1. What is your current role at CMRI?

I am a research nurse coordinator in the PCRU, which is a six-bed inpatient unit designed for the conduct of pediatric clinical research. I am currently working on a weight loss study looking at how certain genes work with a medication. I am working on a study that looks at patients with obesity and their response to steroids. I am also working on capturing data for a congenital lung malformation study.

2. What drew you to a career in research at CMRI?

I have worked at Children's Mercy for 16 years. I worked on the Infectious Disease floor before coming to research. A friend worked in research and told me I should join her, so I did! :-) I didn't know much about research before this job, but I am happy I made the move! There is way more to research than I ever knew, and it is so cool to see the progress of so many projects.

3. What are your research/career goals?

I am a newer coordinator, and my current goal is to get my certification in clinical research from the Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

4. What is your favorite thing about working at CMRI?

I love meeting and interacting with people from all different areas. Being in the PCRU, I have worked with weight management, pulmonology, infectious disease, fetal health, critical care, and others which is really cool.

5. What is on your bucket list?

I would love to go to Greece, Maldives, or Fiji!