Clinical Research Fastrack

Mary Sophy Yohannan

Mary Yohannan is an International Medical Graduate with 18 years’ experience in Clinical Research over several therapeutic areas, including Gynecology, Oncology, and Cardiology. She has worked as a phone screener, data manager, clinical research assistant, certified coordinator, manager, CRA, and is currently a Clinical Evaluation Scientist. Mary has screened, consented, and enrolled patients, negotiated budgets, … Read more

Erin Davis

Erin has been in the clinical research industry for almost 13 years, spending 12 of those years working in Oncology. She highly enjoys working on the site side, seeing the positive impact of treatments, in the lives of patients. She recently started working in operations, providing her a different view and experience of the industry; … Read more

Heather Diederich

Heather Diederich is the Director of Operations for CCT Research with over 16 years experience in the research industry. Prior to becoming a Director of Operations, she coordinated clinical trials for 13 years and has been a finalist for “Researcher of the Year- the America’s” by PharmaTimes Magazine in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Heather is … Read more

Deena Bernstein

Deena Bernstein has deep expertise in healthcare leadership and the clinical research industry. Her career spans over twenty years in clinical research site development, operations and digital technology for the clinical research industry. Deena is a passionate leader with an entrepreneurial spirit that cares deeply about improving the clinical trial experience and process for study participants. She … Read more

Russell Herstein

Clinical research professional with nearly 20 years of industry and academic clinical research experience in all aspects of clinical trials from feasibility to close out. Background experience in phase 1-4 studies with multiple indications including: neurological sciences, oncology, vaccines, gastrointestinal, cardiology, dermatology, pulmonary, diabetes/endocrine, and pediatric trials. Foundation continually built on deep-rooted quality, and team-first … Read more

Mea Ebenbichler

Mea Ebenbichler, BA, CCRC, ACRP-PM, CHRC-Quality Compliance Auditor is a Nationally Certified Clinical Research Professional with over 20 years of experience managing and coordinating clinical trials in Pediatric Lung Transplant, Bone Marrow Transplant and Oncology. Currently as the Quality Compliance Auditor for EmVenio Research she is ensuring clinical research compliance through proper support within the … Read more

Karimah White-Murphy

Karimah White-Murphy is a certified research professional with The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). She has over 12 years experience in clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry. After collaborating with a number of CROs and Pharma Sponsors, she made the decision to start KarMur, LLC, a company that specializes in short- and long-term contracts … Read more

Lauren Horton

In her role as Division Director of Research, Dr Lauren Horton believes in equipping others with the tools they need to succeed. With her expertise, she has been able to successfully develop protocols, clinical designs and test strategies to assist in the development of research and product development projects. Prior to joining HCA Healthcare, she … Read more

Maria Lavarreda-Pearce

Maria Lavarreda-Pearce is a Sr. Research Analyst at a Community Hospital in the Central Coast of California. In her role, Maria oversees the feasibility and supports start-up activities for clinical trials. She leads initiatives and directs training and education sessions on research design and methodology to clinicians, faculty, and staff. Before devoting her work fulltime … Read more

Tiffany Ashton

Tiffany Ashton, MAS, CCRA, is a seasoned Clinical Research Professional with over 20 years of experience. Tiffany has served various Clinical Research roles, including CRC, CRA, and CTM, and gained firsthand industry-specific expertise that is second to none. As the Director of Operations for ClinEssentials, Tiffany utilizes her experience to understand the daily pressures that … Read more

Dr. Leketa Hawkins

Dr. Leketa Hawkins (Keel) received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry along with a Masters of Healthcare Administration from Winston Salem State University. She also holds a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree from Trinity International University. Dr. Hawkins has been a In House CRA, traveling CRA, and CTM. She is currently the Manager of … Read more

Brianna Angulo

Brianna is a seasoned research professional with over 13 years of comprehensive experience in clinical research. With a diverse background encompassing both onsite and remote roles, Brianna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field. Brianna is certified through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and is active within the research community. … Read more

Mitchell Hilbe

Mr. Hilbe began working in clinical research in 2005 and has had a career on multiple therapeutic areas. Mitchell has served in clinical operations leadership roles at CRO and Sponsor organizations with a focus on late phase clinical trials and expanded access programs and is the CEO/Co-Founder of a site management organization. He is also … Read more

