ISCORE-RC Mentors​
ISCORE-RC has a multidisciplinary team of mentors to assist mentees along their journey to becoming a clinical research coordinator. Biographies of current mentors can be found below. If you would like to connect with any of the below ISCORE-RC mentors please email iscore.rc@hsc.wvu.edu.
Current Mentors
Connie Cerullo
Site Affiliation: West Virginia University
Title: Assistant Director, ISCORE RECOVER Hub
I have collaborated on over 60 clinical trials spanning from early drug development to post approval registries and observational studies. I have worked in various therapeutic areas including psychiatry, pulmonology, obesity, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and neurology. I have been a clinical research coordinator, assistant director of an academic research center, a regulatory manager, and a senior project manager at CRO. Additionally, with my regulatory background I have experience in developing and reviewing regulatory documents, working closely with IRB’s, creating source documents, and providing oversight of investigator trial master files. I currently have a faculty appointment at WVU Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry and am managing an NIH Long COVID-19 study following participants for 4 years. Working as a liaison with thirteen sites across the country which are underserved and underrepresented populations.
Michelle Chidester
Site Affiliation: West Virginia University
Title: Assistant Director of Regulatory and Quality
My interest in Research began as an undergraduate where I worked as a Research Assistant in the Department of Psychology. I went on to work for a CRO for many years. Most of my experience was working with the sponsors to collect and review Regulatory Documents for sites in multisite clinical trials and as well helping with subject recruitment. Currently, I provide oversight to the regulatory team at the WVCTSI Center of Excellence where we provide regulatory support to both investigator initiated and industry trials.
Wendy J. Smith
Site Affiliation: Rhode Island Hospital
Title: Manager, Diagnostic Imaging Research
I've been working in clinical research at Rhode Island Hospital for 33 years and as a Certificated Clinical Research Professional (SoCRA) for the past 28 years. For 20 years I've served as member of the Lifespan IRB #2. I have experience working on industry and federally supported research. I participate in many research activities from grant preparation, the regulatory process, subject enrollment and follow-up, through publication of results.
Cathy Hudgins
Site Affiliation: University of Mississippi Medical Center
Title: Executive Nurse Manager, Clinical Research and Trials Unit
I am currently the Exec. Nurse Manager of the Clinical Research and Trials Unit at University of Mississippi Medical Center. The CRTU is a 22 bed clinical research facility dedicated to inpatient and outpatient clinical trials for studies from various departments at our institution who contract our services for space and/or staffing solutions to support their clinical trials. My nursing background is 14 years of acute care nursing followed by 12 years as a Nurse Paralegal. My research career began in 2017 as an RN Clinical Coordinator here at UMMC. During my years as a Coordinator, just to mention a few areas, I was assigned to Peds Pulmonary, Adult Pulmonary, Peds Urology, Neonatal, and Dermatology studies. All very different but that kept it interesting. Now as Nurse Manager my role is to determine study feasibility, budget construction, and general oversight of our department.
Jamie Brown
Site Affiliation: University of Mississippi Medical Center
Title: RN-Clinical Research Operations Manager
I have been a nurse for 15 years and in research a little over 4 years. I am a certified clinical research coordinator through ACRP and currently manage the Clinical Research and Trials Unit at UMMC. Our department has 4 RN clinical research coordinators, one non-RN clinical research coordinator and 3 research specialists. We support and provide services for over 50 clinical trials at our institution.
Laurie Chassereau
Site Affiliation: University of Vermont
Title: Clinical Research Nurse
I have a broad background as a Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator supporting studies in adult and pediatric oncology, opiate addiction, and infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Most recently I have been the lead coordinator for the newly formed IDeA States Pediatric Clinical Trials Network (ISPCTN). I support studies through this network that promote child health wellness. I am also lead coordinator for the NIH funded RECOVER Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 pediatric cohort study at UVM.
Amy Wigglesworth
Site Affiliation: University of Mississippi Medical Center
Title: Division Supervisor & Research Navigator
I have been a registered nurse since 2009 and a clinical research coordinator for the past nine years. I obtained certification as a Certified Clinical Research Professional in 2019 and I am a Research Navigator for the Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research. I have a broad range of coordinator experience with a focus on investigator-initiated research and training.
