Grace Wentzel is Deputy Director, State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience (SOAR) and also serves as the Regulatory and Compliance Lead for the Center for Neuroimaging, Neurophenotyping, Neurocomputation and Neuromodulations (C4N). Prior to her current role, Grace spent over 30 years building and implementing centralized research infrastructure programs and services at a large pediatric academic medical center and an integrated research organization. Grace is dually certified with SOCRA and HCCA and continues to be heavily focused on leadership, strategic planning, policy development, patient access and engagement and training and education for clinical research professionals. Grace loves to spend as much time as she can with her grandson, family and their charcoal lab at their lake house, boating, watching the sunset and reading a good book

Dr. Jessica Fritter is an Associate Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University, College of Nursing and Director of the Master of Clinical Research, Clinical Research Management Graduate Certificate and Clinical Trials Sciences Undergraduate Certificate programs where she teaches and creates courses that are fundamental to clinical research education. She is Co-Director of Workforce Development at The Ohio State University Clinical Translational Science Institute and Faculty Director of the Multisite Trial Coordinating Center. Through her years in clinical research, she has overseen very robust and always evolving infrastructures and has managed multimillion dollar infrastructures and clinical trial budgets along with overseeing regulatory affairs, clinical research training, compliance, business operations, clinical trial management systems, feasibility, and program management. As a leader in clinical research workforce development, Dr. Fritter directs national and local initiatives that enhance education, training, and professional identity within the field. Her national leadership includes leading working groups within the Association of Clinical Translational Science Clinical Research Professional Special Interest Group (SIG) focused on team science and workforce retention, resulting in publications and national presentations. She is committed to early pipeline development, having co-founded the Next STEPP Clinical Research Summer Camp for high school students. Dr. Fritter’s advocacy work has contributed to national recognition of clinical research careers, and presentations to students and professionals to promote the field. She holds leadership roles in the Consortium of Academic Programs in Clinical Research and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and is a board member of Association of Graduate Regulatory Educators (AGRE). As PI, she leads a national study on the impact of academic training on certification outcomes and is PI of a study assessing employer and clinical research professionals’ perceptions on credentials. She has presented at major conferences and mentored numerous professionals, supporting the next generation of clinical research leaders.

Laura Adkins, MAP, CCRP, CCRA is a seasoned clinical research professional with almost 24 years of experience in the field. She has dedicated her career to advancing clinical trials and strengthening research operations within an academic health center, improving processes, and ensuring trials are conducted ethically with integrity, quality, and participant safety at the forefront.

Laura holds a Master of Applied Psychology (focus on Industrial/Organizational psychology) and certifications through the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) as a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) as a Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA).

Laura plays an active role in professional education through SOCRA, serving on the National Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the Arkansas Chapter. She is passionate about equipping researchers at all levels with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed and believes strongly in the power of shared expertise to strengthen the research community.

She currently serves as Director of the Office of Research Regulatory Affairs, which acts on behalf of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as sponsor for FDA-regulated research involving Investigational New Drugs and Investigational Device Exemptions. In this role, Laura oversees multiple units, including Regulatory Affairs, Monitoring, Quality Assurance, Good Tissue Practice and ClinicalTrials.gov. She fully understands that these trials are “labors of love” for local researchers and appreciates the passion that they have for their projects.

In all aspects of her career, Laura is dedicated to protecting research participants and supporting investigators in conducting ethical, compliant, and high-quality studies. She is committed to mentoring researchers and helping them and their teams navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment and values the opportunity to collaborate on projects that produce reliable data and advance medical innovation.

Cristina Ferrazzano Yaussy, MPH, CCRP, is an experienced research compliance and quality professional with demonstrated expertise in clinical research oversight within academic health systems and industry. Her work centers on strengthening regulatory compliance frameworks, advancing quality assurance programs, and promoting the ethical and responsible conduct of human subject's research.

Cristina holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Case Western Reserve University and is a SOCRA Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and has comprehensive knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), federal regulations, and research compliance requirements. She has extensive experience advising investigators and research teams on regulatory strategy, audit preparedness, corrective and preventive action planning, and risk mitigation. Her approach integrates regulatory rigor with practical operational insight to support high-performing, compliant research programs.

In her leadership role within the Dartmouth Health Office of Research Operations, Research Quality and Safety, Cristina oversees internal audit and monitoring activities, provides regulatory consultation for Sponsor-Investigator research and ClinicalTrials.gov, and directs the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and training initiatives that enhance research quality and participant protections. She works closely with institutional stakeholders to foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Additionally, she also serves on the Board of Directors for the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). Through her strategic leadership and collaborative engagement with the greater research community, Cristina advances efforts to safeguard participants, strengthen compliance infrastructure, and promote excellence in clinical research. Cristina has direct experience supporting research sites in regulatory interactions, including audits and inspections conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. She is committed to ensuring that research programs maintain the highest standards of integrity while effectively navigating complex regulatory environments.

