Unsung but
Impactful Heroes
of Clinical Research
Happy Clinical Trials Day 2026
Celebrating the Contributions of Clinical Research Professionals
Each year, we honor dedicated professionals who drive clinical research through our platforms.
Unsung but Impactful Heroes of Clinical Research
Celebrating the Contributions of Clinical Research Professionals
Clinical research moves forward because of the people who guide it every day. The professionals behind each study bring expertise, empathy, and accountability to work that often happens behind the scenes. Their efforts make it possible for patients to participate with confidence and for research to advance with integrity.
2025 Unsung Heroes
They Power Discovery and Make Research Happen.
We Are Grateful for Their Impact.
2026 Unsung Heroes
Anabel Mason
Clinical Research Coordinator,
Department of Dermatology,
University of Pennsylvania
Anabel Mason graduated summa cum laude from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Liberal Studies, along with a minor in Biological Sciences. She began her career at the University of Pennsylvania as a Clinical Research Assistant in the Gelfand Clinical Research Lab within the Department of Dermatology. After 1.5 years, she was promoted to Clinical Research Coordinator, a role she has held for the past two and a half years.
In this position, Anabel has contributed to multiple clinical trials focused on dermatologic conditions, including psoriasis, acne, and chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Based at the Center for Clinical Sciences in Dermatology, she supports the advancement of patient-centered research.
Ashley Berg
Associate Director of Science,
Beyond Celiac
Ashley Berg serves as the Associate Director of Science at Beyond Celiac. With a research career spanning over two decades, Ashley’s expertise was forged through diverse roles, including clinical research coordination in neonatal intensive care and cardiology. Notably, she played a vital role in the expansion of the Magee-Womens Research Institute’s biobank and research footprint into rural areas, bridging gaps in healthcare access.
Today, Ashley bridges the gap between science and solutions by collaborating with sponsors, CROs, and academic partners to accelerate clinical trial recruitment, while ensuring that clinical trials are robust, well-supported, and patient-centered. She also supports the Beyond Celiac Coalition in its mission to identify effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for celiac disease.
Cristina Ramos
US Social Media / Patient Recruitment Lead,
US Clinical Study Unit, Sanofi
Cristina Ramos brings a unique blend of digital marketing expertise and clinical research acumen to her role as US Social Media / Patient Recruitment Lead at Sanofi. With over a decade of experience in the medical industry, Cristina transitioned into clinical research a year ago, leveraging her extensive background in digital strategy to strengthen patient engagement and recruitment.
Prior to joining Sanofi, she served as Global Senior Digital Marketing Specialist at Abbott, where she honed her skills in medical marketing and digital analytics. Her Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics provides the strategic foundation for her approach to connecting patients with life-changing clinical trials. Cristina’s career journey exemplifies the evolution of clinical research, where traditional methodologies meet digital solutions to improve patient access and trial efficiency.
Jennifer Coffey
Research Regulatory Specialist,
Office of Science and Research,
NYU Langone Health,
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Jennifer Coffey is currently a Regulatory Specialist at NYU Langone Health. She discovered her passion for research early in her undergraduate studies, though it took time to find where she fit within the field. She began her career in 2020, working with non-human primates at the height of COVID-19 while pursuing her Master’s in Regulatory Affairs.
She later transitioned into clinical research as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, where she worked directly with patients and developed a deeper appreciation for the dedication and compassion required to successfully conduct even a single clinical trial. After earning her Master’s in Regulatory Affairs from George Washington University,
she joined the Regulatory Affairs team at NYU Langone Health. In her current role, she supports FDA submissions, ClinicalTrials.gov registrations, and the management of the internal registry of ongoing research studies.
Each step in her career has reinforced her commitment to research and the critical role of Regulatory Affairs. Whether it is answering a call to help a patient navigate clinical trial resources or facilitating expanded access to treatments for those with limited options, she is driven by the opportunity to support research that brings new therapies to patients.
Jose Ajenjo
Local Innovation Lead (as mission) – Iberic Cluster,
Clinical Study Unit/ Research & Development,
Sanofi
Jose Ajenjo is a veterinarian with a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of León and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Trial Monitoring and Management, bringing over 12 years of experience in clinical operations at Sanofi.
Currently serving as Local Innovation Lead in the Clinical Study Unit, Jose spearheads innovative initiatives in clinical operations, with a particular focus on digital patient recruitment in clinical trials and on diversity and inclusion. His work in these areas encompasses the implementation of novel recruitment strategies, data mining applications, and the development of methodologies that support greater representativeness and equity in patient participation across clinical studies.