Jess Thompson

Passionate about Clinical Research Professionals’ professional development and well-being, Jess founded the Clinical Research Project Manager Association (CRPM Association) to provide education, career opportunities, and a supportive community. CRPM Association is committed to addressing the unique challenges of clinical research professionals through tailored wellness initiatives, and empowering members both professionally and personally through training, networking, … Read more

Melissa Cisneros

Melissa is currently a Clinical CRA Manager and has 13+ years of clinical research experience, including in a PK lab setting for phase I studies. She also has experience in phase II – IIII studies as a Remote Site Monitor, CRA, CRA Trainer, and CRA manager. She has onboarded jr. CRAs for about 2.5 years … Read more

Anhaita Jamula

Anhaita Jamula, CCRC, is the Director of the Research Program at EvergreenHealth, a Kirkland, WA-based health care system. A self-described science geek, Jamula brings the perfect balance of business acumen, patient-focused dedication, and clinical research expertise to her role. She has over 20 years of experience in research management and a resilient passion to continuously … Read more

Shirley Helm

Shirley has worked in the clinical research ecosystem for several decades including managing a core research laboratory, conducting research participant testing, managing regulatory staff, development of ancillary service agreements, and currently oversees and directs the creation, development, and delivery of Education, Training and Resources for clinical research professionals. VCU’s post-baccalaureate certificate in clinical research (initiated … Read more

Chizobam Obi

Chizobam is a self-driven clinical research professional with a solid background in clinical research, project management, and supervision of clinical trials in accordance with ICH GCP guidelines. She is skilled in healthcare consulting, nursing and clinical research education, quality improvement, systems change analytics, and project management. Chizobam is passionate about mentoring future nurses and clinical … Read more

LaShawna Green

LaShawna began her career as a clinical research coordinator in 2002 shortly after graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. After four years of working as at a clinical research coordinator at a busy Gastroenterology/Hepatology practice, she elected to further her education and graduated with her nursing degree in … Read more

Portia Bowden

Patient Recruitment Lead, Parexel. Portia works with Biotech & Pharma Companies in developing Global digital & traditional outreach strategies for clinical research studies. Portia promotes the importance of health literacy and patient advocacy within minority communities. She specializes in Rare Disease, Cardiovascular, Neurology, and Oncology Research.

Tiffany Drummond

Over the last 15+ years, Tiffany developed her skills as a leading clinical research professional with career experience in coordinating trials, regulatory, program management, training, and medical writing! She has hired and mentored many in the field who have found success as CRAs, Project Managers, Clinical Research Coordinators, Data Managers, and more! Her professional and … Read more

Chevy Brown

Chevy Brown graduated from the University of South Carolina (in Columbia, SC) with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science and Master’s Degree in Public Health, with an emphasis in Physical Activity in Public Health. Her career in clinical research began in 2007 as a research assistant at a stand-alone site in Greenville, SC. She had … Read more

RICHIE KAHN, MPH

Senior Director, Patient Success, Medable, Inc. Health policy professional by training; clinical researcher by trade; and patient advisor by necessity, Richie Kahn is intensely passionate about incorporating the passionate perspective to streamline clinical development and ultimately reduce the time it takes to bring promising new therapies to the patients that need them most.

WILLIAM JONES, BS, CCRP

Chief Operating Officer at Ventavia Research Group. William Jones, CCRP received his degree in Health Education Interdisciplinary Biology and Music from Texas A&M. William has worked in research since 2003. He has worked on numerous trials and enjoys sharing his passion and exuberance for helping advance medicine through research. In his spare time, he loves … Read more

TERRI BURGHART, MBA

Director of Operations at Pinnacle Clinical Research. Experienced Research Operations Director with a demonstrated history of working in the clinical research industry. Skilled in Sales, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Biotechnology, Psychology, Pharmaceutical Industry, and Clinical Research. Strong medical practice and research manager with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of South Florida, Certification … Read more

TASIA LONG, MS

Clinical Team Manager at PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific. A dedicated Research Program Manager with over 14 years of experience overseeing and conducting clinical research studies to include: protocol design, planning and execution; data management; and contract/grant proposal and peer-reviewed literature writing in the specialty areas of emergency medicine/trauma, rheumatology, psychiatry, pulmonology, and pulmonary … Read more

SHANI HILLIARD, MS, CRM

Experienced Clinical Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Clinical Data Management, Clinical Research Experience, Business Development, and Critical Thinking. Strong program and project management professional with a Master of Science (MS) focused in Clinical Research Management from Arizona State University.

