MERIT Employee Spotlight is a series featuring team members introducing themselves, outlining their role at MERIT, and explaining why they chose to work in the clinical trials industry.
Can you describe your role at MERIT?
I have been a part of MERIT since December 2021. I work with the IQCS (Image Quality Control Specialist) team managing and monitoring the production, workflow, organization, evaluation, and site education for imaging procedures in our ophthalmology studies.
What do you like about working here?
MERIT allows me to do what I love, which is educating and helping others grow in their “eyeball” knowledge. My team has various backgrounds that are all important and contribute to the success of our ophthalmology imaging department. It is refreshing to be a part of a team that works hard and is cohesive, even in a remote environment.
How do you see your position/department fitting into the company as a whole?
The IQCS team provides quality control of image data to ensure research is conducted accurately and efficiently. This supports MERIT’s proven track record of providing reliable and attentive expertise. As MERIT’s therapeutic areas continue to grow, my team will remain a resource to the evolving needs of each department.
Why did you get into clinical research?
My love for ophthalmology started as a young child. My grandfather was blind from AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration), which inspired a curiosity about how the eye works and what treatment options were available. I spent the first part of my career working in the clinical setting examining patients and performing various imaging procedures. I’ve taught many ophthalmic technicians and clinic administrators through the years, both locally and worldwide through conferences and training seminars. In a clinic, you get to see the new medications in action and the rewarding outcomes of the patients. You don’t really get to see what happens behind the scenes during the clinical trial process. Being the Ophthalmology Imaging Manager at MERIT has been very gratifying because I get to see the whole picture. I can help sites and colleagues with ophthalmic imaging and be involved in the study start up process. It is very rewarding to know that helping one person can have a huge impact on new treatment options worldwide.
What do you do in your free time?
My family and I live in North Carolina. My husband and 2 kids keep me busy outside of work. I love working from home as it provides the flexibility my family needs. We love being active at our church, outside with water sports, or just sitting down and playing board games.