Kate Avery
Senior Director of Science,
Beyond Celiac
Kate is the Senior Director of Science at Beyond Celiac, a nonprofit patient advocacy organization focused on celiac disease. With nearly a decade of leadership at the organization, she specializes in integrating the patient perspective into research and drug development. She leads clinical trial recruitment efforts, working closely with companies to optimize study design, understand patient perspectives, and shape effective recruitment strategies and patient-facing materials.
Kate also leads the Beyond Celiac Coalition, which brings together pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academic researchers, clinicians, and GI professional societies to identify and address barriers to developing treatments for celiac disease.
Dr. Kenneth W. Culver
Executive and Medical Director,
ALK Positive Inc.
Dr. Kenneth W. Culver is a physician–scientist and biotechnology leader whose work has helped shape the fields of gene therapy, immunology, and targeted cancer therapeutics.
After earning his medical degree from the University of Iowa and completing training in Pediatrics and Immunology at UCSF, Dr. Culver joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he worked alongside pioneers Michael Blaese and French Anderson to help launch the first approved human gene therapy trial in history.
Over his career, Dr. Culver has authored more than 100 scientific publications and held leadership roles across academia and industry. During two decades at Novartis Oncology, he contributed to the development of 12 oncology compounds, including ceritinib for ALK-positive lung cancer, and later led oncology initiatives at GlaxoSmithKline focused on next-generation cell therapies.
Today, Dr. Culver serves as Executive Director and Medical Director of ALK Positive, Inc., supporting research, education, and advocacy for people affected by ALK-positive lung cancer. He also co-founded the Foundation for Peace, a nonprofit advancing education, healthcare, and community development initiatives globally.
Kyla Godorecci
Clinical Research Professional,
University of Pennsylvania
Kyla Godorecci is a clinical research professional with a passion for improving how patients access and experience clinical trials. She has spent the past four years supporting multi-site studies at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, working across areas including OCD, autism, HIV, and suicide prevention. Her work has focused on study operations, regulatory coordination, and ensuring high-quality, patient-centered research from start-up through closeout.
Kyla is particularly interested in how technology and innovation can expand access to clinical trials and improve engagement. She will begin her MBA at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business this fall as a Forté Fellow.
Mark Bond
Research Regulatory Specialist,
Office of Science and Research,
NYU Langone Health,
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Mark Bond has worked as a Clinical Research Professional (CRP) for about four years. In his work, he helps connect patients to essential treatments by posting study recruitment entries, assisting researchers with FDA applications, and publishing protocol and results information on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Pavel Lostak
Local Innovation Leader,
Sanofi
With over 20 years at Sanofi, Pavel Lostak has built a distinguished career advancing clinical research operations and digital innovation. Based in Prague, he began as a Senior Clinical Research Associate, monitoring studies across diverse therapeutic areas in compliance with ICH GCP.
Pavel evolved into a key systems expert, serving as a CDMS/CTMS Subject Matter Expert and CSU System Expert, overseeing the full ecosystem of clinical trial support systems — from CTMS and EDC platforms to eTMF and reporting tools. As a Change Agent, he mobilized stakeholders and championed process improvements with resilience and conviction.
Today, as Local Innovation Leader at Sanofi, Pavel continues to challenge the status quo by harmonizing processes, eliminating waste, and developing solutions that make a real difference for clinical teams and patients.
Peik Sean Chong
Research Regulatory Specialist,
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center,
NYU Langone Health
Peik Sean Chong is an accomplished clinical research regulatory professional with a strong track record supporting high-volume research programs at leading academic medical institutions. She currently serves as a Regulatory Specialist at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at NYU Langone Health, where she manages regulatory oversight and maintenance for more than 75 active studies, including clinical trials, observational studies, registry studies, and investigator-initiated trials.
Known for her precision, reliability, and deep understanding of clinical research operations, Peik Sean plays a key role in ensuring studies remain compliant with GCP, institutional, federal, and study-specific requirements.
Regina Hartfield
CEO and President,
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
Regina Hartfield is CEO and President of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Hartfield served on the association’s board of directors for three years, including as chair of the fundraising committee. Previously, she managed federal, state, and commercial contracts for an information technology consulting firm in Virginia and Maryland. Hartfield was a community affairs professional in the nonprofit arena in New York for more than 25 years, where she gained experience as a leader in nonprofit organizations. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lehman College of the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in community outreach.
Dr. Sadia Yaakov
Medical Committee Member
ALK Positive Inc.