SEAN WALSH, MBA

Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceutical and medical industry. Skilled in Clinical Operations, Patient Recruitment, Hospital Administration, and Public Speaking. Strong operational executive with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) focused in Business Administration and Management.

SAM CHIMIENTI, BS

Sam Chimienti is an instructor at Clinical Research Fastrack and now serves as a Clinical Trials Compliance Analyst after serving as Senior Clinical Research Coordinator at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Sam was born and raised in Chicago and moved out to Arizona in his teens. He graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in … Read more

RUCHI PATEL, MPH, CCRP

Clinical Research Associate II at Labcorp Drug Development. One of Ruchi’s personal & professional goals is to make an everlasting impact on research, medicine, healthcare, and overall public health.

SARAH HARVEY, BS

Sarah Harvey is currently working as a Global Project Manager at Accelerated Enrollment Solutions. Her therapeutic areas of expertise include Cardiology, Women’s Health, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Genitourinary, CNS, and Vaccine. Sarah was born and raised in Maryland and moved to Arizona in 2012. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Arizona State University. In her … Read more

RACHEL STANCL, MPA

Clinical Research Project Manager at Dignity Health. Experienced Research Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Phlebotomy, First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Healthcare, and Basic Life Support (BLS). Strong research professional with a BS focused in Biology from ASU.

MEHA SHARMA, MS-CRM, CCRP

Senior Associate Study Manager, ICON, Clinical Research Educator. Meha has been an instructor at Clinical Research Fastrack, since 2016. In her spare time, Meha enjoys traveling and being outdoors.

MARIA MARTIN, BSBA

Maria is a Clinical Research Associate at PRA Health Sciences (ICON) in Blue Bell, PA. Maria currently works in study start-up and conduct for Oncology trials. Prior to joining PRA, Maria worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. As a CRC, Maria primarily worked on Multiple Sclerosis trials … Read more

NIKKI HIRSH, MS

Senior Clinical Lead, IQVIA. In her earlier position at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Nikki successfully developed standard operating procedures, templates, and quality control forms. She has over 13 years of experience in clinical trials within private practice, corporate, and academic settings. Nikki has worked in the clinical research community in the areas … Read more

LUCIA RODRIGUEZ, MS, ACRP-CP

Bilingual clinical research professional and instructor with over a decade of experience managing all aspects of clinical trials at the site level; have assisted in the conduct of 200+ studies serving as the lead coordinator for the majority of those trials. Highly experienced in staff training/development and community outreach with an emphasis on minority recruitment … Read more

LAWRENCE MATARUTSE, MHA, CCRC

Director, Clinical Research at University Medical Center New Orleans. Lawrence has also worked as a Clinical Research Manager at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the largest pediatric hospital system in the Southeast. He holds a Master of Health Administration from Clayton State University. Lawrence started working in clinical research in 2003 as a Research Assistant and … Read more

LORI BANCTEL, MPH, CHRC

Associate Director, Central Monitoring, Syneos Health. Lori has a demonstrated history working in academic, hospital & health care industries. Exceptional skills in monitoring, auditing, research compliance, risk management, and leadership.

