Office for Postdoctoral Affairs and Early Career Research Directory

Office for Postdoctoral Affairs and Early Career Research

Medical Center Office and Mailing Address:
154 Haven Ave. Suite 313 (Monday - Friday)
New York, NY 10032

Morningside (By appointment only): 
Chandler Room 351

Please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 212.305.4073
Fax: 212.342.2991

New Columbia Post-docs: request to add your name to OPA listserv

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Senior Coordinator for Radiation Safety Committees, Yvette is responsible for supporting and managing the committees required by regulation to oversee the safe use of radiation at Columbia University, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and affiliated facilities. These include the Morningside Radiation Safety Committee, the Joint Radiation Safety Committee, the Radioactive Drug Research Committee, and a number of associated subcommittees. Yvette also manages the system of submission, review, and approval of research protocols involving radiation and human subjects, and maintains the records of personnel approved by the Joint Radiation Safety Committee to serve as clinical Authorized Users.

  • Young Ran Cho, CPhT, is a Research Pharmacy Coordinator. She signs out and delivers study medication and conducts site qualification visits and interim monitoring visits in addition to managing drug inventory and pharmacy supplies ordering.

  • Yolanda Ruiz is a Financial Analyst at the Clinical Trials Office. Yolanda provides investigators and their research teams financial accounts receivable services, including ARC account creation and changes, invoicing and reconciliation of industry-sponsored clinical trials at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

  • Windsor Franco is a Chemical Barcoder II stationed at Pupin 200. Windsor is responsible for bar-coding chemicals upon delivery and receipt and maintaining accurate chemical inventories through reconciliation and empty bottle handling.

  • Wendy Lora is a Pharmacy Technician. She signs out and delivers study medication and conducts site qualification visits and interim monitoring visits in addition to managing drug inventory and pharmacy supplies ordering.

  • Victoria Hamilton created and directs the Office of Research Initiatives and Development at Columbia University, reporting to the Executive Vice President for Research. This Office works across disciplines, schools, and campuses to foster interdisciplinary research collaboration, particularly among scientists, engineers, and medical researchers. The Office supports efforts to secure external funding for such collaborations, and administers a seed fund for very early-stage research that falls outside the traditional boundaries. The Office also focuses on helping plan and build research infrastructure, such as the Shared Research Computing Facility and the Columbia Nano Initiative facilities.

    Prior to joining Columbia in January 2007, Ms. Hamilton was a principal of The Washington Advisory Group, consulting with both industry and non-profits on the intersection of scientific and technical research and commerce (1999 to 2006). Previously, she was Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of General American Investors, a NYSE-listed closed end investment fund (1992-1998), and for ten years a senior member in SRK Management Company, a private venture capital firm (1982-1992). Ms. Hamilton holds a BA and an MBA from Harvard University.

  • Tazeen Siddiqui-Pittman is Executive Assistant to Helen Kim, Vice President for Research Operations and Policy and Administrative Manager in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research (OEVPR).  She started with the OEVPR in early 2022 and is responsible for oversight of all administrative tasks, management of HR functions, providing executive level support for VP and EVP, managing calendars, operational support and acts as liaison for multiple departments such as CUHR, CUMC, CUIT and Facilities.

     

  • Tanja Holgate, CPhT, is the Lead Research Pharmacy Coordinator. She signs out and delivers study medication and conducts site qualification visits and interim monitoring visits in addition to managing drug inventory and pharmacy supplies ordering.

  • Role and Responsibilities

    Susan is the Finance Manager for the Executive Vice President of Research overseeing all Central Finances and Reporting relating to the 9 EVPR units.

    Biography

    As a 22 year veteran of Columbia University, Susan served as Contract control specialist in the Department of Sponsored Projects Administration (formerly known as OPG) where she was responsible for the Data entry of awarded information into the grants management system for account creation and account Modifications. She was also responsible for post data entry, review and reconciliation of the information and attributes fed from the grants management system to the University financial system to ensure both systems were synchronized.  Susan also served as the Financial Assistant in the Department of Dermatology, as well as the Financial Coordinator for Columbia’s Biomedical Informatics Department.  In both capacities, she was responsible for review of financial activities such as reconciling grant and departmental accounts against the university financial systems, liaison between the IRB, IACUC and SPA for departmental requests and completion of such requests. In addition to but not limited to maintenance/execution of subcontract and consulting agreements and assist with the submission of grant proposals.  

    Mrs. Richards-Baptiste earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Business Management from Delaware State University in Dover, DE.  A native of Brooklyn, NY, Susan likes to learn new concepts to excel at her position at Columbia University, read, and spend time with family.

  • Stephanie is responsible for educating and updating the Columbia University and Columbia University Irving Medical Center communities on policies and procedures impacting the day to day management of proposals and awards. She has over twenty years' experience in all aspects of pre-award sponsored projects administration, and has led many special projects involving the implementation and change management of major policies and systems. Stephanie has conducted many training initiatives on complex topics such as, but not limited to, the Uniform Guidance, federal public access policies, and the Fly America Act. She is currently the co-chair of the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) Communications Committee, and a member of their Executive Committee. Previously she was the co-chair of the FDP Subawards Subcommittee. She holds a Master's Degree in Epidemiology, is a Certified Research Administrator (CRA), and is a member of member of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA).

  • Sophie Thuault-Restituito, PhD, is the Chief of Staff and Executive Director for Special Projects, reporting directly to the Executive Vice President for Research, Jeannette Wing. In these roles, Sophie works closely with Jeannette and university leadership to help set and execute on strategic directions for research at Columbia.  To help Columbia’s profile, she helps build and nurture Columbia’s relations with federal funding agencies, foundations, and institutional partners.  Prior to this role, Sophie was Chief of Staff of the Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics, under Simon Tavare’s leadership and help him launch the Institute.  Prior to IICD, Sophie spent two years as Executive Director at the Center for Topology of Cancer Evolution and Heterogeneity at CUIMC.  Prior to Columbia, she was at NYU Langone Health for 13 years, first as a researcher in neuroscience and biochemistry, and later as operations manager/director for research facilities.  Sophie received her doctorate in pharmacy and her PhD in neuroscience from the University of Montpellier, France, and completed a postdoc at the University of College London.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Program Manager, Clinical Radiation Safety, and Associate Radiation Safety Officer, Sofia is responsible for is responsible for the technical and regulatory compliance radiation safety support, on a variety of defined projects across the Joint Radiation Safety Program of Columbia University Medical Center, ColumbiaDoctors faculty practices, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) and its affiliates (the “Joint Institutions”) as it relates to non-research clinical operations.