Dr. Sadia Yaakov, DHSc, MS, is a clinical research leader with more than 18 years of experience driving global oncology trials and advancing patient-centered research. Her career began after completing her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in Pharmacy Administration at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, leading to early-phase oncology research roles that built her foundation in trial operations and cross-functional team collaboration.
She went on to hold key positions at Theradex Oncology, Alaunos Therapeutics, and the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, where she progressed from Senior Clinical Trial Manager to Associate Director of Project Management, overseeing complex global oncology programs and operational strategy.
Today, she serves as a Medical Committee Member for ALK Positive Inc. and as Managing Partner of Proclinico, where she supports clinical operations strategy and patient-driven research initiatives. Guided by her doctoral training in Health Systems Administration, Dr. Yaakov remains committed to accelerating clinical research timelines and improving outcomes for cancer patients.
Sara Benedict-Augustine
Clinical Research Coordinator,
Department of Psychiatry,
University of Pennsylvania
Sara Benedict-Augustine is a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania, working at the Center for Studies of Addiction within the Psychiatry Department. Over the past two years, she has worked on five different studies with PI Dr. Anna Rose Childress. Her work primarily focuses on individuals with Opioid Use Disorder.
Her newest study looks at the effects of the medication psilocybin on the brain’s reward and self-control systems, and how the brain handles flexibility in decision-making.
In her role, Sara coordinates the everyday management of clinical research trials, including recruiting potential participants, determining eligibility, obtaining informed consent, conducting research interviews, and administering study assessments. Additionally, she manages subject payments, collects and maintains research data across paper and electronic records, as well as collects and processes blood samples and administers ECGs.
2025 Unsung Heroes
Aby Dia
Clinical Research Navigator,
HCLTech Clinical Research Contact Center
With over a decade of experience as a Behavioral Therapist, Aby Dia has dedicated her career to supporting individuals, especially children, through their psychological development and emotional well-being. Her journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, driven by a deep passion for mental health and advocacy for underserved communities.
Today, she brings that same compassion and dedication to her role as a Clinical Research Navigator at the HCLTech Clinical Research Contact Center, where she helps patients and caregivers connect with life-changing studies. This role allows her to merge her therapeutic background with her passion for science, education, and community outreach, ensuring that every participant feels seen, heard, and supported throughout the research process.
Crystal Bruner
Recruitment & Marketing Coordinator,
Center for Clinical Studies, LTD. LLP
Crystal Bruner brings nearly 12 years of experience at the Center for Clinical Studies (CCS), where she oversees patient recruitment and advertising while managing marketing initiatives, including content creation, website management, SEO, branding, and providing administrative support to senior management. With a background in photography and marketing, Crystal offers her unique perspective on the importance of design and advertising in successful recruitment.
She believes that visually appealing ads are essential to capturing attention and encouraging potential participants to pause and learn more. Her approach emphasizes building trust through branding, personalized outreach, messaging, and creating visuals that resonate with target audiences, which helps increase engagement and expand access to underserved communities.
While recruiting patients can be challenging, Crystal finds it incredibly rewarding to help individuals discover research opportunities that could improve their lives and potentially lead to the creation of new treatments for future generations.
Diana Velazquez
Parexel FSP,
Patient Engagement Systems Coordinator
Diana Velazquez is a Patient Engagement Systems Coordinator at Parexel. She holds a degree in Biology from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City, followed by a Master's degree in neuroendocrinology and bioinformatics. During this time, she conducted basic research that led to the publication of several academic papers.
The pandemic marked a turning point in her career, leading her to pursue Clinical Investigation—a field she has been dedicated to since 2020. She is passionate about helping patients find the most appropriate clinical trials and supports recruitment efforts across a range of therapeutic areas, including COVID, breast cancer, multiple myeloma, migraine, lung cancer, RSV infection, asthma, and vitiligo. While still early in her clinical research career, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in the field. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her pets, discovering new cuisines with friends, and cooking for her family. A devoted fan of Japanese anime, she hopes to visit Japan in the near future.
Dr. Jillian L. Rosengard
Associate Professor of Neurology
Montefiore Medical Center,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Dr. Jillian Rosengard is a board-certified neurologist specializing in epilepsy, with a clinical focus on intractable epilepsy and the care of women with epilepsy during pregnancy. She serves as Associate Professor of Neurology and Co-Director of the Neurology Clerkship at Montefiore and Einstein, where she is also actively involved in mentoring and medical education.
