Marina Velez, PhD

Dr. Marina Velez is the Participant Recruitment Program Manager at the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center. Dr. Velez graduated from Vanderbilt University in August 2021 with a doctoral degree in special education. During her graduate program, Dr. Velez conducted research focused on increasing the physical and mental health of children and families, partnering with schools, therapists, and community centers to provide evidence-based services to individuals. She is interested in developing bidirectional communication between researchers and Nashville communities in an effort to address physical and mental health disparities.

Dr. Velez enjoys spending her free time with her two young children, exploring the beautiful mountains and forests around Nashville, and staying active in her community with dance and yoga.