Pamela Rayl
Site Affiliation: West Virginia University
Title: Quality and Regulatory Specialist
I started my clinical research career at WVU’s Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center as a Clinical Data Manager for 10 years. Following a graduate degree in Legal Studies, I worked briefly for a company acting as a CRO as a Quality and Compliance Specialist where I assisted in protocol development and multi-site start-up. I then came back to WVU in 2021 and have been a Quality and Regulatory Specialist at the WVU RNI working with primarily investigator-initiated studies. My duties include IRB protocol submissions, essential document management, preparing unit SOPs, and assisting in process improvement. I have been a member of SOCRA and a Certified Clinical Research Specialist since 2015 l. I am also currently a RAPs member and working towards dual regulatory associate certification in device and pharmaceuticals.
Tami Deal
Site Affiliation: West Virginia University
Title: Research Coordinator
I have a total of 20 years of research experience. I started as a research assistant in 2004, with blood collection and specimen processing with execution of clinical studies. I continued coordinating at WVU clinical and Pharmacologic research center until 2019, with experience in drug accountability, overseeing the conduct of the clinical study from irb approval through submission of the final report. I have been at the RNI for 5 years as a coordinator working with movement disorders, pain, RA, VR, wearables, and GI.
Debbie Ogata-Arakaki
Site Affiliation: University of Hawaii
Title: Clinical Research Unit Coordinator
I managed Phase I HIV clinical research studies during my 4 years at the Clinical Center at NIH and manage and supervise the clinical HIV research program under the University of Hawaii School of Medicine since 1991. In addition to coordinating studies and direct study management (including participant recruitment, study visit management, conducting study required tests, data collection etc.), my experience includes protocol development, fiscal and contractual negotiations, regulatory oversight, QA management, teaching, preceptoring and mentoring new clinical staff (nurses, RA, physicians).
Patrizia Curran
Site Affiliation: Rhode Island Hospital
Title: Research Coordinator
I have a degree in Medicine and a residency in Neurology from the University of Rome "La Sapienza", where I was involved in research studies on pain and neurophysiology, for 6 years. I have been at Lifespan in Providence, RI for 13 years as research coordinator. I have experience in conducting NIH and industry sponsored studies. I have experience in IRB submissions, budget creation and maintenance, subjects' recruitment, informed consent creation from protocols, study documents preparation and maintenance, monitor visits and audits. I am in the process to be certified as financial research coordinator.
Anna Cloutier
Site Affiliation: MaineHealth
Title: Lead Clinical Research Nurse
I have been a nurse since 1995 and a clinical research nurse since 1997. I have been with MaineHealth since 2011. I am a Lead Research Nurse in the Clinical Trials Office, and I am a Certified Clinical Research Professional through SOCRA. I am part of a team that supports clinical trials in all areas of medicine including, cardiovascular, nephrology, neurology, adolescent psychiatry, etc.
Chad Glaze
Site Affiliation: West Virginia University
Title: Assistant Director, Clinical Research
I've been in research since 2017. I've worked as a research assistant, project coordinator, and manager. I'm now an Assistant Director of Clinical Research with the Center of Excellence. I've worked in both the regulatory and financial side of clinical trials as well. I have experience in both industry and investigator-initiated studies.