  • Shirin Rahmati, PharmD is a Research Pharmacist. She provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).

  • Shiny Kunjukutty is a Senior Budget Analyst in the Clinical Trials Office. She is responsible for determining financial feasibility and negotiating directly with pharmaceutical companies to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.

  • Seretha Houston is a Senior Accountant at the Clinical Trials Office. Seretha provides allocation services for industry-sponsored clinical trial projects, which includes lockbox reconciliation and closeout transfers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

  • Seda Galstian, is a Senior Contract Specialist with the Clinical Trials Office. She negotiates and finalizes an array of research related agreements on behalf of the research community at P&S. Seda also advises faculty and staff on applicable laws and institutional policies governing human subjects research.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Senior Safety Advisor, Sarah is responsible for proactively building relationships with University and University-affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high-quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University’s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. Sarah maintains a client-focused approach and be accountable for assessing research safety procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of research personnel and are consistent with University standards and best practices. Through collaborations with EH&S colleagues and various University stakeholders and affiliates, Sarah ensures effective and efficient implementation and management of biological, chemical and radiation safety program elements in alignment with the Research Safety Program Strategic Plan.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Senior Health Physicist, Sam is responsible for health physics functions and duties relating to the implementation of radiation safety programs and the EH&S departmental mission. Sam provides advanced consultation and technical direction to Radiation Safety, EH&S, and EH&S customers, with respect to the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices. Sam provides radiological and related support services to a variety of local and off-site Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital and New York State Psychiatric Institute facilities.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Biological Safety Officer, Samira is responsible for promoting and supporting the comprehensive biological safety program at all five Columbia University campuses. Samira provides expert guidance on technical and regulatory matters, including specialized experimental procedures involving BSL-3 materials and containment, NIH Guidelines governing the use of rDNA, including Human Gene Transfer, and shipment and importation of infectious agents or other potentially infectious materials.

  • Ruth Gutierrez is the Research Applications Analyst at the Clinical Trials Office. Ruth provides application support to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center community. She is also involved in the application configuration, data management, and quality assurance of IBM CTMS.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Roger is the Assistant Director for Research Integrity and Compliance. His work focuses on promoting research and data integrity through various workshops and trainings, research group consultations and development of resources to aid in the conduct of research. He also works on matters concerning conflict-of-interest and research misconduct.

    Biography

    Before joining the Office of Research Compliance and Training, Roger was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center for 6 years, where his research focused on the molecular mechanism of neurodegeneration and synaptic dysfunction in neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Angelman syndrome. Dr. Lefort received his PhD in Molecular Medicine from Columbia University Irving Medical Center in 2011. He also has a strong interest in Data Science and Data Visualization and is an avid python programmer.

  • Rachal Xiao is a Financial Analyst at the Clinical Trials Office. Rachal provides investigators and their research teams financial accounts receivable services, including ARC account creation and changes, invoicing and reconciliation of industry-sponsored clinical trials at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

     

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Chief Radiation Safety Officer and Executive Director, Peter provides innovative and strategic leadership and directs, leads, promotes and supports a comprehensive radiation safety program throughout Columbia University and affiliated institutions including the Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Lab, and the New York Presbyterian facilities (NYP-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NYP-Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, NYP-Allen Hospital, and NYP-Lawrence Hospital). Peter collaborates with EH&S program directors and managers to promote best management practices on all Campuses and works directly with the Chairs of the Radiation Safety Committees to ensure that all activities are in compliance with pertinent local, state and federal regulations and applicable national and international standards of practice. 

    Peter is responsible for recommending, developing, maintaining and promoting appropriate policies, procedures and programs and maintaining awareness of changes in the regulatory environment including proposed changes to laws, regulations and standards. Peter oversees the radiation safety training program for faculty, staff, and students who work with radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment. Peter applies best practices, including relevant controls (engineering/procedural/administrative) to maintain radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

    Biography

    Dr. Caracappa currently holds an appointment as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Medical Physics Program at Columbia.  He is a licensed Medical Health Physicist, a licensed Professional Engineer, and has been certified in the comprehensive practice of health physics by the American Board of Health Physics since 2005.

    Dr. Caracappa has been a practicing health physicist for nearly 20 years, with more than a dozen of those as the radiation safety officer for broad and diverse programs.  Prior to joining Columbia, Dr. Caracappa served as the Radiation Safety Officer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with responsibility for oversight of at a 100 MeV electron accelerator facility and a low-power research reactor, in addition to a comprehensive research program.  He completed his Ph.D. at Rensselaer in 2006, and also became a member of the faculty in Nuclear Engineering, serving as the primary instructor for courses in Nuclear Engineering and Health Physics.  In 2014, he was named the Director of the Reactor Critical Facility, a low-power research and training reactor at RPI.

    He also remained engaged in diverse research activities, including computational dosimetry for medical physics applications and development of methods for nuclear reactor benchmark experiments.  He is responsible for significant contributions to the development of tools to improve the quantification, tracking, and management of radiation dose from Computed Tomography examination, one of the largest contributors to medical radiation exposure.  He has authored or co-authored over 25 peer-reviewed papers or proceedings and 100 conference presentation abstracts on a diverse set of topics.

    Following the nuclear accident at Fukushima Dai-ichi in March 2011, Dr. Caracappa appeared regularly in media coverage regarding the extent and impact of the radiological releases from the plant.  He was sought after because he demonstrated the ability to communicate the information available and its implications in a fair, level-headed, and understandable manner.  He appeared in the coverage of media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, AP, Reuters, NPR’s Morning Edition, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics, and PBS NewsHour

    He was recognized by the American Nuclear Society for his contributions to the response to the Fukushima Accident.  In 2013 he was awarded the Elda E. Anderson Award from the Health Physics Society for contributions to the health physics as a young professional.

  • Paul Pires is a Chemical Barcoder I stationed at ChemStores. Paul is responsible for bar-coding chemicals upon delivery and receipt and maintaining accurate chemical inventories through reconciliation and empty bottle handling.

  • Patricia is the Lead Research Systems Analyst in the Clinical Trials Office. She assists in overseeing the configuration, data management and quality assurance for all research systems in the CTO.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Associate Manager for the Safety Training Programs, Pam is responsible for coordinating and maintaining a safety education and training program that enables EH&S and other Columbia University stakeholders to understand and maintain a safe and healthy environment, and ensure compliance with Columbia University and regulatory requirements. Pam is responsible to maintain a support structure for departmental program safety education trainings. Pam conducts assessments, evaluations, and utilize state-of-the-art instructional technology to improve the delivery and content of training in classroom and computer-based trainings (RASCAL and LION). Pam implements an evaluation program drawing on organizational principles to improve training quality and efficiency. In addition to her training program duties, Pam is the main contact for the Certificate of Fitness (C-14) Certification Program at Columbia University.

