Learn a little more about us!

OUR TEAM

Our research team is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by liver disease. Our multidisciplinary team consists of experienced professionals in the fields of medicine and science with a wide range of knowledge regarding health and wellness.

OUR MISSION

The goal of our research is to discover how we can prevent and slow the progression of MASLD. Our work takes into account everyday problems, always keeping you in mind with every step.

Jaideep Behari, MD, PhD

Dr. Behari is board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and transplant hepatology. He has a special interest in the evaluation and management of alcoholic and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

UPMC CARE Provider

Amy Schmotzer, RN, BSN

Amy is a registered nurse in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition. She has multiple years of experience in clinical care with patients with liver disease as well as research. She has experience in patient care with liver disease as well as in Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 Research, working with multiple clinical and Investigator Initiated studies.

Sara Parr, MS, RD, LDN

Sara is a registered dietitian in the division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition with a focus on Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).

Roshni Dave, PA-C

Roshni is a certified Physician Assistant who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Savannah, Georgia. She has prior experience working as an inpatient Hospitalist Physician Assistant and has also been involved in clinical research trials.

Jessica Izenas, BS

Jessica earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Pennsylvania State University. She takes particular interest in the start-up and administrative aspects of research as well as phlebotomy.

Tracy Morris, RN

Olivia Popovich, BS

Liv obtained a Bachelor’s degree in biology at Iowa State University. She has previous research experience working with Parkinson’s Disease and addiction as well as has a special interest in participant outreach.

Oscar Shaver, BS

Oscar earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston College. He has previous experience researching metabolic cancer therapies and plans to pursue a degree in medicine. 

Trevor Dean, BS

Trevor earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in biology and minor in chemistry and music from the University of Pittsburgh. He plans to pursue graduate studies in Public Health.