sports, being in the water, and getting out-and-about to explore the area. Nicole is looking forward to traveling more and just wants to experience life for what it is!

Sheff Sharp is a Clinical Trials Associate II in the Department of Neurology. He is from Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from Baylor University with a BS in Biology and a minor in Business Administration. He is excited to be part of this wonderful team, gaining research skills and experience from Dr. Charles and Dr. Hacker as he starts the process of applying to medical school.

When he is not in the office, you can find him at his local gym trying to find an excuse not to do leg day or backpacking up a mountain hoping he doesn’t encounter a bear.

Lily Venditti is a Clinical Trials Associate II in the Department of Neurology. She originates from Michigan where she graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Lily assists with clinical trials, the educational programs, and with the department’s social media efforts. She is excited to learn more about the medical field as she starts the process of applying to graduate school.

 In her free time, you can find her camping, painting, or reading. 

Eli Abdou is a third-year undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University pursing a major in Medicine, Health, and Society. On campus, he is the Vice President of Housing for the Interfraternity Council, an executive board member for Alzheimer's Buddies, and a team leader for Vanderbilt Volunteers for Science. During his free time, Eli enjoys hiking with his family and fishing in nearby rivers. He hopes to attend medical school soon after graduation.

Lucas Chang is a second-year undergraduate at Vanderbilt University from New Jersey, pursuing a major in Musical Arts and potential second major in Neuroscience. On campus, he prioritizes partaking in service-oriented endeavors through organizations like Vanderbilt's Alzheimer's Buddies, Brain Exercise Initiative, and Harmonies for the Elderly. In his spare time, he enjoys practicing the viola, playing basketball, and visiting new restaurants around campus with friends. After graduation, Lucas hopes to attend medical school. 

Jenna Lee is a senior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society and minoring in Psychology. On campus, she is the co-president of Project C.U.R.E. and a team leader in Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science. Off campus, she is a volunteer with Open Table Nashville. In her free time, she enjoys going to coffee shops, hanging out with friends, and playing tennis or pickleball. After graduation, she is planning on taking a gap year then attending medical school. 

Dylan Makani is a first-year undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University planning to double major in Neuroscience and Human and Organizational Development, with a minor in business. On campus, he is a Healthcare Analyst in the Investment Club and volunteers for Best Buddies - Vanderbilt Chapter. Dylan enjoys playing sports and the piano in his free time. After graduation, Dylan hopes to attend medical school.