    Biography

    Before joining Columbia University, Pam had a long career in education, in which she taught math, science, and physical education. Pam served several professional associations in various volunteer leadership roles and volunteered as a support partner to special needs students. In addition, Pam also served as a coach and sports official.

    Education                

    • Manchester College, Bachelor of Science, 1984
    • Indiana Wesleyan University, Continuing Education
    • Indiana University, Continuing Education
    • Ball State University, Continuing Education
    • Valparaiso University, Continuing Education

    Interests

    Collecting Snoopy memorabilia, reading, playing pickleball and pets.

  • Tippy Lucarelli, JD, is the Associate Director of Contract Negotiations with the Clinical Trials Office. She manages the workflow of the Senior Contract Specialists and Clinical Trial Administrator, and oversees the contract negotiation and execution process within the Clinical Trials Office. 

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Senior Project Manager – Safety & Strategic Programs, Offira is responsible for proactively building relationships with University and University-affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high-quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University’s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses, including Morningside Heights (MS), the Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Lamont Doherty Earth Institute, Baker Field, Nevis and Manhattanville; as well as satellite locations and University affiliates such as Barnard College and NYS Psychiatric Institute. Offira is well versed in a broad range of regulatory compliance codes and works in collaboration with personnel in the Research Safety, Occupational Safety, Hazardous Materials, Data Systems and Training programs to provide technical and regulatory compliance support on a variety of defined projects. Offira maintains a client-focused approach and is accountable for assessing research and non-research procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of faculty, staff and students and are consistent with University standards and best practices.

    Offira serves as a project liaison with Capital Project Management (CPM) at CUIMC and MS on laboratory design and renovation projects, including new research facility construction, ensuring EH&S design criteria are met, and maintaining a track record of EH&S-related project milestones in communication with Research, Occupational, Biological and Radiation Safety programs.  She also works closely with the Hazardous Materials Program team on program development and compliance, proactive management of waste operations including communication with University waste vendors, and performing regular regulatory recordkeeping audits.

    Offira holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College and a Master of Public Health from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

  • Nicholas J. Zanelli, PharmD, is a Research Pharmacist. He provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).

  • Neil Motwani, PharmD, is a Research Pharmacist. He provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).

  • Naomi Schrag is the Vice President for Research Compliance, Training, and Policy in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research, and the University's Research Integrity Officer (RIO). She oversees work on issues such as research misconduct, conflict-of-interest and international research compliance, and collaborates closely with other offices across the University to develop integrated approaches to compliance and training.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Michelle Avallone is the Director of Export Controls & International Engagement. Her work focuses on matters relating to U.S. export controls and economic sanctions regulations, anti-corruption regulations as well as other international research issues.

    Biography

    Before joining Columbia in 2013, Ms. Avallone was a government contracts attorney at Crowell & Moring LLP.  She later founded a solo practice focusing on government contracts and export controls for tech startups.  Ms. Avallone graduated from Columbia Law School in 2006. Prior to law school, she received an M.A. in Anthropology from Columbia University and a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.  Ms. Avallone has been a member of the U.S. State Department’s Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) since 2014.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Michael Klein is the Director of Research Compliance.  His work focuses on research compliance issues such as conflict-of-interest; research misconduct; and science and security.

    Biography

    Before joining Columbia in July 2008, Mr. Klein worked as an attorney with the New York State Task Force on Life and the Law, the state’s interdisciplinary bioethics commission; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.  Mr. Klein received a J.D. from Columbia Law School and an M.A. in science writing from the Johns Hopkins University. 

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Health and Safety Specialist II, Mercedes is responsible for coordination and timely delivery of safety-related services and consultation to the University community across Morningside, Medical Center, Manhattanville, Lamont, Nevis, and University affiliates. Mercedes develops collaborative relationships with laboratory, facilities, administrative staff, and works with EH&S to ensure the effective implementation of safety programs addressing various hazards. Mercedes proactively develops and implements program goals and leads efforts to achieve such goals through continual program maintenance. Mercedes serves as the primary support to the senior leadership of the Occupational Safety Programs for University-, departmental- and program-wide activities, work group leadership, new staff onboarding, and operational matters related to Occupational Health & Safety for personnel and projects across all University campuses.

  • Melisa Dionicio is a Budget Analyst with the Clinical Trials Office. She is responsible for determining financial feasibility and negotiating directly with pharmaceutical companies to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.

  • Melanie Solá is the Associate Director of Finance in the Clinical Trials Office. Melanie provides investigators and their research teams financial accounts receivable services, including ARC account creation and changes, invoicing and reconciliation of industry-sponsored clinical trials at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She is also responsible for the training of colleagues and assisting in the development of account receivable strategies.

  • Megha G. Thomas, PharmD, is a Research Pharmacist. She provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).

  • Mathew Kaduvettoor is a Financial Analyst at the Clinical Trials Office. Mathew provides investigators and their research teams financial accounts receivable services, including ARC account creation and changes, invoicing and reconciliation of industry-sponsored clinical trials at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

  • Having joined Columbia University on August 1, 2011, Dr. Mary Jo Shepherd is currently Executive Director of the Office of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Dr. Shepherd has responsibility for assuring the University’s compliance with all laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to the care and use of laboratory animals.  Dr. Shepherd received her B.S. and D.V.M. from the Ohio State University and practiced small animal medicine for almost 20 years.  

    She entered the laboratory animal field in 1988 and was a member of 5 IACUCs for a number of years while working at a privately owned medical device testing laboratory.  She has been employed at two pharmaceutical companies and another large academic institution.    

    Mary Jo was active in Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research (PRIM&R) by serving on the IACUC conference Planning Committee and by serving as faculty for workshops and panels for many years.  She also Chaired the founding task force for what was known as the Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA) credential.  She has been active in the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the local and national levels and most recently served on AALAS’s Editorial Review Board.  She was actively involved in the planning of the New Jersey Association for Biomedical Research’s (NJABR) annual IACUC seminar for over ten years.  Dr. Shepherd was also on the Americans for Medical Progress Board of Directors for 5 years. 

  • Marta Scotto, RPh, is a Research Pharmacist. She provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).

  • Maritza Pardave-Martinez is the Clinical Trials Administrator with the Clinical Trials Office. Maritza provides document services to the Columbia University Medical community by managing the contract routing process and maintaining the contract repository.