After earning her BA from Harvard and MD from Mount Sinai, Dr. Rosengard completed her neurology residency as Chief Resident at Mount Sinai and a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at Einstein. Her research focuses on seizure prediction, the impact of COVID-19 on epilepsy patients, and clinical trials for new anti-seizure medications. She currently leads a study evaluating caregiver ability to detect pre-seizure signs and is developing an electronic seizure diary app in collaboration with TrialX.
Kayleigh Greenwood
Patient Engagement Specialist,
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Kayleigh Greenwood has been a Patient Engagement Specialist at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research for over 3 years. During that time, she has reviewed numerous clinical trial protocols and materials, providing feedback and recommendations to make them more patient-friendly and accessible. Kayleigh also manages the Foundation’s online clinical trial tool, Fox Trial Finder, which has connected nearly 12,000 Parkinson’s patients, caregivers, and family members with clinical research opportunities.
Krista Goedel
Clinical Digital Content Lead,
Sanofi
With 20 years of experience in clinical research, Krista Goedel has worked in various roles, ranging from recruitment study coordinator to monitor to project manager across pharmaceutical, device, and immunoassay studies. Currently, she works as a Digital Content Creator for SanofiStudies.com, a website designed to help patients learn more about clinical trials and explore opportunities to participate.
Dr. Michael Privitera
Professor of Neurology,
University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute
Dr. Michael Privitera is Professor of Neurology and holds the Matthew B. Lindner and Michael Privitera, MD Endowed Chair. He is the Director and Founder of the Epilepsy Center at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
He leads a multidisciplinary team of epileptologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, and nuclear medicine specialists who have been at the forefront of epilepsy medical and surgical treatments since 1987. His research portfolio includes participation in over 60 clinical trials of new antiseizure medications, along with more recent work in seizure forecasting. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Dr. Privitera is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of epilepsy. He served as president of the American Epilepsy Society in 2016 and has received multiple honors and awards throughout his career. He has mentored dozens of fellows and faculty, consistently secured peer-reviewed research funding, published in high-impact journals, and served on NIH and FDA review committees.
Paulina Anaya Cárdenas
Parexel FSP,
Patient Engagement Systems Coordinator
Paulina Cárdenas is a Patient Recruitment Systems Coordinator for Parexel. In this role, she coordinates different systems and tools that support patient recruitment in clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including Oncology, Vaccines, Immunology, Rare Diseases, and Internal Medicine. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in biochemistry from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where she focused on genetics, epigenetics, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, and cellular biology. With four years of experience in clinical trials and five years in the pharmaceutical industry, she began her career as a Database Analyst at a leading health information management company in Mexico.
She later joined Parexel as a Clinical Trials Team Assistant, where she worked for nearly two years before stepping into her current role. Today, she collaborates closely with study teams to maximize the use of patient recruitment tools—primarily iConnect—to efficiently and effectively meet recruitment goals. She is passionate about contributing to the advancement of therapies for patients and enhancing the experience of clinical trial participants. For her, hearing patients share stories about how their lives have improved through therapeutic advances is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
Dr. Sheryl Haut
Professor of Neurology
Montefiore Medical Center,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Dr. Sheryl Haut is a Professor of Neurology and Director of the Adult Epilepsy Program at Montefiore-Einstein, where she also serves as Chief of Service for Neurology. She is board-certified in Neurology and Epilepsy, and previously directed both the Neurology Residency Program and the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at Montefiore-Einstein.
Her research interests focus on the temporal distribution of seizures, seizure precipitants with emphasis on stress, and seizure self-prediction. She has investigated the phenomenon of seizure clustering and precipitants extensively through outpatient diary studies and cohorts undergoing inpatient epilepsy monitoring. She was the co-principal investigator of a large randomized controlled trial of stress reduction to reduce seizures, using smartphone diaries to collect data on precipitants and self-prediction.Dr. Haut has served as chair of the North American Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and is currently co-chair of the ILAE Leadership Task Force.
Tarlan Daryoush
Clinical Research Coordinator,
University of Pennsylvania
Tarlan Daryoush is a Clinical Research Coordinator and Project Manager for the Psychiatric Biomarkers Network (PBN) Study, a multi-site longitudinal project at the University of Pennsylvania investigating biological markers of schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum disorders. Since 2021, she has contributed to a wide range of NIH-funded and industry-sponsored studies, supporting participant recruitment, neuroimaging, biospecimen collection, and clinical assessments.
In addition to managing the PBN study, Tarlan serves as the CNB Training Manager, leading the implementation and certification process for standardized cognitive testing across Penn and its research partners.
