Meet Our Team

Research Coordinators:

Diana G. Anzueto, BS, MSCI – Clinical Research Project Manager

  • Diana G. Anzueto, BS, MSCI Manages various feasibility/study start-up activities to include completion of questionnaires, hosting pre-study meetings, and assigning study coordinator resources. Responsible for ensuring and maintaining the integrity and quality of the research according to specific regulations, sponsor guidelines and institutional policies
  • Provides guidance to research team in developing operational plans supporting selected clinical trials.
  • Registers patient data specified in the study protocols and provides general administrative duties in support of the research studies.
  • Defines and manages project resource needs within specified timelines and budget.
  • Develops, submits, tracks, and reconciles project grants.
  • Maintains research databases; prepares and submits individual study annual progress reports.
  • Provides test result reports, tracks progress and completion of projects, and maintains necessary resources.
  • Provides assistance in data analysis and identifies projects and components needing additional statistical support and consultation.
  • Implements performance management program for assigned team members.

Lauryn A. Winter, BS  – Research Coordinator-Senior

  • Lauryn A. Winter, BSPlans, designs, and implements research experiments
  • Manages accounts for Principal Investigators
  • Assures compliance with institutional policies and regulations to meet federal, state, and codes pertaining to safety and ethics.
  • Prepares and submits studies for publication
  • Responsible for data entry and quality assurance on research projects
  • Conducts predictive Immune and Airway Monitoring in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
  • Proficient in machine learning methods (R and Python) for electronic health record data
  • Provides operational and administrative support for research involving large animal studies; 24/7 intensive care staff coverage, equipment maintenance, supplies inventory, and tissue sharing.

 Caitlyn A. Winter, BS, MS  – Research Associate

  • Caitlyn A. Winter, BS, MSCoordinates complex research projects in a variety of basic science and clinical settings
  • Conducts predictive Immune and Airway Monitoring in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
  • Assists with administrative clinical research projects including pre/post-award activities
  • Prepares and submits regulatory documents to the Institutional Review Board
  • Monitors ongoing activities to ensure compliance with state & federal regulations
  • Maintains research subject files for several studies and enters subject data into the research databases.
  • Responsible for processing and shipment of clinical trial samples and research specimens
  • Proficient in R, Python, STATA, and SPSS.

Dauren Alimbetov, B.S., M.S., Ph.D – Clinical Research Project Manager

  • Dauren Alimbetov, Ph.DCoordinates translational/clinical research in the division of Neonatology
  • Oversees operational budgets and contracts for translational studies with UT Health and outside granting Institutions
  • Liaison with IACUC, ensuring completion of administrative requirements to streamline study progress
  • Oversees administrative and regulatory requirements for all personnel in translational studies involving large animal models
  • Coordinates tissue shipments between institutions and manages administrative tasks related to shipments
  • Assists with nutrition related clinical trial submissions
  • Coordinates hospital contracts, supporting research relationship between UT Health and University Health

Salene Ali, MS – Research Coordinator

  • Salene Ali, MSMaintenance of large animal research model.
  • Acquire and support 24/7 staff for the lab to ensure the health of the animals.
  • Ensure the Principle Investigator’s protocols are carried out.
  • Perform blood draws for various required lab work.
  • Perform nursing and respiratory duties as needed.
  • Maintain supplies for lab

2. High Risk Dietitians with Neonatal Expertise

Rachel Jacob, RD – Lead Dietitian with expertise in intestinal failure

Krista Bonagurio, RD – Expertise in neonatal cardiac disease

Elizabeth Lavender, RD – Expertise in liver transplant and intestinal disease

Sarah Licht, RD – Expertise in neonatal growth and nutritional support

3. Research Nurses/Associates

Laurie Weaver RN – Part time research nurse with focus on Vermont Oxford.  Assists with clinical research operation

Umber Darilek RN – Part time research nurse with focus on follow up studies

4.  Additional Resources:

  • A clinical laboratory staffed by 24 hours/day technicians to perform blood gas, glucose, bilirubin, hematocrit, and electrolyte analyses
  • A pharmacy staffed 24 hours/day and equipped with controlled temperature refrigerator and freezer
  • A 250-square foot research laboratory
  • Dedicated equipment for performing and imaging digital radiographs
  • Dedicated maternal/neonatal metabolic unit