Research Team

Kanwaljeet J. S. Anand, MBBS, D. Phil

Professor of Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine

Dr. K.J.S. (“Sunny”) Anand received his medical degree from India and D.Phil. from University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, followed by post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School.  His research on pain and stress in children has been recognized with many professional awards including the highest international award in the field of Pediatrics: the Nils Rosén von Rosenstein Award from Swedish Academy of Medicine (2009).  His community service activities included founding the Harmony Health Clinic in Little Rock (AR) – providing free medical and dental care since 2008.  He received the Father Joseph Biltz Award from National Conference for Community & Justice (2007) and the Dr. Martin Luther King “Salute to Greatness” Individual Award (2008) from the Governor of Arkansas.  He has authored >300 peer-reviewed articles and other monographs, 9 books/journal issues, and 60+ book chapters.  He is currently Professor of Pediatrics, Anesthesiology Perioperative & Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, Editor of Pediatric Research – a leading medical journal, and Co-Chair of the Ideal Village Conferences at Stanford University.

Cynthia Rovnaghi, PhD

Life Science Research Professional Manager

Cynthia's roles have changed over three decades, first as an Executive Director of an emergency placement facility serving youth in crisis in rural Arkansas providing hands-on service to children and their families under the venues of child protective services, court advocacy, professional counseling, and emergency placement and then as a scientist to investigate, develop, and publish novel methodologies advancing neurology. Cynthia’s specialty was in treating children exposed to maltreatment, sexual abuse, sexual and physical assault, and neglect.  Her technological skills and expertise in evaluating environmental, biological, physiological, psychosocial, and socioeconomic factors influencing brain development through the life-course has enabled Cynthia to develop methodologies measuring markers of brain function under conditions of typical development compared to adverse/traumatic brain injury/dysregulation, neurodegeneration, risk-taking behavior, and factors promoting resiliency.  A deep passion for understanding these conditions and faith based underpinnings of healing and restoration in survivors of abuse and neglect and of children in poverty drove her to participate in legislation establishing governmental policies concerning poverty, social and welfare reform, family and domestic violence interventions, and restructuring of child protective services.

Jesse Tapia

Life Science Research Professional 2

Growing up in the Bay Area, Jesse's journey is marked by a unique blend of academic, athletic, and professional accomplishments. Jesse's career began with esteemed departments, including the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Surgical Pathology and Histology, and Neurobiology, gaining invaluable insights and expertise in the medical field. Jesse is not only known for his professional achievements but also for his charismatic personality. Outside of his professional life, Jesse is passionate about powerlifting, photography, and riding ATVs. He is a regular at the gym and enjoys the vibrant beach life. His love for adventure is shared with his two active, sporty dogs, Luna and Bear, who accompany him on his various escapades. 

Harpreet Nijjer

Clinical Research Coordinator

Harpreet Nijjer (Happy) holds a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego. During her time at UCSD, she conducted research in the Cognitive Development Lab, focusing on the linguistic and cognitive development of infants. Following graduation, Harpreet joined UCSF's Multitudes project, contributing to the development of a multilingual digital assessment tool designed to identify language disabilities in early childhood. Harpreet later volunteered in India with the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP), where she supported efforts to provide health education and essential resources to underserved rural communities. Now based in the Bay Area, she began her journey at Stanford University in the Department of Ophthalmology and has since transitioned to the Child Wellness Lab. Outside of work, Harpreet enjoys spending time with her cat, Satsuki, and pursuing creative projects in art and media.

Maxwell Hartshorn

Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator

Maxwell (Max) Hartshorn is a graduate from the University of Southern California, receiving his BA in psychology. During his time at USC, he conducted research in various areas related to adolescents. He worked with USC REBEL (Real-world Evaluation in Behavioral Epidemiology Lab), which focuses on public health research, particularly addiction. He also contributed to the Child Interviewing Lab, which deals with child court cases and abuse advocacy, and assisted in a retrospective study on concussion symptoms at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. With this, he primarily focused on a project pertaining to the interaction of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and COVID-19 with adolescents in Southern California. Building on this experience, Max is committed to furthering mental health initiatives within these populations through increasing awareness and advocacy. Being a native from the Bay Area, he’s excited to be back in his hometown near his friends and family. In his free time, Max enjoys playing guitar, collecting vinyl records, reading, and making daily coffee runs.

Anthony Albornoz

Stanford REACH-HBMC Program Student Researcher

Anthony Albornoz (Ant) is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine, with an anticipated graduation in May 2028. With a strong interest in anesthesiology, he brings a diverse background in clinical care, research, education, and community engagement. As a Program Coordinator at UNC School of Medicine, Anthony led medical education initiatives focused on underserved youth across North Carolina. His work helped bridge socioeconomic and educational gaps, promoting long-term academic success and interest in health careers. Clinically, he has served as a Medical Assistant at Personal Care Pediatrics and participated in a medical mission's trip to Peru, providing culturally competent care to diverse populations. At Broward Health Medical Center, Anthony contributed to pediatric obesity research, examining epigenetic factors and helping implement a plant-based pediatric formula that enhanced nutritional options and feeding protocols for diverse patients.Outside of medicine, Anthony enjoys coaching youth basketball, walking on the beach and spending quality time with his family. He is committed to advancing a future in medicine grounded in equity, innovation, and compassionate care.