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).

Azalea Benjamin is originally from North Carolina and Texas, but graduated high school in Iowa. She chose NDSU for the Coordinated Nutrition Science program that allows her to earn a masters in Nutrition and Exercise Science while completing her bachelors degree in Nutrition Science. After completing school, she will sit for the registration exam to become a Registered Dietitian. Azalea is currently working in the HAND lab to gain experience in research and with aging adults to better understand the needs of different populations.

Jacob Kieser is an graduate research assistant at HAND. He is in his fifth year at NDSU. After completing his BS in exercise science with a minor in psychology he is currently a masters student in HNES.  His plans after he graduates is to attend medical school. A hobby of Jacob’s is to go to the gym.

Matt Langford
Originally from Chaska, MN, Matt attended Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN before transfering to NDSU. At NDSU, Matt completed his Bachelors in Exercise Science where he started working in the HAND Lab as an undergraduate Researcher and a TA in the Human Anatomy labs. Matt is now studying for his masters degree in Health, Nutrtion, and Exercise Science before continuing on to Physical Therapy School.