The Clinical Research Core (CRC)

The Clinical Research Core (CRC) is a team of full-time clinical research professionals with a full range of expertise in supporting and executing diverse clinical research trials in an efficient, ethical and compliant manner.  The CRC specializes in cardiothoracic and vascular surgical clinical trials and also supports plastic, acute care, breast, bariatric, renal, pediatric and GI trials.

The CRC is comprised of personnel for regulatory, quality, finance, and general oversight in addition to several research coordinators and assistants. This structure allows us to provide a wide range of services for our investigators and sponsors. Our diverse team provides a compassionate and engaging atmosphere for our subjects. Collectively, we speak over 10 different languages. Several members are trained in NIHSS assessment, neurocognitive testing, phlebotomy, and 12 lead ECG.

The Research Core provides mentoring, training and education for department research personnel, on request by other departments, and for residents, fellows, PAs, and NPs. This structure provides cost-effective and flexible options for providing specialized staffing across various research projects. Many team members are actively involved in the research community to promote clinical research education and professionalization. Several members of the team have obtained professional, job-specific certification (CCRP, CCRC or CCRA).

The CRC offers a variety of services, including IRB and regulatory guidance and support, monitoring, creation of source documents and case report forms, training and education, assistance with all elements of study conduct, and collaboration and networking opportunities.

Clinical Research Core team members

Amanda Alonso, MHA, CCRC

Director of Clinical Trials
aa2974@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 342-0261

Khady Ndour, CCRA

Program Manager for Research Compliance and Quality
kn2323@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 342-8528

Claudia Musat, MD

Associate Research Scientist
cm2065@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 342-4102

Valerie Storfer, M.S.Ed., MFA

Program Manager of Budgets & Operations
vs2305@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 342-1727

Bo Lu

Senior Research Coordinator
bl2699@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 305-3009

Sherene Ishtihar

Clinical Research Coordinator
si2271@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 305-3009

Christina Brown

Clinical Research Coordinator
cb3849@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 305-3009

Maeve Bleistein

Clinical Research Coordinator
mb4971@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 342-4102

Shivani Guha

Clinical Research Coordinator
sg4365@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 342-4102

Christian Welch

Clinical Research Coordinator
cw3571@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 305-3009

Everald Howell

Technician Assistant
eh2511@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 342-1727

Elaine Martinez

Technician Assistant
m3492@cumc.columbia.edu
(212) 305-3009

Dan Lien

Technician Assistant
(212) 342-8528