Dr. Mielke works as a translational epidemiologist to identify fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers for the diagnosis, prediction and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Much of her work has emphasized the utility of blood-based lipids, especially the role of sphingolipids (ceramides and sphingomyelins). In relation to Parkinson’s disease, she is currently examining plasma ceramides and glucosylceramides as potential biomarkers of cognitive and functional progression. Dr. Mielke has more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and is the PI of several NIH- and Foundation-funded clinical- and epidemiological-based grants.