She earned her BA in Cognitive Science from McGill University, where she began her research career studying social neuroscience using EEG. Prior to her role at Penn, she worked in the education sector, applying cognitive science-based strategies to help students with learning disabilities improve reading and language skills. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Behavioral and Decision Sciences, Tarlan aims to integrate behavioral science with clinical research to better understand and address the barriers to equitable mental healthcare delivery. Her work reflects a strong commitment to both scientific rigor and patient-centered care.
2024 Unsung Heroes
David Wallach
Director, Regulatory Affairs and Business Operations, Office of Science & Research,
NYU Langone Health
David Wallach is an accomplished Regulatory Affairs/HRPP Director with extensive experience in all facets of human research regulations. With a background in computer science, David specializes in FDA IND/IDE, metrics, process re-engineering, and quality assurance audits. His expertise extends to IRB/human research regulations, compliance, software implementation, and team management. Through his in-depth knowledge and a versatile skill set, David aims to ensure the highest standards in human research and regulatory compliance.
Elizabeth DeLuca
Director of Marketing and Patient Recruitment, CenExel FCR
As Director of Marketing and Recruitment at CenExel FCR, Elizabeth DeLuca prioritizes the human aspect of clinical research. She understands the importance of remembering that behind every data point, protocol, and deadline, there are human beings with emotions, feelings, and concerns. With over 25 years of experience, she began her career as a Clinical Research Coordinator, where a poignant moment solidified her dedication to compassionate care.
Witnessing the impact of smoking cessation on a patient and his grandson, she vowed to provide personalized, empathetic support to all participants. It has been her passion to provide the best “HUMAN” care to her patients which means building trust, recognizing patients as individuals, and actively listening.
Kaitlyn DeRouen
Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Pennsylvania
Kaitlyn is a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the Perelman School of Medicine. She embarked on her clinical research journey at the prestigious University of Virginia, delving into areas such as sports medicine and diabetes technology. Currently stationed at the forefront of innovation at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Kaitlyn is focused on behavioral weight loss and the drug Semaglutide.
But her quest for knowledge doesn't stop there! With an unwavering commitment to improving lives and sights set on even greater heights, she is gearing up to embark on a new academic adventure — pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University, with a specialization in weight loss management.
Mahasweta Dutt
Associate Director,
Clinical Research Operations, Office of Clinical Research, University of Pennsylvania
Maha boasts a robust educational foundation in Clinical Research Regulatory Affairs, Biotechnology, and Life Sciences. At Penn Medicine, the overarching objective is to introduce novel treatments and pioneering methodologies to enhance patients' well-being.
In her role at the Office of Clinical Research, Maha’s portfolio includes navigating clinical research sites through the intricate web of resources offered at Penn Medicine.This encompasses patient recruitment, adherence to training protocols, the seamless implementation of research applications, and, most importantly, providing support to patients and caregivers as they navigate the process of identifying the most suitable clinical trial for their needs.
Megan Ivey
Research Manager, University of Pennsylvania
Megan Ivey is a dedicated Research Manager at the University of Pennsylvania. Her passion for research blossomed during her undergraduate years at St. Joseph's University, where she realized her calling. She finds fulfillment in the meticulous process of testing ideas to uncover effective solutions, or equally significant, identifying what doesn't work.
While generating original ideas has been a challenge, she excels in translating investigators' funded concepts into actionable initiatives. With over two decades of experience in grant-funded research at Penn, Megan continues to embrace each day as an opportunity for growth and learning. Her diverse portfolio includes contributions to assessment creation, validation, long-term socio-behavioral studies, medication development, and COVID vaccine research. As the research landscape evolves, Megan remains committed to her field, aspiring to contribute for many more years, given the right opportunities and resources.
Nicole Luks
Patient Recruitment & Marketing Coordinator, DemCare Management
Nicole Luks is a seasoned professional in the dermatology sector, presently serving as the Patient Recruitment and Marketing Coordinator across all research sites at DermCare Management. With over 4 years of experience in dermatology, Nicole's passion for the field steered her towards specialization in research, where she has dedicated the past 3 years of her career.
Her deep understanding of dermatological conditions, treatments, and procedures, coupled with her expertise in patient recruitment strategies, makes her an invaluable asset to the research team. Nicole's passion for dermatology is palpable in her dedication to advancing knowledge and treatments. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys quality time with friends and family, relishing beach outings, but never leaves without her sunscreen.