  • Magaly Garcia, MD, is the Director of the Spanish Translation Center. She coordinates all aspects of the translation and review of documents at Columbia University and outside institutions to be used by Hispanic participants in research. 

  • Luis Garcia is a Senior Contract Specialist II with the Clinical Trials Office. He negotiates and finalizes an array of research related agreements on behalf of the research community at P&S. Luis also advises faculty and staff on applicable laws and institutional policies governing human subjects research. In addition, Luis manages the confidentiality agreement process.

  • Luis Irizarry is the Lead Administrative Coordinator of the Research Pharmacy. He is responsible for training of Coordinators, managing the cost estimate process, Quality Assurance and inventory control.

  • Lucy Liu, PharmD, is a Research Pharmacist. She provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Safety Advisor, Lu is responsible for proactively building relationships with University and University-affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high-quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University’s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. Lu maintains a client-focused approach and be accountable for assessing research safety procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of research personnel and are consistent with University standards and best practices. Through collaborations with EH&S colleagues and various University stakeholders and affiliates, Lu ensures effective and efficient implementation and management of biological, chemical and radiation safety program elements in alignment with the Research Safety Program Strategic Plan.

  • Lourdes Fernandez is the Director of Research Budgets and Billing Review in the Clinical Trials Office. She is responsible for the management and oversight of all industry sponsored clinical projects to ensure accuracy and financial feasibility while adhering to the University's policies and procedures. She also oversees central monitoring of Research Billing Review (RBR) for charges in Epic.

  • Lloyd Abraham is a Budget Analyst with the Clinical Trials Office. He is responsible for determining financial feasibility and negotiating directly with pharmaceutical companies to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.

  • Lily Liu, MS, is a Regulatory Science Specialist at the Clinical Trials Office. She assists in overseeing the Clinical Trials Office’s regulatory compliance and providing assistance to the research community at P&S in the development and conduct of clinical trials.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Liana Tascau is a Compliance Specialist in the Office of Research Compliance and Training, helping to manage the administration of the University’s policies and processes concerning conflict of interest in research.

    Biography

    Dr. Tascau received an M.D. from the University of Bucharest, Romania, and has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Rutgers, from The State University of New Jersey. After graduation, Dr. Tascau worked as a postdoctoral scientist, laboratory technician, and research worker at Columbia University. Her research was mostly focused on neuroscience, pediatric cancer, bone biology, and mechanisms of development for atherosclerosis. Dr. Tascau also received a Master of Arts from Columbia University in Clinical Bioinformatics.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Senior Project Manager/Safety and Regulatory Affairs, Lauren is responsible for collaborating with the Hazardous Materials, Safety and Radiation Safety Program personnel, and the Training and Development Coordinator to provide technical and regulatory compliance support at Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Barnard College and New York State Psychiatric Institute campuses, on a variety of defined projects. Lauren assists EH&S in advancing safety and sustaining compliance with relevant program policies and regulations related to safety performance, waste management and training.

  • Kristin Salmi is a Regulatory Science Specialist at the Clinical Trials Office. She assists in overseeing the Clinical Trials Office’s regulatory compliance and providing assistance to the research community at P&S in the development and conduct of clinical trials. Kristin also provides application support for RecruitMe.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Kris Wolff is the Associate Director of Research Compliance. She reports to the Directors of Research Compliance and Export Controls and International Engagement. Her work focuses on export controls, sanctions, international research and conflict of interest matters. 

    Biography

    Before joining Columbia in January of 2023, Kris was the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Fordham University. She received a BA from Clark University and a MA from Boston University (both in Psychology), and is completing a Masters of Studies of Law in Corporate Compliance from Fordham University School of Law.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Associate Director and Radiation Safety Officer, Clinical Radiation Safety Program (RSO), Konstantinos is responsible for the management of the Joint Radiation Safety Program of Columbia University Medical Center, ColumbiaDoctors faculty practices, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and its affiliates as it relates to non-research clinical operations. 

  • Kin Tse is a Research Systems Coordinator at the Clinical Trials Office. He provides support to the research community at Columbia University Irving Medical Center with the use of IBM CTMS.

  • Kerry Ashe, is a Senior Contract Specialist with the Clinical Trials Office. She negotiates and finalizes an array of research related agreements on behalf of the research community at P&S. Kerry also advises faculty and staff on applicable laws and institutional policies governing human subjects research.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As Director, Katie is responsible for leading the Research Safety Operations, Data Management and Safety Training Teams and establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders from the University community, including Principal Investigators, Facilities and Compliance teams, Design and Construction, Public Safety and others to ensure the consistent delivery of EH&S services and guidance across the University’s research enterprise. Katie provides leadership, coaching and support to all EH&S staff, and key input to the overall direction of EH&S programming, and the safety culture of the organization, at large. In her capacity as a senior member of the Research Safety Program, in partnership with managers and leaders of each of EH&S’s program areas, Katie, facilitates the initiation and execution of safety-related operations and projects across all disciplines, promoting best practices within the organization. Katie serves as a primary representative for EH&S initiatives and services on behalf of the organization.

    Katie has worked in various industries across the health and safety field, with specific interest in the research and healthcare fields. She also has completed her Master’s Degree of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Vice President (VP), Dr. Crowley leads, advances and oversees the comprehensive environmental health and safety program for Columbia University. A team oriented and integrated program is implemented across all campuses of the University including the Irving Medical Center, Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory and Nevis Campus; Barnard College; New York State Psychiatric Institute; the New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia campus and Columbia Doctors Faculty Practice Radiation Clinical Programs. Dr. Crowley is responsible for providing: strategic leadership and administrative direction, financial and communication oversight, client support and program coordination, and maintaining a safety culture. EH&S is one-stop for all safety matters including biosafety, chemical safety, radiation safety, laser and MRI safety in research, industrial hygiene, fire life safety, and the following disciplines: controlled substances, hearing conservation, shop safety, environmental protection, hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, indoor air quality, and, injury and incident investigations. In collaboration with the University community, a proactive safety program coupled with a comprehensive waste management programs for hazardous, radioactive, universal, and regulated waste with a focus on reduce, reuse, and recycle is in place. The safety and health programs are integrated, creating a model leadership program.

    Biography

    Before joining Columbia University, Dr. Crowley worked at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and fulfilled various positions including Director of Occupational Health Services, Administrator for House Staff, and staff Physician Assistant. She holds both a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) and a Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH) from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health (MSPH) and received I. Bernard Weinstein Academic Excellence Award in Environmental Health Sciences. She is a board certified Physician Assistant with a Bachelor of Science and Physician Assistant Certificate from SUNY Stony Brook Health Sciences. Dr. Crowley’s professional interests include occupational medicine, workplace safety and prevention, environmental stewardship, emergency management and leadership in higher education and health care.

