Clinical Team

Melanie Burton joined the lab in 2021. She gained an interest in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders from her previous work in a psychiatric hospital. Now, Melanie works in the Bateman lab helping develop and implement study processes, driven by her passion to make a difference in the future of Alzheimer's disease. Outside of the lab, her passions lie in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, traveling and music festivals.

Rickey George received his BS in psychology in December of 2019. During his education, he became drawn to the prospect of research but decided to pursue other areas of work to broaden his experience. However, research was his true passion, which eventually brought him to the Bateman lab. He is currently working on the SEABIRD project and is passionate in aiding the fight against Alzheimer’s disease through the progression of research aimed at improving diagnostic techniques. This involves screening participants and working closely on blood draws, as well as sample processing.

In spring 2023, Adrienne earned a BS in Biochemistry with a Minor in Psychology from Missouri Baptist University, where research projects ignited her passion for scientific exploration. Adrienne is determined to contribute to the fields of medicine and research. Joining the Bateman lab is exciting for her as the lab focuses on advancing diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease. Besides her professional pursuits, she enjoys decorating, cooking, seeking adventures, traveling, and shopping. She plans to apply to medical school in fall 2024.

Matthew Larsen graduated from Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in the fall of 2023. He joined the Bateman Lab as a sophomore undergraduate student to gain clinical experience and now works full-time as a research assistant. His work in the lab is with the clinical team and will be centered around the SUNBIRD study. Outside of the lab, Matthew spends his free time swimming and enjoying photography.

Andrea Peterson-Brown is one of the newest additions to the research team. However, she has been assisting with Bateman's research studies for over 15 years. While working in the clinical trials research unit (CTRU), she helped with a multitude of studies. Services included blood and CSF collection, infusion administration, LP assistance and routine nursing services. Peterson-Brown has been a registered nurse for over 26 years, receiving degrees from Jewish College of Nursing and Allied Health and Barnes College of Nursing at University of Missouri-St.Louis. She is currently completing a MSN Nurse Educator degree at Goldfarb School of Nursing. Peterson-Brown will be working on several studies with a primary concentration on the DIAN observational study. She enjoys interacting with patients and is extremely excited to be a part of Bateman’s world-wide, important and innovative research projects.

Diane Salamon is a research nurse coordinator who joined the Bateman Lab in 2021. She has been with WashU since 2007 and has worked in the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, Psychiatry, and Nephrology. Her priority is the DIAN-Obs study, but she has helped with other AD studies over the past 3 years. She finds the work is very rewarding and is excited to contribute towards AD research. Outside of work she likes spending time with family and friends the most, cooking & baking, reading, puzzling and walking her dog.

Wendy Sigurdson is a clinical research nurse in neurology and has been with Bateman since April 2007. Her prior work experience includes research for the Department of Neurosurgery. She received her BScN at McMaster University in Canada and her MHSc at Washington University. Her focus is DIAN and DIAN-TU but also assists with the ongoing A-beta and Tau studies. She enjoys working with Bateman and the team because of the amazing, cutting edge research.

Lisa Soke has been at Washington University since December 2019, working in the psychiatry department before joining the Bateman lab in May 2022. She has a BA in psychology from University of Missouri – St. Louis where she worked in a neuropsychology lab researching Alzheimer’s disease. She tutored students in general psychology, biopsychology, hormones and behavior and French. She manages the clinical team for several studies, including SUNBIRD, and is thrilled to be a part of such groundbreaking projects. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys playing kickball, making art, hiking and traveling.