Thomas Hohing
Recruitment Specialist,
Office of Clinical Research,
University of Pennsylvania
Tom brings over 20 years of experience to his role as a Recruitment Specialist at UPenn’s Office of Clinical Research, where he joined in February 2021. Armed with a master’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising from Rowan University, Tom has honed his expertise in recruiting, dedicating six years specifically at Penn. Passionate about supporting research teams, he is dedicated to leveraging iConnect to help them achieve their recruitment objectives efficiently and effectively.
Dr. Sheryl Haut
Professor of Neurology
Montefiore Medical Center,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Dr. Sheryl Haut is a Professor of Neurology and Director of the Adult Epilepsy Program at Montefiore-Einstein, where she also serves as Chief of Service for Neurology. She is board-certified in Neurology and Epilepsy, and previously directed both the Neurology Residency Program and the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at Montefiore-Einstein.
Her research interests focus on the temporal distribution of seizures, seizure precipitants with emphasis on stress, and seizure self-prediction. She has investigated the phenomenon of seizure clustering and precipitants extensively through outpatient diary studies and cohorts undergoing inpatient epilepsy monitoring. She was the co-principal investigator of a large randomized controlled trial of stress reduction to reduce seizures, using smartphone diaries to collect data on precipitants and self-prediction.Dr. Haut has served as chair of the North American Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and is currently co-chair of the ILAE Leadership Task Force.
She is co-director of the ILAE Leadership Training Program. She is currently serving on the Board of the American Epilepsy Society. Dr. Haut continues to maintain an active adult epilepsy practice at Montefiore Medical Center’s Moses Division.
Aby Dia
Clinical Research Navigator,
HCLTech Clinical Research Contact Center
With over a decade of experience as a Behavioral Therapist, Aby Dia has dedicated her career to supporting individuals, especially children, through their psychological development and emotional well-being. Her journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, driven by a deep passion for mental health and advocacy for underserved communities.
Today, she brings that same compassion and dedication to her role as a Clinical Research Navigator at the HCLTech Clinical Research Contact Center, where she helps patients and caregivers connect with life-changing studies. This role allows her to merge her therapeutic background with her passion for science, education, and community outreach, ensuring that every participant feels seen, heard, and supported throughout the research process.
For Aby, being part of clinical research is more than a job for her—it’s a commitment to shaping the future of medicine and equity in care. She believes every story matters, and is honored to be a guide on this journey of hope, discovery, and healing.
Crystal Bruner
Recruitment & Marketing Coordinator,
Center for Clinical Studies, LTD. LLP
Crystal Bruner brings nearly 12 years of experience at the Center for Clinical Studies (CCS), where she oversees patient recruitment and advertising while managing marketing initiatives, including content creation, website management, SEO, branding, and providing administrative support to senior management. With a background in photography and marketing, Crystal offers her unique perspective on the importance of design and advertising in successful recruitment
She believes that visually appealing ads are essential to capturing attention and encouraging potential participants to pause and learn more. Her approach emphasizes building trust through branding, personalized outreach, messaging, and creating visuals that resonate with target audiences, which helps increase engagement and expand access to underserved communities.
While recruiting patients can be challenging, Crystal finds it incredibly rewarding to help individuals discover research opportunities that could improve their lives and potentially lead to the creation of new treatments for future generations.
Diana Velazquez
Parexel FSP,
Patient Engagement Systems Coordinator
Diana Velazquez is a Patient Engagement Systems Coordinator at Parexel. She holds a degree in Biology from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City, followed by a Master's degree in neuroendocrinology and bioinformatics. During this time, she conducted basic research that led to the publication of several academic papers.
The pandemic marked a turning point in her career, leading her to pursue Clinical Investigation—a field she has been dedicated to since 2020. She is passionate about helping patients find the most appropriate clinical trials and supports recruitment efforts across a range of therapeutic areas, including COVID, breast cancer, multiple myeloma, migraine, lung cancer, RSV infection, asthma, and vitiligo. While still early in her clinical research career, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in the field. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her pets, discovering new cuisines with friends, and cooking for her family. A devoted fan of Japanese anime, she hopes to visit Japan in the near future.
Dr. Jillian L. Rosengard
Associate Professor of Neurology
Montefiore Medical Center,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Dr. Jillian Rosengard is a board-certified neurologist specializing in epilepsy, with a clinical focus on intractable epilepsy and the care of women with epilepsy during pregnancy. She serves as Associate Professor of Neurology and Co-Director of the Neurology Clerkship at Montefiore and Einstein, where she is also actively involved in mentoring and medical education.