    Dr. Crowley is an active member of the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) Women’s Leadership Advisory Group, former co-chair. She has participated in numerous panels for Women Leading Change, including Columbia Alumni Leaders Weekend and was co-chair of the University’s inaugural Women’s Conference, She Opened the Door. She is currently a member of the CAA Strategic Planning Task Force and the Alumni Medalist Committee. Dr. Crowley is a past president of the Mailman School Alumni Board, served on the Board of Directors, was a member of the Governance Committee which includes selection of the annual Allan Rosenfield Alumni Award and the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award, and served on the Mailman DrPH Strategic Planning Committee. She is the founding editor of the e-Mailman, the Newsletter of the Alumni Association. Previously Dr. Crowley served on several other boards including: the American Association of Physician Assistants in Occupational Medicine (AAPA-OM) and was former President, the Hospital Employee Health Directors of Greater New York, and on the Advisory Board for the Mt. Sinai Irving J. Selikoff Occupational Health Clinical Center. Dr. Crowley is a recipient of the University’s highest Alumni Medal Award where alumni are recognized for building Columbia's community.

    In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, is an avid skier, hiker and participates in multi-sport training for long-course triathlons.

  • Joyee To joins the team as the Operations Manager for the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research. Acting in support of Victoria Hamilton, Executive Director of Research Initiatives, she will be aiding in calendar management, office operations, and internal communications as well as taking on ongoing special projects as needed.

    Before joining Columbia, Joyee was working in operations at Givewith, a social impact driven start-up company, leading office operations, recruiting, and HR efforts. With roots in the theater industry, many of her previous experiences include working in production on Broadway with production companies such as Disney Theatrical Group.

    Joyee holds a BFA in Theater from the University of Central Florida.

  • Joseph Bolson, is a Senior Contract Specialist with the Clinical Trials Office. He negotiates and finalizes an array of research related agreements on behalf of the research community at P&S. Joseph also advises faculty and staff on applicable laws and institutional policies governing human subjects research.

  • Jonathan Kim, MBA, is the Executive Director of the Clinical Trials Office. He manages and supervises the budget and the staff in the Clinical Trials Office who are responsible for assisting investigators in preparing applications, negotiating contracts, setting up sub-award arrangements and maintaining certain post-award/contract functions.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Business and Information Technology Manager for EH&S, Jillian is responsible for overseeing all business functions including finance management, department purchasing, website content maintenance and collaboration with all safety programs as related to these duties in providing high level teamwork, financial reporting and account analysis to each of the safety programs within EH&S. Jillian is  the liaison to University Finance administration and IT sectors while representing the needs of staff members and the mission of EH&S. Jillian executes and ensures compliance with University internal controls as well as financial and technology policies.

  • Jessenia Hernandez is a Financial Analyst at the Clinical Trials Office. Jessenia provides investigators and their research teams financial accounts receivable services, including ARC account creation and changes, invoicing and reconciliation of industry-sponsored clinical trials at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Jennifer Tsai is the Administrative Manager in the Office of Research Compliance and Training, providing day-to-day operational support for the office, including financial operations, budgets, ordering supplies, etc.; assists with human resources administration for the office’s staff; acts as liaison with facilities management, IT and other departments on office related issues; establishes procedures and operational goals and serves as the primary information source on office procedures. 

  • Jennifer Rojas, CPhT, is a Research Pharmacy Coordinator. She signs out and delivers study medication and conducts site qualification visits and interim monitoring visits in addition to managing drug inventory and pharmacy supplies ordering.

  • Jeannette M. Wing is the Executive Vice President for Research at Columbia University and Professor of Computer Science. In her EVPR role, she has overall responsibility for the University’s research enterprise at all New York locations and internationally. The New York locations include the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and Nevis Laboratories. She joined Columbia in 2017 as the inaugural Avanessians Director of the Data Science Institute.

    Prior to Columbia, Dr. Wing was Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Research, served on the faculty and as department head in computer science at Carnegie Mellon University, and served as Assistant Director for Computer and Information Science and Engineering at the National Science Foundation. 

    Dr. Wing’s research contributions have been in the areas of trustworthy AI, security and privacy, specification and verification, concurrent and distributed systems, programming languages, and software engineering. Her 2006 seminal essay, titled "Computational Thinking,’’ is credited with helping to establish the centrality of computer science to problem-solving in fields where previously it had not been embraced, and thereby influencing K-12 and university curricula worldwide.

    She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. She received distinguished service awards from the ACM and the Computing Research Association and an honorary doctorate degree from Linköping University, Sweden. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in computer science, all from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Janique's work focuses on matters relating to export controls, international research, and conflict-of-interest.

    Biography

    Ms. Cheesman received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Syracuse University in 2012. She then went on to complete a Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering from Villanova University. Before coming to Columbia, Ms. Cheesman worked as a consultant for two years on projects involving environmental health and safety, environmental compliance, and corporate sustainability.

     

  • Jane Cho, MS, MPH, is the Associate Director of Regulatory Science at the Clinical Trials Office. She is responsible for the management and oversight of the CTO’s regulatory science unit, which is comprised of the IND/IDE Assistance Program (IAP), the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Training Program, the Clinical Trials Monitoring Assistance Program (CTMAP) and RecruitMe.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Safety Advisor, Holland is responsible for proactively building relationships with University and University-affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high-quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University’s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. Holland maintains a client-focused approach and be accountable for assessing research safety procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of research personnel and are consistent with University standards and best practices. Through collaborations with EH&S colleagues and various University stakeholders and affiliates, Holland ensures effective and efficient implementation and management of biological, chemical and radiation safety program elements in alignment with the Research Safety Program Strategic Plan.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Senior Safety Advisor, Hadler is responsible for proactively building relationships with University and University-affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high-quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University’s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. Hadler maintains a client-focused approach and assesses research safety procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of research personnel and are consistent with University standards and best practices. Through collaborations with EH&S colleagues and various University stakeholders and affiliates, Hadler ensures effective and efficient implementation and management of biological, chemical and radiation safety program elements in alignment with the Research Safety Program Strategic Plan.

    Hadler received his Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Toxicology from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Prior to joining EH&S, Hadler worked as a lab technician in the Environmental Health Science department at Columbia University where he often interacted with EH&S. When not at work, Hadler volunteers as a mentor for the NYC chapter of Minds Matter where he helps underprivileged high achieving high school students prepare for and apply to college.

