1. What is your current role at CMRI?
The IRB is an independent committee of scientific, non-scientific and non-affiliated members that ensures that a research study is ethical and that the rights of the study participants are protected. In my roles as IRB Senior Manager, Reliance Manager and IRB Member, I am primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the CMRI IRB and IRB Specialists. This includes the coordination of IRB activities and protocol submissions between the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), other research administrative offices, and external IRB's.
2. What drew you to a career in research at CMRI?
To be honest, I fell into research and the IRB. When I came to Children's Mercy 14 years ago, I was young and had little experience, but I knew I wanted to help children at some level. I started in the molecular biology lab as an assistant. After several months, I began to look at the job board to see if I could find myself in a new position. As fate would have it, the IRB was hiring! I had no idea what an IRB was, but I met the qualifications for the entry-level position and went for it. I did not expect a call back for an interview, but I received one that very day! Needless to say, I spent the entire night researching IRBs in preparation for this life-changing interview. Little did I know, research was about to become my life. I went into that interview scared but left the interview amazed and hoping I would be given the chance to explore what seemed like a dream career. Learning about the purpose of an IRB sparked my passion for human ethics in research. This was the job I had been searching for, one where I could grow, be challenged, and (best of all) help others! When I received an offer to join the team, there was no second guessing it; I was all in! Since then, I have been mentored by Saskia Miller and others who shaped me into the employee I am today.
3. What are your research/career goals?
My number one goal is simple; I just want to do the right thing and be a person others can rely on. In the future, I hope to work my way up to a director position doing the work that I love so much.
4. What is your favorite thing about working at CMRI?
My team and the people around me! Hands down! I feel incredibly lucky to be involved with such an amazing group of people who are all dedicated to our patients and our research participants.
5. What is on your bucket list?
I hope to one day travel the world making friends, eating good food, napping whenever I want, and seeing all the beauty nature has created.