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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.