    In his free time, Hadler enjoys going out dancing, exploring New York City for the next food spot, and cooking.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Safety Advisor, Hadeline is responsible for proactively building relationships with University and University-affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high-quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University’s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. Hadeline maintains a client-focused approach and be accountable for assessing research safety procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of research personnel and are consistent with University standards and best practices. Through collaborations with EH&S colleagues and various University stakeholders and affiliates, Hadeline ensures effective and efficient implementation and management of biological, chemical and radiation safety program elements in alignment with the Research Safety Program Strategic Plan.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Health Physicist, Guillermo is responsible for routine health physics functions and duties relating to the implementation of hospital-centered and clinical radiation safety programs and the EH&S departmental mission. Guillermo provides radiological and related support services to a variety of Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital facilities. 

  • Greg Culler is the Director of Research Initiatives and Development within the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research. He manages all aspects of the internal peer review process for selecting nominees for limited submission funding opportunities. Additionally, he is responsible for program analysis, faculty outreach, and website development relating to both limited submissions and broader research funding opportunities.

    Prior to joining the Office of Research Initiatives and Development in 2007, Greg was a project management consultant with Fortress Investment Group (2006 – 2007), and Lord Cultural Resources (2005 – 2006). Previously, he was a Project Manager in the Columbia University Oral History Research Office (2002 – 2005) overseeing collection and archiving of oral history interviews for the September 11 Projects. He holds an MA from Columbia University, and a BA from Arizona State University.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Associate Manager for the Hazardous Materials Program, Flavia is responsible for leading operations and programs that support university hazardous waste management, including but not limited to, chemical and universal wastes, radioactive waste, and recycling programs and initiatives throughout the University’s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. Flavia leads University vendors (e.g., Veolia Environmental Services, Approved Regulated Medical Waste, Greymart, Monmouth Wire & Computer Recycling, and others as needed) through successful onsite services and shipments, regulatory reporting and documentation requirements pertaining to the above to achieve regulatory compliance and maintaining regulatory documents, including proactive management of waste operations among EH&S’s team of health and safety professionals, and represent EH&S on safety committee(s) where applicable. In addition, Flavia supports vendor service coordination of laboratory shipments under the direction of health and safety professionals.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Office Coordinator and forefront support of the department, Emily is responsible for providing direction, coordination and implementation of all administrative duties inclusive of all campuses/affiliations including Columbia University Medical Center, Morningside, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Nevis, Manhattanville, Barnard College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and New York State Psychiatric Institute. Emily coordinates and supports all administrative duties, activities, office functions ensuring administrative concerns are handled efficiently. Emily supports the EH&S department culture by engaging in and supporting teambuilding events and activities.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Health Physicist, Emily is responsible for routine health physics functions and duties relating to the implementation of University research radiation safety programs and the EH&S departmental mission. Emily provides radiological and related support services to a variety of Columbia University campuses and affiliates.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Emilio is responsible for health physics functions and duties relating to the implementation of hospital-centered and clinical radiation safety programs and the Environmental Health and Safety departmental mission. Emilio provides radiological and related support services to a variety of Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital facilities.

  • Elnaz Anjom, PharmD, is the Senior Director of the Research Pharmacy. She oversees the day to day operation of research pharmacy to ensure safe and effective patient care in addition to planning, organizing, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in accordance with institutional policies and procedures and in cooperation with other departments while following Good Clinical Practice (GCP), FDA and JCAHO requirements.

  • Eliza Skidgel is the Recruitment Applications Specialist at the Clinical Trials Office. She provides application support for RecruitMe.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Health Physicist, Dwayne is responsible for health physics functions and duties relating to the implementation of hospital-centered and clinical radiation safety programs and the EH&S departmental mission. Dwayne provides radiological and related support services to a variety of Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital facilities.

  • Donalrey Nieva, CPhT, is a Research Pharmacy Coordinator. He signs out and delivers study medication and conducts site qualification visits and interim monitoring visits in addition to managing drug inventory and pharmacy supplies ordering.

  • Derek Brand is the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development at ORID, working  across disciplines, schools, and campuses to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations. Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer of NewYorkBIO – the industry association for biotech across New York State - which represents nearly 300 members and includes leading bioscience companies, universities, research institutions and others dedicated to advancing life science research and commercialization. He is also the founder and leader behind ECHO NYC, an organization fostering connectivity between key stakeholders in the NYC biomedical ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, capital providers, clinicians, and healthcare operators, which ran monthly “Bio-entrepreneurship in NYC” events since 2009. Derek has deep experience in startup biomedical companies and has been a founder, executive, and board member across multiple ventures.  His previous experience also includes a commercial role at GE, and as Director of Business Development at the NY Academy of Sciences. Derek holds a bachelors in Biology from Hamilton College and an MBA from Babson College.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Health Physicist, Dennis is responsible for health physics functions and duties relating to the implementation of radiation safety programs and the EH&S departmental mission. Dennis provides radiological and related support services to a variety Columbia University onsite/off-site campuses, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital facilities.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Systems Analyst II, David is responsible for monitoring and supporting the department’s internal and external technology applications, ensuring that the highest level of service is provided to the Columbia University research community. David processes data analysis tasks with high efficiency and quality in a fast paced environment to support technology solutions that address the operational needs and requirements of EH&S.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As Manager for Training, Development, and Human Resources (HR), Daniela is responsible for the coordination, direction, and implementation of HR duties relating to EH&S. Daniela spearheads leadership program initiatives, seek opportunities to provide direction, consultation, and support to programs to effectively achieve results. Daniela conducts and manages various department and program improvement initiatives such as needs assessments, and goal evaluations. Daniela is responsible for the facilitation and review of the employee and recruitment lifecycle and the annual departmental employee performance assessment review process. Daniela is also responsible for supervising assigned staff on the Administrative Team, providing oversight to the coordination and support of all administrative duties, activities, office functions and ensuring administrative concerns are handled efficiently.

  • Corey M. Chen is a Research Pharmacist. He provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).  

  • Connie Eng, PharmD, is a Research Pharmacist. She provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Biological Safety Officer, Cody is responsible for promoting and supporting the comprehensive biological safety program at all five Columbia University campuses. Cody demonstrates in-depth knowledge of biological safety regulations and professional guidelines and keeps abreast of regulatory changes through networking, seminars, continuing education and the proactive investigation of scientific literature. Cody cooperatively integrates activities with other EH&S programs and creatively interacts with multidisciplinary staff to address current and evolving health and safety issues.