Jessica Hernandez-Marrero
Site Affiliation: University of Puerto Rico
Title: Assistant Director, Post-Doctoral Researcher
My career in nursing has been dedicated to clinical, educational and research practices in critical care, cardiovascular diseases, gynecology, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus (HPV) related cancers, genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes, gastrointestinal cancer prevention, oncology patient care and climate change related to cancer. As clinical trials coordinator I had the unique opportunity to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, from healthcare professionals to research scientists, while managing the day–to day operations of complex clinical trials. For more than 15 years, I coordinate over 20 research projects protocols Phase I, II and III from different sponsors including NIH/NCI and pharma. My role required a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, patient care, protocols, and data management. I helped in budget evaluation and administrative procedures (agreements, MTA’s, contracts, etc.) and the development of Standard Operation Procedures (SOP), questionnaires and recruitment and retention plans. For screening, I had the opportunity to review medical records, create promotional flyers, participate in outreach activities at the community, professional presentations, and visit private offices and hospitals. For study implementation, I lead the informed consent process, randomization, study visits scheduling, blood draw and study procedures, questionnaires and data collection, data entry. I also attend face-to-face and virtual site visits, audits, and conference calls. I also had the opportunity to trained and supervised undergraduate and graduate students and new staff. Finally, I finished my PhD in nursing and started a position as post-doctoral researcher at the Comprehensive Cancer Center where I collaborate in different research projects. , posters, manuscript, and grant writing support
Karen Aleman Fernandez
Site Affiliation: University of Puerto Rico
Title: Clinical Research Nurse
I began my career in 1979 and was hired to work as a nurse in a Research Cancer Unit in San Juan Puerto Rico. This is how I became interested in the research field. In the late 1980's I moved to Maryland and was hired by The National Institutes of Health in which I was involved in the treatment of patients with a variety of different types of Cancer enrolled in research studies following multiple protocols. At NIH I became a Clinical Research Nurse conducting multiple protocols which entailed good organization, skills, triage, analyzing data, helping in publications and precepting new hiries to name a few. This has always been my first career.
Carolina Aguiar
Site Affiliation: University of Kansas Medical Center
Title: Director of Clinical Research Operations
I began my research career in 2007 as a clinical research assistant at Temple University (Philadelphia-PA) and got my CCRP in 2009. After few years I transitioned to the coordinator role leading cystic fibrosis and other Pulmonary trials at University of Miami (Miami-FL). I have been working at the University of Kansas Medical Center since 2018 and transitioned to a manager role in Internal Medicine. As a Director of Clinical Research Operations, I have the pleasure of working with Research Administration, Department's research teams and supporting onboarding, training and professional development opportunities for our clinical research employees.
Luigi Boccardi
Site Affiliation: University of Kansas Medical Center
Title: Research Project Director
My clinical research experience is deeply rooted in managing complex studies and driving advancements in research operations. As the Director of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Research at the University of Kansas Medical Center, I have led the strategic oversight of federal and industry-sponsored clinical trials. My responsibilities include developing and implementing evaluation metrics to ensure protocol compliance, operational excellence, and data quality. I have directed the preparation and submission of federal protocols, FDA IND documents, and consent forms while optimizing recruitment strategies and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. My expertise extends to conducting feasibility assessments, negotiating study contracts and budgets, and overseeing subject enrollment and retention metrics. With a focus on fostering collaboration and professional development, I lead a high-performing team of numerous staff members, ensuring the seamless execution of research initiatives that prioritize patient safety and compliance. In previous roles, I have cultivated extensive hands-on experience in managing and coordinating clinical trials. As a Clinical Research Supervisor and Senior Coordinator, I successfully managed studies across key therapeutic areas, including pulmonary hypertension, sepsis, and COVID-19. My accomplishments include establishing biorepositories and registries, conducting FDA-regulated audits, and managing protocol adherence and data collection processes. I have contributed to the development of manuals of procedures (MOPs), recruitment materials, and regulatory submissions, ensuring readiness for site initiation and monitoring visits. Proficient in grant writing and data analysis, I have supported multi-site trials and developed innovative solutions to enhance research outcomes. Across all positions, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing clinical research through rigorous methodology, regulatory compliance, and a patient-centered approach.
Janine Costa Grigelevich
Site Affiliation: Rhode Island Hospital
Title: Clinical Research Supervisor
Supervise clinical and data staff conducting therapeutic and non-therapeutic research trials at RIH and TMH. Coordinate patient care and ensure accurate collection of data points. Liaison with clinical trial sponsors and staff regarding questions and information related to protocols.
Amy Moran
Site Affiliation: University of Kansas Medical Center
Title: Clinical Research Project Manager
I am an RN with over 20 years in a clinical background and came to research in 2018. I started out as a Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator working in pediatric research and then moved to adult research as Clinical Research Project Manager in 2022.