Jessica Rowe, MA, MS, CCRP, CIP, is the Quality and Education Director for the Yale Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office. Previously, she served as the Associate Director for Regulatory, Compliance, and Quality at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI) and the Yale Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). Before her tenure at Yale, Jessica was the HRPP Director for WellSpan Health, where she managed a comprehensive human research protection program.

Jessica has an extensive 13-year background at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), where she held multiple roles in the research field and was an active member of several research review committees. She continues to contribute as an IRB member for both UMB and Yale, and she chairs the Southern Pennsylvania SOCRA Chapter while also serving as the Immediate Past President of SOCRA.

Jessica is an adjunct instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School, teaching courses in research compliance and administration. She is a recognized faculty member in several SOCRA workshops, including Quality Management and the GCP Prep Course.

With extensive experience in human subject research compliance, IRB, quality, clinical trial management, education, and training, Jessica is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and a certified IRB Professional (CIP). She also holds a graduate certificate in Research Ethics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Her passion lies in human subject protections, bioethics, quality, and compliance.

Alyssa Gateman currently serves as the Executive Director of the Yale Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office. Since joining Yale in July 2014, she has also held the role of Senior Associate Director of Quality Assurance and Research Regulatory Initiatives at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation. Prior to her time at Yale, Ms. Gateman was Director of the Quality Assurance Office for Clinical Trials at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. 

Ms. Gateman is deeply committed to advancing the clinical research workforce through education and mentorship. In addition to her long-standing involvement with SOCRA, she serves as Adjunct Faculty at Southern Connecticut State University, where she teaches Good Clinical Practices and Clinical Trial Administration as part of the Healthcare Studies undergraduate program. A dedicated SOCRA member, she will celebrate 22 years of membership and 19 years of certification in 2025. She is a former SOCRA Board member, frequent presenter for SOCRA and currently serves as the inaugural President of the Connecticut SOCRA Chapter. 

Outside of work, Ms. Gateman enjoys supporting the Yale Junior Bulldogs hockey team as a coach’s wife and goalie mom, and spending time with her golden retriever, Biscuit. 

Laura R. Holtz, MS, PMP, CCRP, is a Senior Quality Specialist at Yale University, Yale Cancer Center, Clinical Trials Office. Previously, she was a senior project manager at the Indiana University Center for Aging Research on federally- funded randomized control trials and demonstration programs to provide care collaboration for patients with dementia and their caregivers in multiple care settings. She also coordinated an annual statewide conference focused on palliative and end-of-life communication and research. She shares her expertise in regulations, informed consent, decision making capacity, patient/caregiver interviewing, ethics, and research project management at numerous local and national conferences. Laura established the Indianapolis chapter of Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) and organizes education opportunities which provide pathways for staff to become Certified Clinical Research Professionals. She is a co-facilitator for the SOCRA Clinical Site Coordination/ Management and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) workshop and the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and GCP Exam Prep course. As the SOCRA President, she contributes to the organization’s strategic objectives to provide research education, networking opportunities and professional credentialing for the research community. Laura has a Master of Science in Communications from Purdue University. 

Katrina Croghan serves as the Program Director of the Applied Clinical Research Program at St. Cloud State University (SCSU), where she leads a curriculum focused on providing comprehensive, industry-driven knowledge to prepare students for successful careers in clinical research. She also holds the position of Quality Management Coordinator (QMC) at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (MCCCC), overseeing the establishment, maintenance, and education related to all MCCCC documentation, policies, and procedures.

Ms. Croghan earned both her B.S. and M.S. degrees from SCSU and has been a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) since 2014, accredited by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). She joined the Applied Clinical Research Program at SCSU as adjunct faculty in 2023 and has been with Mayo Clinic since 2012. Her professional journey in clinical research began within the Department of Medicine—Clinical Research Office, later expanding to the Cancer Center in 2015. There, she held roles such as Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), Lead CRC, and Senior CRC, before advancing to her current QMC role.

In recognition of her expertise, Ms. Croghan attained the rank of Assistant Professor at SCSU in 2025 and was named Assistant Professor of Health Care Administration at Mayo Clinic in 2023. In addition to her primary responsibilities, she co-chairs the SOCRA Southeast MN Chapter and was recently appointed to the SOCRA Board of Directors for the 2025-2028 term.