  • Cindy Han is a Regulatory Science Specialist at the Clinical Trials Office. She assists in overseeing the Clinical Trials Office’s regulatory compliance and providing assistance to the research community at P&S in the development and conduct of clinical trials.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As Director, Chris is responsible for leading the Research Safety Programs and Occupational Safety Teams and establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders from the University community, including Principal Investigators, Department Chairpersons, Deans, Facilities Operations and Compliance teams, Capital Project Management personnel, Public Safety and others to ensure the consistent delivery of EH&S services and guidance across the University's research enterprise. Chris provides leadership, coaching and support to all EH&S staff, and strategic input to the overall direction of EH&S programming, and the safety culture of the organization, at large. In his capacity as a senior member of the Research Safety Program, in partnership with managers and leaders of each of EH&S’s program areas, Chris, facilitates the initiation and execution of safety-related operations and projects across all disciplines, promoting best practices within the organization. Chris serves as a primary communicator of EH&S initiatives and services on behalf of the organization.

    Biography

    Chris joined Columbia EH&S in 2004 and worked in a variety of roles in the Research Safety and Biological Safety programs before being named Director.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont and a Master of Public Health from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. He earned his Certified Safety Professional accreditation through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals in 2016, and has been a guest instructor in the Mailman School’s Environmental Health Sciences Methods course, focusing on risk assessment, since 2015.  His current professional interests include advancing measurable safety criteria in Columbia’s laboratories and improving the overall safety culture of the University.

    Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, seeing live music and traveling.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Assistant Vice President, Chris is responsible for directing leading, promoting and supporting a comprehensive, proactive EH&S program for Columbia University at all sites including Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory and Nevis Campuses, as well as affiliate site at Barnard College and New York State Psychiatric Institute. Chris provides leadership and operational oversight of institutional research safety and regulatory compliance programs in the areas of chemical and physical safety, environmental protection, laboratory waste management, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, laboratory fire safety, HAZMAT emergency response, research safety training and EH&S data management/systems. Chris establishes, supports and develops strategic relationships with University and affiliate leaders to develop, maintain and promote policies, procedures and programs for safe work practices and environmental protection, and ensure the campuses are compliant with pertinent local, state and federal health and safety codes, standards, regulations and best management practices.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Director of the Biological Safety Program and Chief Biological Safety Officer, Chris is responsible for providing professional leadership, administrative oversight and for directing biological safety operations, services and programs on all campuses. Chris joined Columbia EH&S in December 2011 and serves on several University committees including the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). He is the Responsible Official for the Select Agents Program. Other areas of expertise include performing biological risk assessments, BSL-3 facility operations, laboratory design, medical surveillance, biological exposure investigations, regulated medical waste, and biological material procurement and shipping. He is active in the broader community of Biosafety Professionals through participation in the American (ABSA) and Mid-Atlantic (MABSA) Biological Safety Associations. EH&S Print & Go sheets for medical surveillance received a CSHEMA innovation award of merit in 2018. Digital lobby signage to promote biosafety best practices received ABSA recognition in 2022.

    Biography

    Growing up in the United Kingdom, Chris was interested from an early age in infectious diseases and the germs that cause them. He received his bachelor’s degree in immunobiology from the University of Wales and his D.Phil. (Ph.D.) from the University of Oxford in molecular and cellular biology, during which time he spent two years as an exchange student at the Rockefeller University. Prior to becoming a safety professional, he was a Principal Investigator at NYU Medical Center, and then at NYU Department of Chemistry. He led a transcriptional profiling team at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Research in Princeton, and was a CLEP and ELAP-accredited lab director at the New York City Department of Health’s Biothreat Response Laboratory. Prior to joining Columbia, he held a biosafety position at Weill Cornell Medical College.

  • Casey Rollins is the Assistant Director of Research Proposal Development within the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research. Reporting to the Director of Research Proposal Development, Casey partners with teams of scientific, engineering, and biomedical research faculty to develop innovative and high-impact grant proposals that support the University’s long-term research vision.

    Prior to joining Columbia, Casey was the Project Manager of Compliance for Charles H. Greenthal Management, one of the largest privately owned residential management and leasing firms in New York metropolitan area. During her time working in compliance she ensured that the over 250 properties in the portfolio were closely monitored to adhere to new and existing laws and regulations.

    Prior to her time at Charles H. Greenthal Management, Casey was a Graduate Academic Advisor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University working with graduate level students from admission through graduation across nineteen degree programs including aeronautics, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, unmanned aircraft systems, cybersecurity management, human factors, logistics and supply chain management, and other degree programs.

    Casey holds a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from Mississippi College and a Master of Science in Leadership from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Radiation Safety Program Coordinator, Carolina is the principal point of contact for the radiation dosimetry program. Carolina is responsible for the daily operation of the Radiation Safety Office and supporting the Executive Director, Managers of Research and Clinical Radiation Safety Programs, and radiation safety staff. Carolina is also responsible for the development of projects and programs to ensure effectiveness of the Radiation Safety Programs. These efforts are provided to a variety of Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital facilities.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Carmen Nieves is the Senior Coordinator in the Office of Research Compliance and Training, providing support to RCT’s conflict of interest, export control and research misconduct activities, as well as our many training programs.

    Biography

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    A Columbia University veteran, Carmen G. Hoepelman has navigated and enjoyed her career journey from Senior Secretary, with the IRB, to Senior Manager for EH&S Administration and Human Resources. As Senior Manager for EH&S Administration and Human Resources, Carmen is responsible for the administration, coordination, direction, and implementation of human resource duties relating to EH&S. Carmen’s communication and collaboration with staff and leaders is critical while providing high quality service as situations arise on a day-to-day basis. Carmen is also responsible for recruitment and placement, onboarding, compliance and maintenance of present and new EH&S personnel. Carmen has maintained long term relationships with Columbia University colleagues, and always offers opportunities to collaborate, advise, or point someone in a positive direction.   

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Safety Advisor, Calista is responsible for proactively building relationships with University and University-affiliate research personnel to facilitate the delivery of high-quality safety services and guidance across a broad range of disciplines throughout the University’s expansive research enterprise and multiple campuses. Calista maintains a client-focused approach and be accountable for assessing research safety procedures and practices and developing creative, sustainable and compliant solutions that meet the operational needs of research personnel and are consistent with University standards and best practices. Through collaborations with EH&S colleagues and various University stakeholders and affiliates, Calista ensures effective and efficient implementation and management of biological, chemical and radiation safety program elements in alignment with the Research Safety Program Strategic Plan.