Susan Martin
Site Affiliation: Rhode Island Hospital
Title: Project Coordinator, Research/ IRB Coordinator, HRPP
I hold dual roles at Brown University Health as both a Research Project Coordinator and an IRB Coordinator, HRPP. I am also a licensed nutritionist/dietitian (LDN) in the state of RI. My research career spans nearly 18 years with my interest and focus always centered on women’s health. In my role as Research Coordinator, I prepare and submit all new project IRB applications, continuing reviews, AE/SAE’s, and amendments for multiple projects and investigators (NIH, foundation, industry, and department funded). I author technical documents; protocols, protocol-related documents including patient-facing documents such as informed consent forms, study advertisements, detailed instructions, as well as data collection forms. I perform internal audits ensuring regulatory compliance within the research division. I am the point of contact for sponsor audits, site initiation, monitoring, and closeout visits. I create and maintain study regulatory binders and coordinate site activities including study initiation, recruitment, enrollment, and follow-up of study patients, and provide training and support to RA’s. I also provide support and training to Brown undergraduates, medical students, residents, and fellows throughout the course of their research rotation. In my IRB Coordinator role, I provide support and training to investigators and research staff through the Navigator Program, providing one-on-one guidance.
Catherine McGaughey
Site Affiliation: West Virginia University
Title: Trauma Research Coordinator
I have been in my current role as the Trauma Research Coordinator at the WVU Medicine Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center since February 2023. I have learned a lot from my peers at West Virginia University and would love to share my experience with new personnel. My role has included work on a range of studies from retrospective analysis to clinical trials. Previous experiences from my undergraduate bench research in Neuroscience and Cancer, Biomedical Engineering studies, and service as an Emergency Medical Technician in West Virginia have greatly contributed to my research endeavors
Kristi Sutphin
Site Affiliation: Charleston Area Medical Center
Title: Systems Director- Clinical Trials
Over 24 years of experience in Research. ACRP Certified CCRC, 20 years experience in Clinical Trial contracting, budgeting, performance metrics and financial A/R and A/P function regarding clinical trials. I have significant experience working with multiple EDC systems along with working and managing CTMS systems for site. I have participated in 12 FDA audits at our site with zero findings. I have been actively involved in implementing research policies and overseeing training of our center's coordinators along with providing training to other departments within the research institute over the years. I am currently a member of SCRS and have participated on committees to contribute to the efforts of other member sites ensuring that all sites voices are heard with sponsors and cros regarding payment terms, budgeting, performance metrics, etc.
Doris Cuadrado
Site Affiliation: University of Puerto Rico
Title: Administrator PRMUNCORP
For the past 32 years I have worked in the clinical research field. I started as a study coordinator with the San Juan Minority Base Community Cancer Oncology Program (SJMBCCOP) on 1992 and thereafter on 1998 have been active as a SJMBCCOP Administrator. On august 2014 I was appointed administrator in the new grant awarded to PR Minority Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program . Under this multidisciplinary program we have been able to reach all geographic areas of Puerto Rico. I have dedicated my career to training new generations of study coordinators and to the management of administrative aspects of research programs. I am committed to working alongside with the Principal Investigators and research staff of the PRNCORP to increase accrual and continue place Puerto Rico within the highest of standards.
Lizzie Ramos-Tollinchi
Site Affiliation: University of Puerto Rico
Title: Clinical Trials Office Manager
As an accomplished public health professional with a Master's in Epidemiology and a solid foundation in biomedical sciences, I drive healthcare advancement through strategic research and effective project management. With over 12 years in clinical research, I possess a proven track record of expertise in study coordination, informed consent, patient recruitment, regulatory compliance, and budget administration. In my role as the Manager of the Clinical Trials Office at the UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, I lead complex studies with authority and oversee coordinators and project personnel to ensure excellence. My skills in data management, medical terminology, and critical thinking are complemented by a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork. I am actively involved in medical research training, author scientific articles, and work diligently to enhance health literacy and raise disease awareness, driving impactful healthcare improvements and pioneering innovative research outcomes