Are you originally from Arkansas?
No. I grew up in Memphis, TN, but attended Hendrix College with a degree in Sociology and later received a master degree in Public Health at UAMS.
How long have you worked at UAMS?
Ten years with 4 years at ACH in the middle of that time.
How long have you been in your current position?
I have been in Research Compliance for about 4 years, and I work with human subject research studies.
What does it involve?
The Research Compliance office conducts audits of individual studies to ensure protocols, IRB polices, and federal regulations are followed. The protection of human subjects is key. Our office also provides education to the UAMS research community and consultations to get new studies off to a good start.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love the people that I work with. We have the best group. I also like interacting with study staff across campus.
Are there any challenges?
Mostly getting PIs more involved in the audit process. It can be a really good learning experience, even for seasoned investigators.
What is your biggest challenge?
It has to be that issues are often discovered after they happen. Trying to prevent missteps ahead of time is difficult. However, when a problem is discovered, we work with the study team and/or IRB to correct the problem and hopefully keep it from reoccurring.
How many audits do you work on annually?
We aim for at least one audit or study consultation per week (i.e. about 50 per year). Consultations include study staff training or one of our NICE reviews (New Investigation Consult and Education) that can be completed after IRB approval, but before any subjects are enrolled.
How about after hours? What do you do for fun?
My family (husband, Mark and three boys, Evan (14), Dominic (10), and Timothy (7)), puppy (DJ), six chickens, and a Flemish Giant rabbit named Gracie keep me pretty busy.
What is a Flemish Giant rabbit?
The breed originated in the Flanders region of Belgium in the 16th century. Flemish giant rabbits average between 15-20 lbs. with the largest recorded individual weighing in at 32 lbs.
What personal skill or hobby don’t most people know about you?
I used to be a competitive swimmer in high school and college.
Any last thoughts on your position as Research Compliance Audit Manager?
The proper conduct of a research study is so important. It’s very helpful to get new investigators and study staff familiar with research requirements from the start, especially as they pertain to UAMS.