Dr. Ryan McGrath is the Director of Healthy Aging North Dakota (HAND). He is also an Assistant 
Professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences at North Dakota State 
University. Dr. McGrath similarly holds faculty appointments at the Fargo VA Healthcare System and 
Department of Geriatrics at University of North Dakota. Dr. McGrath investigates topics related to aging 
and health for the prevention and treatment of age-related disabilities and diseases. Before coming to 
NDSU, Dr. McGrath was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 
at University of Michigan. Dr. McGrath earned a PhD from University of Idaho, MS from University of 
North Dakota, and BA from University of Jamestown (ND).

Samantha FitzSimmons is our lead graduate research assistant. She has a Bachelors of Science in 
Exercise Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is currently in her second year at 
North Dakota State University for her Masters in Health Nutrition and Exercise Science. Sam's goal after 
completing her masters degree is to attend Occupational Therapy (OT) school for her doctorate. Her 
dream job is to work as an OT with geriatrics or in a school setting. A fun fact about Sam is that she loves 
to paddle board and play sand volleyball in the summers, listen to music, play the ukulele, spend time 
with friends and family, cook and bake new foods, and workout at the gym.

Kelly Knoll is a graduate research assistant. She has her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences and is a registered dietician (RD). She is in her second year of the masters program in health nutrition and exercise science. Her goal after graduating from NDSU is to pursue her PhD to become a nutrition science professor at a university. A fun fact about Kelly is that when she was in elementary school, she wanted to win American Idol and become a famous country singer.

Sarah Andrew is a graduate research assistant. She has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a Minor in Psychology. She is in her second year in the accelerated master's program for health nutrition and exercise science. She is a certified performance coach through ETS performance. Her future goals is to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy and work with elite athletes in the NFL and NBA. A fun fact about Sarah is she plays guitar, has danced her whole life, wants to travel the world, and playing with her dog.

Halli Heimbuch is a graduate assistant currently in her fourth year at NDSU where she is studying 
nutrition science in dietetics for her bachelors degree and accelerated masters degree. Her future goals 
are to be a registered dietician nutritionist (RDN) specializing in pediatric and/or oncology nutrition. 
She would love the opportunity to be involved with a little bit of everything; patient interaction, 
community education/outreach, and research. Her favorite activities include drawing, singing, enjoying 
nature, capturing life's moments through pictures, and ancestry research.

Joshua Batesole
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Maren Berntson is an undergraduate research assistant at HAND. She is currently in her fourth 
year at NDSU finishing her undergraduate degree in exercise science. She plans to attend 
physical therapy school after graduating this spring. A fun fact about her is that she knows how 
to solve a Rubin's cube.

Kennedy Black is an undergraduate research assistant in her fourth year at NDSU where she is studying 
to get her bachelors degree in exercise science. Her goal after graduating is to attend Physical Therapy 
school. Her favorite activities include travel and spending time outdoors.

Chloe Carling is an undergraduate research assistant at HAND. She is currently in her third year at North 
Dakota State University studying medical laboratory science with a minor in chemistry and
microbiology. Chloe's goal after graduation is to attend medical school to become a doctor. A fun fact 
about Chloe is that she has a black lab named Piper.

Tyler Hoang is an undergraduate assistant at HAND. He is from Fargo, ND and is in his third year of studying exercise science. His goal after graduating is to attend school to be a physician’s assistant. A fun fact about Tyler is that he can speak two languages. 

Jacob Kieser is an undergraduate research assistant at HAND. He is in his fourth year at NDSU studying exercise science with a minor in psychology. His plans after he graduates is to attend medical school. A hobby of Jacob’s is to go to the gym.

Joseph Nauer
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Emily Stover is an undergraduate assistant. She is currently in her fourth year at NDSU studying for her 
bachelors in exercise science. She is leading a secondary analysis project on gait speed as well as leading a project related to women's health studies. A fun fact about Emily is that she got a severe concussion when she was 6 years old and has a permanent dent in her head. Hobbies she enjoys includes working out, yoga, snuggling with her cat, trying new recipes, and doing puzzles.