LATOYA HINTON-HOWERY, MPH

Research Director, Next Innovative Clinical Research. LaToya Hinton-Howery, MPH is the CEO/Research Director of Next Innovative Clinical Research. She is a Medical Assistant by trade, holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration and a master’s in Public Health. LaToya has 10 years of pharmaceutical clinical research experience in various therapeutic areas including Women’s Health, Dermatology, … Read more

LISA INCE, BS, CCRC, CCRA

Clinical Trial Manager at Syneos Health. In 2016, she was named the winner of the New Clinical Research Associate of the Year for the Americas by PharmaTimes. Mrs. Ince comes to Arizona from Chicago and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Elmhurst College. Mrs. Ince has 12 years of experience in and has held … Read more

KRISTIE DALY-BARNES, BS

Start-Up Team Manager, PPD. Kristie has been in the field of clinical research for over 18 years. She has worked on several pivotal diabetes studies such as Empa-REG, LEADER, and Devote Trials. She has also contracted with several pharmaceutical companies to assist with protocol development and feasibility studies from a site perspective as well as … Read more

KENYETTA SIMS, M.A., CCRC

Director of Clinical Research, Howard Brown Health. I am a self-motivated clinical research director/coordinator with management skills sets and education; I have an aptitude for managing people and projects without difficulty in multi-tasking and meeting deadlines. Specialties: Project Management, Training, Patient Care, Regulatory, GCP/ICH

KIKI DIORGU, M.D.

Dr. Kiki Diorgu is a medical research professional with experience in both U.S and international clinical trials and regulatory affairs services. Dr. Diorgu currently serves as the Director of Clinical Operations for Morley Research Consortium, a full service CRO managing several multicenter and international clinical trials in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Dr. Diorgu … Read more

KINAL BHATT, MD, MPH

Regional Medical Director – Medical Science Liaison. Experienced Clinical Research Professional with a demonstrated history of working on sponsor and investigator designed protocols in various therapeutic areas including Rheumatology, Neurology, Arthritis, Dermatology, Cardiovascular, Endocrinology, Quality Improvement. Driven By Results, Quality Assurance, Emotional Intelligence, Strong Communication Skills. Master’s degree focused in Public Health. Doctor of Medicine.

KELLY CUMMINS, BS

Senior CRA (Level 1) at PPD. Working as a CRA has brought on a new adventure and I look forward to gaining more knowledge with PPD in Phase I research.

KIM KUNDERT, RN, BSN

Senior VP of Site Development Services, Total Clinical Trial Management. Kim Kundert brings years of experience to Clinical Research Fastrack as an instructor. Kim was the former Senior Vice President of Operations at Synexus Research, the largest integrated clinical research network in the world. In this role, she was responsible for oversight of all operational … Read more

JULES FRISOLI, CP

Principal Consultant, Phase 5 Clinical Research LLC. Jules is a dedicated, hardworking certified professional with 22 years of pharmaceutical industry experience with increasing responsibilities along his journey in clinical research. Oversight of monitoring has been his focal point for the last 8 years therefore, mentoring, managing, training, and remediating site personnel and CRAs is his … Read more

KASEY BOYNTON, BS

Director, Clinical Development at Syneos Health. Kasey Boynton brings over 12 years of combined experience in the development and implementation of global clinical programs within CROs, academia, and biotech companies. She has extensive experience in leading complex clinical protocols, cross-functional oversight and strategic execution that produces on-time results while fostering a highly-productive team environment. Kasey … Read more

JJ (HALE) LICHTENWALNER, MHA

Associate Project Lead, PPD. I am a professional and friendly person that continues to invest in myself to grow and challenge myself. I thrive on learning and helping others learn so we can all continue to attempt to help improve others’ lives.

JOHN CARLOS DIAZ, MS

Clinical Research and Strategy Lead, Project Management, GeoSera LLC. John Carlos Diaz is the President and Owner of GeoSera Consulting, a Minority Business Enterprise that specializes in Clinical Research and Operations and executing Clinical Development Plans across multiple clinical trials. Prior to starting his own consulting company, John Carlos worked in Clinical Research for 10 … Read more

JEFF REPPER, BATSC

Executive Vice President at Transformative Pharmaceutical Solutions. Experienced Vice President with a demonstrated success working in the clinical research and health care industries. Strong professional skilled in leadership, management, and budgeting.

JENNIFER KOCOUR, MPH

Chief Operating Officer at CCT Research. Jennifer Kocour is an instructor at Clinical Research Fastrack and has also served as Senior Director of Operations at Synexus Research, the largest integrated clinical research network in the world. She began as a Research Assistant, gained experience as a Study Coordinator, and later managed sites as a Regional … Read more

JESSICA TWYFORD, MS, CCRC

Clinical Research Associate II, LabCorp. Jessica is professional, personable and passionate about clinical research!