Jessica Rowe, MA, MS, CCRP, CIP, is the Quality and Education Director for the Yale Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office. Previously, she served as the Associate Director for Regulatory, Compliance, and Quality at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI) and the Yale Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). Before her tenure at Yale, Jessica was the HRPP Director for WellSpan Health, where she managed a comprehensive human research protection program.

Jessica has an extensive 13-year background at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), where she held multiple roles in the research field and was an active member of several research review committees. She continues to contribute as an IRB member for both UMB and Yale, and she chairs the Southern Pennsylvania SOCRA Chapter while also serving as the Immediate Past President of SOCRA.

Jessica is an adjunct instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School, teaching courses in research compliance and administration. She is a recognized faculty member in several SOCRA workshops, including Quality Management and the GCP Prep Course.

With extensive experience in human subject research compliance, IRB, quality, clinical trial management, education, and training, Jessica is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and a certified IRB Professional (CIP). She also holds a graduate certificate in Research Ethics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Her passion lies in human subject protections, bioethics, quality, and compliance.

Erin is a Research Manager at Indiana University Center for Aging Research and Regenstrief Institute. Her experience in research trials includes translational research in diabetes, and projects aimed at improving the lives of older adults in nursing facilities. Currently, she is the manager of the Data & Analytics team for the OPTIMISTIC program, a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services nursing facility quality improvement project. Erin is passionate about data, and holds an MPH in epidemiology from the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health.

Annette has worked in clinical research for the past 29 years, primarily in PI initiated studies. She currently works as a Clinical/Translational Research Coordinator III in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was certified CCRP in 2004 and has been a member of the Greater Nashville Region SoCRA chapter’s Education Committee since 2007. She obtained her Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences (MLAS) degree from Vanderbilt University in 2011, and completed level 1 of the Vanderbilt Program in Research Administration Development (VPRAD) in 2012.

Upon graduation from medical school, Anatoly worked as a Scientist at the Research Institute of Hematology where he defended his PhD. Later, Anatoly worked at a Clinical Research Organisation in different roles in Quality Assurance, Clinical Management, and Global Project Management. Later, Anatoly worked as a Senior Manager, Medical Organisation Training & Standards at MedImmune/Astra Zeneca in Cambridge, the United Kingdom. In January 2017 Anatoly joined PPD UK as a Senior Clinical Manager. His responsibilities include line management and development of clinical research professionals, resourcing, and clinical trial oversight. Anatoly is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Certified Trainer in the UK, with the CIPD Diploma in Human Resource Development.

Hugh Devine is a Senior Director, Clinical Operations, PPD UK & Ireland. He joined PPD in January 2004, based in Cambridge, United Kingdom. His previous roles were with Boehringer Mannheim, Innovex, Pharmacia, and Pfizer. Hugh is responsible for the Clinical Operations team’s deliverables in the UK and Ireland, managing a team over 200 individuals.

Since 2008, she has served in senior project manager positions working for global CROs, MedImmune, UCSF ITN and Duke DCRI. She has dedicated her volunteer time over the years to the training of clinical trial professionals through SOCRA and other educational organizations. Recognized internationally as a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Trainer and subject matter expert, Ms. Rugloski has consulted and lectured in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Ms. Rugloski is a past member of the SOCRA Board of Directors and continues to assist in the development and delivery of SOCRA events.

Amber is currently a Research Quality Assurance Monitor in the Office of Research Compliance (ORC) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Amber has over a decade of experience in the business and conduct of clinical research as a public relations representative, clinical research coordinator, research associate, and investigator. Her education and professional experience allows her to successfully consult with study teams and various organizations on research initiatives. Amber is currently pursuing a Master’s of Bioethics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Health & Societies, with a concentration in Bioethics & Society from University of Pennsylvania. She also completed a University minor in Health Care Management and Biological Basis of Behavior from the Wharton School of Business and the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. Amber is a Certified Clinical Research Professional, by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA), and is also an active member of the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS).

Barbara has over twenty-five years of experience in education, with the last twenty-five years focused on outcomes-based adult professional training. She is currently the Clinical Training/Learning and Professional Development Manager at Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. serving the Division of Clinical Research (DCR) of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), in a Learning and Professional Development role, and is also responsible for the compliance, technical and professional development training for Clinical Monitoring Research Program staff of Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Frederick. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Chemistry/Secondary Education and a Master’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Cellular Biology. Barbara has also taught Human Anatomy and Physiology in the Allied Health Program at Frederick Community College since 1993 and is still an active instructor in this program.