The Fluid Biomarker Program is led by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and research specialists dedicated to advancing the early detection and treatment of complex diseases. With expertise spanning neurology, molecular biology, and clinical research, the team works collaboratively to identify and validate biomarkers that can transform patient care and accelerate scientific discovery.
Nicholas Ashton, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Fluid Biomarker Program
As senior director of the Fluid Biomarker Program at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Dr. Ashton continues to advance and evaluate blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on their role in early detection and prevention. His lab supports research institutions and biotech companies across Arizona, the U.S. and internationally. His current work includes developing at-home tests to assess Alzheimer’s risk and expanding similar biomarker-based diagnostics for other types of dementia, such as Lewy body disease - an area where more tools are urgently needed. Learn more about Dr. Nicolas Ashton.
Tainá M. Marques, Ph.D.
Senior Program Manager, Fluid Biomarker Program
Dr. Tainá Marques is a senior program manager in Dr. Nicholas Ashton’s group, where she plays a key role in coordinating research initiatives, managing data and driving biomarker development for neurodegenerative diseases. With a strong background in project coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration, she is committed to advancing the team’s groundbreaking work. She earned her Ph.D. from Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bas Bloem and Dr. Marcel Verbeek, with a focus on identifying fluid biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease. Prior to joining Banner Sun Health Research Institute, she served as a project manager at the National Center of Excellence in Research on Parkinson’s Disease in Luxembourg, within the group of Prof. Dr. Rejko Krüger. Here, she gained extensive experience in managing complex research programs.
At Banner, she helps guide the lab’s strategic direction and supports its mission to advance biomarker research. She values collaboration and is always open to connecting with colleagues to share knowledge and ideas.
Alpana Singh, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Fluid Biomarker Program
Dr. Alpana Singh is a postdoctoral fellow at the Fluid Biomarker Laboratory, where she focuses on developing immunoassays for fluid biomarkers linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Her work aims to support earlier and more accurate diagnosis - ideally before symptoms appear. She earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry with a specialization in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. She completed postdoctoral training at leading institutions, including Johns Hopkins University and the Cleveland Clinic, where she studied a range of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke and dementia.
Dr. Singh brings a strong foundation in basic neuroscience and has successfully transitioned into clinical research. Her goal is to help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical diagnostic tools. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, hiking and listening to music.
Marisa Denkinger, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Fluid Biomarker Program
Dr. Marisa Denkinger is a postdoctoral researcher with a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California, Berkeley. Her doctoral work focused on using multimodal neuroimaging techniques to study aging and Alzheimer’s disease. At the Fluid Biomarker Laboratory, Dr. Denkinger integrates fluid-based biomarkers—such as those found in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—with brain imaging data to improve early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Her research centers on developing and applying advanced analytical methods that support more accurate diagnoses and better outcomes for patients affected by dementia.
Kari Dieckhoff
Laboratory technician, Fluid Biomarker Program
Kari Dieckhoff is a laboratory technician with extensive experience supporting histology and pathology departments in CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratories. She has worked across a range of areas, including accessioning, sample preparation, staining and microscopy. In her current role at the Fluid Biomarker Laboratory, she runs and maintains several high-throughput testing platforms from Roche, Lumipulse, Alamar and Quanterix. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from SUNY Oswego and a Master of Science in precision medicine from Abilene Christian University. Dieckhoff is excited to support a team of researchers focused on advancing diagnostic testing for neurodegenerative diseases.
James (Jim) Liu
Laboratory coordinator, Fluid Biomarker Program
James Liu holds a degree in molecular biology from the University of California, San Diego. His professional experience includes protein purification and antibody development at a biotech startup in Los Angeles, research on inflammatory markers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and work on cryptogenic approaches to degenerative neurological disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. As a laboratory coordinator at the Fluid Biomarker Laboratory, Liu supports a team dedicated to advancing early detection through fluid biomarkers. He is passionate about contributing to research that aims to improve diagnostic methods and patient outcomes in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
To learn more about our program, please call 623-832-6628.
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