Eric Belcea Email & Phone Number

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Build and manage the Duke Memory Disorders Clinic Biorepository (MDCB)Principal Investigator Dr. Kim G. Johnson, MDProvide samples to support ongoing research at Duke University aimed at tracking, combating, and understanding the biological, psychological, social, and genetic bases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementiasResponsibilities include consenting patients (patient education); maintaining research compliance; administering cognitive assessments; processing and storing blood samples; data tracking and entry; facilitating inter-institutional collaboration with the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD); and extensive collaboration with physicians, clinicians, and researchers in the Duke University Healthcare SystemCollaboration:ISTAART (Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment) memberThe Automated High-purity Exosome isolation-based AD diagnostics (AHEADx) systemInterinstitutional collaboration with the Duke Department of Neurology, Duke Department Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke Department Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke Department Biomedical Engineering, and Harvard Medical School Department of MedicineAHEADx is part of an NIH-funded study to develop the first easy-to-use blood-based diagnostic tool for early-stage AD detection, promising a standardized, affordable, high-accuracy diagnostic solution for AD, with implications in the early application of neuroprotective or disease-modifying treatmentsSubmitted and presented the AHEADx system at the Duke Neurology Division of Translational Brain Sciences, DCEC, and Duke Neurology Residents Research Symposium on September 21, 2023Submitted and presented the AHEADx system at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) on July 28-29, 2024Publication in "Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association", December 2024

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Observership under Dr. Andy Liu, MD, MS; Dr. Barra Madden, MD; and Dr. Richard O'Brien, MD, PhDObserved and participated in medical care for patients with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and other neurodegenerative conditionsGained experience in patient assessments, cognitive testing, and understanding the complexities of patient and family dynamics in dementia careLearned about emerging treatments like lecanemab/donanemab and considerations such as ARIA-H and ARIA-E, as well as importance of empathetic communication and ethical documentation practicesComplemented my research, academic, and volunteering experiences with neurodegenerative diseases, providing a more holistic understanding of clinical neurology and emphasizing the significance of patient-centered care

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Observership under Shih-Hsiu “Jerry” Wang, MD, PhDObserved and participated in brain sectioning procedures and slide analyses, focusing on Alzheimer’s/dementia biomarkers and various brain regionsComplemented my research, academic, and volunteering experiences with neurodegenerative diseases, providing a more holistic understanding of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Founder and owner of NeedSpaceMedia, a non-profit e-commerce retail store and social media entityIndependently developed skills in website design, social media, marketing, and search engine optimizationGenerated over $3,000 in revenue, managed end-to-end customer service and inventory, and navigated business relationships with international manufacturersOn Instagram, cultivated a digital community of over 28,000 followers (@NeedSpaceMedia), providing a platform for amateur astrophotographers to showcase their workAll profits were donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for childhood cancer research

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Interned under Dr. Octavian M. Belcea, MD at a private concierge primary care officeGained hands-on experience assisting with various medical procedures, including taking vitals, performing EKGs, and acting as a surgical assistantEngaged in considerable patient interaction and administrative responsibilities, such as transcribing patient visits, organizing charts, writing referrals, and transitioning the practice's mailing system to an electronic medical record systemAcquired invaluable knowledge on the finances, operations, and challenges of running a private medical practice, further enriching my understanding of the healthcare field

Neuroscience

Activities and Societies: Pursuing a Neuroscience Major, Finance Minor, and Chemistry Minor. Study abroad, Fall 2024, in Copenhagen. Osher.

Neuroscience

Study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark

High School Diploma, General Studies

Activities and Societies: Student Government (Executive Treasurer), Community Service Board Member, Varsity Wrestling Team Captain, Band.