After earning her BA from Harvard and MD from Mount Sinai, Dr. Rosengard completed her neurology residency as Chief Resident at Mount Sinai and a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at Einstein. Her research focuses on seizure prediction, the impact of COVID-19 on epilepsy patients, and clinical trials for new anti-seizure medications. She currently leads a study evaluating caregiver ability to detect pre-seizure signs and is developing an electronic seizure diary app in collaboration with TrialX.
A frequent presenter and peer reviewer, Dr. Rosengard has published extensively in leading journals. She is a member of the American Epilepsy Society and American Academy of Neurology, and has been recognized as a New York Super Doctors Rising Star and a member of the Leo M. Davidoff Society for excellence in teaching.
Kayleigh Greenwood
Patient Engagement Specialist,
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for
Parkinson’s Research
Kayleigh Greenwood has been a Patient Engagement Specialist at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research for over 3 years. During that time, she has reviewed numerous clinical trial protocols and materials, providing feedback and recommendations to make them more patient-friendly and accessible. Kayleigh also manages the Foundation’s online clinical trial tool, Fox Trial Finder, which has connected nearly 12,000 Parkinson’s patients, caregivers, and family members with clinical research opportunities.
Krista Goedel
Clinical Digital Content Lead,
Sanofi
With 20 years of experience in clinical research, Krista Goedel has worked in various roles, ranging from recruitment study coordinator to monitor to project manager across pharmaceutical, device, and immunoassay studies. Currently, she works as a Digital Content Creator for SanofiStudies.com, a website designed to help patients learn more about clinical trials and explore opportunities to participate.
Dr. Michael Privitera
Professor of Neurology,
University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute
Dr. Michael Privitera is Professor of Neurology and holds the Matthew B. Lindner and Michael Privitera, MD Endowed Chair. He is the Director and Founder of the Epilepsy Center at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
He leads a multidisciplinary team of epileptologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, and nuclear medicine specialists who have been at the forefront of epilepsy medical and surgical treatments since 1987. His research portfolio includes participation in over 60 clinical trials of new antiseizure medications, along with more recent work in seizure forecasting. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Dr. Privitera is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of epilepsy. He served as president of the American Epilepsy Society in 2016 and has received multiple honors and awards throughout his career. He has mentored dozens of fellows and faculty, consistently secured peer-reviewed research funding, published in high-impact journals, and served on NIH and FDA review committees.
Paulina Anaya Cárdenas
Parexel FSP,
Patient Engagement Systems Coordinator
Paulina Cárdenas is a Patient Recruitment Systems Coordinator for Parexel. In this role, she coordinates different systems and tools that support patient recruitment in clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including Oncology, Vaccines, Immunology, Rare Diseases, and Internal Medicine. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in biochemistry from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where she focused on genetics, epigenetics, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, and cellular biology. With four years of experience in clinical trials and five years in the pharmaceutical industry, she began her career as a Database Analyst at a leading health information management company in Mexico.
She later joined Parexel as a Clinical Trials Team Assistant, where she worked for nearly two years before stepping into her current role. Today, she collaborates closely with study teams to maximize the use of patient recruitment tools—primarily iConnect—to efficiently and effectively meet recruitment goals. She is passionate about contributing to the advancement of therapies for patients and enhancing the experience of clinical trial participants. For her, hearing patients share stories about how their lives have improved through therapeutic advances is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
Tarlan Daryoush
Clinical Research Coordinator,
University of Pennsylvania
Tarlan Daryoush is a Clinical Research Coordinator and Project Manager for the Psychiatric Biomarkers Network (PBN) Study, a multi-site longitudinal project at the University of Pennsylvania investigating biological markers of schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum disorders. Since 2021, she has contributed to a wide range of NIH-funded and industry-sponsored studies, supporting participant recruitment, neuroimaging, biospecimen collection, and clinical assessments.
In addition to managing the PBN study, Tarlan serves as the CNB Training Manager, leading the implementation and certification process for standardized cognitive testing across Penn and its research partners.
She earned her BA in Cognitive Science from McGill University, where she began her research career studying social neuroscience using EEG. Prior to her role at Penn, she worked in the education sector, applying cognitive science-based strategies to help students with learning disabilities improve reading and language skills. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Behavioral and Decision Sciences, Tarlan aims to integrate behavioral science with clinical research to better understand and address the barriers to equitable mental healthcare delivery. Her work reflects a strong commitment to both scientific rigor and patient-centered care.