JEANNIE FARNSWORTH, MS, BS, CCRP, MRQA

Regional Clinical Scientist, ICON, and SOCRA National Board Member. Jeannie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Biochemistry with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Nevada-Reno. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Investigations from MGHIHP in association with Harvard Medical School. She has over 19 years of experience as a study … Read more

HARVONYA PERKINS, BS

Harvonya is a Clinical Research Site Manager at BFHC. She earned her BS in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University. She has worked in clinical research for over 7 years and strongly believes that increasing the competency of coordinators will increase research opportunities and outcomes for everyone involved in the industry.

JAMAICA CUNDIFF, BS

In-house Clinical Research Associate II at Worldwide Clinical Trials. Jamaica is an Arizona native who obtained a B.S. in Care, Health, and Society with an emphasis in Social Work and Physiology from the University of Arizona. She has an extensive career history of working in behavioral health and hospice social work. Jamaica is also a … Read more

DENISE HAYES

Denise Hayes serves as an instructor for Clinical Research Fastrack as well as a Clinical Research Associate at PRA Health Sciences (ICON.) She was formerly the Site Manager in Dallas Texas at Synexus Research, the largest clinical research site network in the world. Denise joined Synexus (formerly Radiant Research) in 2011 as a Certified Clinical … Read more

ELIZABETH WEEKS-ROWE, LVN, CCRA

Principal CRA at PPD, Author, Speaker. Elizabeth has 21 years of clinical research experience, including work as a study coordinator, CRA, CRA Trainer, and CRA manager. She has been an Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) since 2004. She is a frequent speaker at clinical research industry conferences as well … Read more

GURPREET BRAR, MD MDA

Director Clinical Operations, Global Blood Therapeutics. Gurpreet has worked in clinical research for over 15 years, having managed global project teams, clinical teams, and has experience as a study coordinator, field CRA, Clinical Team Lead, Project Manager, and Director in Project Management. He excels at global team leadership, risk management, and training and development of … Read more

CHRISTINA CHONG, BSN

Christina Chong currently works as Clinical Data Manager at Loxo Oncology at Lilly. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Economics, she worked in the technology sector for a few years before deciding that healthcare – making a positive impact in peoples’ lives – was her true calling. Christina obtained a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from … Read more

DANIEL PÉREZ, BS, CCRP

President & CEO at MACRO Trials, Rebel Clinical Researcher. Leveraging skills acquired from over ten years of progressive clinical research experience, I help pharmaceutical and medical device companies accelerate successful therapeutic launches by optimizing clinical site performance, enabling sponsors’ access to real-world data to inform commercial success, and deploying inclusive multi-channel patient-centric participant recruitment/retention strategies … Read more

CHRIS ZIZZIMIA, MBA

GCDO Trial Leader, Associate Director at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

CHARLES WRIGHT

Director, Merck. Charles Wright is a Senior Clinical Researcher with a career in clinical research lasting over 20 years. He managed the Patient Service Centers and technicians for over 40 sites for Labcorp. He subsequently moved over to Clinical Research Organizations monitoring, managing, and auditing clinical trials in the US and internationally. He partnered with … Read more

ASHWIN BODA, MBBS

Operations Director, Precision Comprehensive Clinical Research Solutions

AMY RAYMOND, PHD, PMP

Senior Director of Therapeutic Expertise, Center for Rare Diseases at ICON (formerly PRA Health Sciences). Amy was originally trained as a molecular biologist and has over 20 years of experience across all points of drug discovery and drug development. She has served as a field CRA on trials for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and … Read more

AMBER S. ROBERTS, MBA

Associate Director, Clinical Research – Oncology, Novartis Oncology. Amber has over 15 years of experience in a variety of roles including research compliance, quality, coordinator, and management roles in the areas of pharmacology, oncology, and neurology. She completed her bachelor’s at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, her master’s at Temple University in Philadelphia, … Read more

ALISON COOPER

Director of Business Operations – Clinical Research at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology. Specialties: Business Development, Operations, Finance and Coordination of Phase I-IV Clinical Research.