    Biography

    Calista Marie Bryant is a passionate and driven individual who recently graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Medieval Studies. During her time at college, Calista was a Resident Advisor within her community, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment to positively impact the lives of her fellow students. Beyond her academic pursuits, Calista has a love for exploring new cuisines in her free time and delving into the pages of a good book.

  • Brittney Destin (pronouns: she/her) is the Associate Director, Alliance Management within the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research. Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Brittney manages and develops programming across all schools, colleges, and disciplines that encourage interdisciplinary research. Brittney is especially impassioned to use her position and resources to advance equity and inclusion of minoritized communities within Columbia’s research community. Prior to joining ORID, Brittney worked in program management related to clinical research and regulatory affairs throughout Columbia University Medical Center. She has also consulted large healthcare corporations and developed community projects that sought to deliver and sustain effective strategies that increased equity, improved access to quality healthcare, and fostered talent in the hospital workforce; particularly those from marginalized communities. Brittney received her Masters in Public Health from the Mailman School of Public Health and serves as an inaugural member of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Health Physicist, Brian is responsible for routine health physics functions and duties relating to the implementation of University research radiation safety programs and the EH&S departmental mission. Brian provides radiological and related support services to a variety of Columbia University campuses and affiliates. 

  • Brian Devonish is a Chemical Barcoder I stationed at ChemStores. Brian is responsible for bar-coding chemicals upon delivery and receipt and maintaining accurate chemical inventories through reconciliation and empty bottle handling.

  • Role and Responsibilities

    Brenda is the AVP for Human Research Protection of the Human Research Protection Office / IRBs and is responsible for ensuring that research involving human subjects, including behavioral research (e.g., surveys) and biomedical investigations (e.g., clinical trials), is conducted ethically and in a manner that promotes compliance with all applicable ethical and regulatory requirements.

    Biography

    Brenda has been at Columbia University since 2003. She previously served as the Interim Executive Director (since 2013). From 2004-2012, Brenda served as Associate Director, Institutional Review Board and prior to that, she served as Administrative Coordinator (2003-2004). Before joining Columbia University, she served as Sponsored Programs Administrator at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey from 2000-2003. Her earlier career includes positions at UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, J&J Temporaries and CCR Electronics, Inc. Brenda received her B.A. in Liberal Studies from Thomas Edison State College.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Barbara Szolc is Senior Compliance Specialist. She works on issues related to conflicts of interest and research, focusing on scientific review of sponsored research and IRB protocols for potential conflicts with researchers’ financial disclosures. These assessments include reviews of technology transfer licenses to startup companies and other licensees, company R&D/pipeline descriptions, and correspondence/consultations with researchers. Dr. Szolc works closely with the Columbia University Committee on Financial Conflicts of Interest and Research.

    Biography

    Dr. Szolc received an M.D. from University of Lodz, Poland, and completed her postdoctoral training in biomedical science at Northwestern University and Columbia University. She has done research at government-sponsored research entities, including Brookhaven National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory. She was also part of the NASA Space Radiation Exploration Program (NSRSS) in 2007. Dr. Szolc has published many scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, including J. of Rad. Bio., J Vasc Interv Radiol, Magn Reson Med., Radiology, Radiation Research, Nanomedicine and Gastroenterology. Her research was mostly focused in radiation biology, immunology, neurology and social science. Prior to returning to Columbia, Dr. Szolc worked at New York University in education management, providing oversight and monitoring of pre-doctoral academic programs.

  • Ariana Vasquez is a Research Pharmacy Assistant. She signs out and delivers study medication and conducts site qualification visits and interim monitoring visits in addition to managing drug inventory and pharmacy supplies ordering.

  • Anthony Galante, PharmD, is a Research Pharmacist. He provides essential investigational drug services to investigators and research personnel according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the applicable regulatory requirements of FDA and JCAHO. Investigational Drug Services include but are not limited to: dispensation, inventory management, communication with clinical team, communication with study sponsors, sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous agents, creating study specific pharmacy guidelines, handling of on-call studies and conducting Site Initiation Visits (SIV), Close Out Visits (COV) and Monitor Visits (MV).

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Anna is responsible for coordination and timely delivery of safety-related services and consultation to the University community across Morningside, Medical Center, Manhattanville, Lamont, Nevis, and University affiliates. Anna maintains a client-focused approach and assesses research safety procedures and practices to reduce workplace hazard potential and develop creative, sustainable, and compliant solutions. Anna develops collaborative relationships with laboratory, facilities, administrative staff, and works with EH&S to ensure the effective implementation of safety programs addressing various hazards. Anna assists the Occupational Safety team proactively developing, implementing program goals, and taking initiative in leading efforts to achieve such goals through continual program maintenance.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Director and Radiation Safety Officer, Research Radiation Safety Program, Angela is responsible for the management of the Research Radiation Safety Program at Columbia University’s Morningside (including Barnard College), Manhattanville, Nevis Laboratories (Irvington, NY) and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (Palisades, NY) and Medical Center (CUIMC) campuses, and the use of radioactive material in international waters. Angela manages a team of health physicists that supports these programs, and develops and implements the policies and procedures necessary to ensure the safe use of radioactive material and ionizing radiation producing equipment in research. Angela and her team are responsible for ensuring compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    As the Data Analyst, Andrianina is responsible for monitoring and supporting the department’s internal and external technology applications, ensuring that the highest level of service is provided to the Columbia University research community. Andrianina processes data analysis tasks with high efficiency and quality in a fast paced environment to support technology solutions that address the operational needs and requirements of EH&S.

  • Roles and Responsibilities

    Anderson Smith is the Assistant Director for Research Compliance Education for the Office of Research Compliance and Training. His work focuses on creating educational programs on research compliance and research ethics for the Columbia research community, including faculty and staff, students, and post-doctoral research fellows.

    Biography

    Dr. Smith has conducted seminars and lectures at various conferences, including the American Educational Research Association (AERA), National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA), and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), around literacy and metacognition. His research focused on the effects of literature when used in service to people with criminal conviction histories post-incarceration. He has also taught creative writing and spoken-word poetry in both medium and maximum-security prisons in New York. Dr. Smith earned his Ph.D. in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, where he also earned a Master's in Philosophy and a Master's in Education for the teaching of English. He received his Master's in Fine Arts for Creative Writing from Manhattanville College.

  • Ali A. Capulin is a Financial Analyst at the Clinical Trials Office. He provides investigators and their research teams financial accounts receivable services, including ARC account creation and changes, invoicing and reconciliation of industry-sponsored clinical trials at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

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