David Wallach
Director, Regulatory Affairs and Business
Operations, Office of Science & Research,
NYU Langone Health
David Wallach is an accomplished Regulatory Affairs/HRPP Director with extensive experience in all facets of human research regulations. With a background in computer science, David specializes in FDA IND/IDE, metrics, process re-engineering, and quality assurance audits. His expertise extends to IRB/human research regulations, compliance, software implementation, and team management. Through his in-depth knowledge and a versatile skill set, David aims to ensure the highest standards in human research and regulatory compliance.
Elizabeth DeLuca
Director of Marketing and Patient Recruitment,
CenExel FCR
As Director of Marketing and Recruitment at CenExel FCR, Elizabeth DeLuca prioritizes the human aspect of clinical research. She understands the importance of remembering that behind every data point, protocol, and deadline, there are human beings with emotions, feelings, and concerns. With over 25 years of experience, she began her career as a Clinical Research Coordinator, where a poignant moment solidified her dedication to compassionate care.
Witnessing the impact of smoking cessation on a patient and his grandson, she vowed to provide personalized, empathetic support to all participants. It has been her passion to provide the best “HUMAN” care to her patients which means building trust, recognizing patients as individuals, and actively listening.
This requires “going the extra mile” to know the protocols, know the indication, know the treatment options and spending the time to educate the patient. She believes that To truly excel and distinguish as Centers of Excellence in clinical research, prioritizing the human side of care is paramount.
Kaitlyn DeRouen
Clinical Research Coordinator,
University of Pennsylvania
Kaitlyn is a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the Perelman School of Medicine. She embarked on her clinical research journey at the prestigious University of Virginia, delving into areas such as sports medicine and diabetes technology. Currently stationed at the forefront of innovation at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, Kaitlyn is focused on behavioral weight loss and the drug Semaglutide.
But her quest for knowledge doesn't stop there! With an unwavering commitment to improving lives and sights set on even greater heights, she is gearing up to embark on a new academic adventure — pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University, with a specialization in weight loss management.
Mahasweta Dutt
Associate Director,
Clinical Research Operations,
Office of Clinical Research,
University of Pennsylvania
Maha boasts a robust educational foundation in Clinical Research Regulatory Affairs, Biotechnology, and Life Sciences. At Penn Medicine, the overarching objective is to introduce novel treatments and pioneering methodologies to enhance patients' well-being.
In her role at the Office of Clinical Research, Maha’s portfolio includes navigating clinical research sites through the intricate web of resources offered at Penn Medicine.This encompasses patient recruitment, adherence to training protocols, the seamless implementation of research applications, and, most importantly, providing support to patients and caregivers as they navigate the process of identifying the most suitable clinical trial for their needs.
Megan Ivey
Research Manager,
University of Pennsylvania
Megan Ivey is a dedicated Research Manager at the University of Pennsylvania. Her passion for research blossomed during her undergraduate years at St. Joseph's University, where she realized her calling. She finds fulfillment in the meticulous process of testing ideas to uncover effective solutions, or equally significant, identifying what doesn't work.
While generating original ideas has been a challenge, she excels in translating investigators' funded concepts into actionable initiatives. With over two decades of experience in grant-funded research at Penn, Megan continues to embrace each day as an opportunity for growth and learning. Her diverse portfolio includes contributions to assessment creation, validation, long-term socio-behavioral studies, medication development, and COVID vaccine research. As the research landscape evolves, Megan remains committed to her field, aspiring to contribute for many more years, given the right opportunities and resources.
Nicole Luks
Patient Recruitment & Marketing
Coordinator, DemCare Management
Nicole Luks is a seasoned professional in the dermatology sector, presently serving as the Patient Recruitment and Marketing Coordinator across all research sites at DermCare Management. With over 4 years of experience in dermatology, Nicole's passion for the field steered her towards specialization in research, where she has dedicated the past 3 years of her career.
Her deep understanding of dermatological conditions, treatments, and procedures, coupled with her expertise in patient recruitment strategies, makes her an invaluable asset to the research team. Nicole's passion for dermatology is palpable in her dedication to advancing knowledge and treatments. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys quality time with friends and family, relishing beach outings, but never leaves without her sunscreen.
Thomas Hohing
Recruitment Specialist,
Office of Clinical Research,
University of Pennsylvania
Tom brings over 20 years of experience to his role as a Recruitment Specialist at UPenn’s Office of Clinical Research, where he joined in February 2021. Armed with a master’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising from Rowan University, Tom has honed his expertise in recruiting, dedicating six years specifically at Penn. Passionate about supporting research teams, he is dedicated to leveraging iConnect to help them achieve their recruitment objectives efficiently and effectively.
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