The Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and Durham Technical Community College recently welcomed the latest cohort of the Durham Tech Clinical Research Scholars.
A unique collaboration between CTSI and Durham Tech, the two-semester program provides Durham Tech students the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for ensuring that the benefits of clinical research are available to all. Scholars receive a stipend and are matched with a Duke mentor — often an affiliate CTSI faculty member — on a clinical research project.
The four students in this year’s cohort are:
Margaret Hall is a second-year clinical research student at Durham Tech and holds a Master of Public Health in biostatistics. She spent several years working as a biostatistician before moving into a statistical programming role at a local contract research organization. Drawing on her professional experience, clinical research training, and passion for creative problem-solving, Hall is eager to apply her skills to improving health and wellness outcomes in the Durham community.
“I would like to build new interventions that would strengthen partnerships between Durham Public Schools, Durham Tech, Duke, North Carolina Central University, and other public institutions to improve mental health support and increase overall community trust in our local research community,” she said.
Hall will complete her clinical research internship under the guidance of Sarah Peskoe, PhD, at the Duke Aging Center.
Jennifer Radford has been driven by a desire to help others since childhood. She spent five years working as a certified medical assistant, including time in a pulmonology clinic where she supported young patients in improving lung health and observed efforts to prevent hospitalization among high-risk asthma patients. These experiences further solidified her interest in clinical research and community health.
“I hope to help communities that still have reservations about clinical trials understand the changes made for their safety and the possible benefits in being a part of these studies,” she said.
Radford will complete her clinical research internship under the mentorship of Zahira Decena Sanchez in the SER Familia program.
Emily Spencer brings a strong background in global health, project management, and international development. She holds a Master of Arts in international relations from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in international studies from North Carolina State University. Most recently, she served as a senior project management associate at RTI International. Spencer is currently completing dual certifications in clinical research core competencies and clinical research data management at Durham Tech, where she is an honors student.
“I am excited to apply my background in global health and development and systems-level program management expertise to advancing best practices for clinical research,” she said.
Spencer will complete her clinical research internship with the Duke Cancer Institute’s Community Outreach and Engagement team under the mentorship of Wanda Wray. In this role, she will contribute to initiatives that enhance community-centered research strategies and data-driven approaches to cancer research.
R. Toomer holds a Bachelor of Science in bioengineering and a Master of Science in biomedical engineering. After spending more than a decade working in preclinical research, she decided to transition into clinical research to play a more direct role in moving novel therapies from the laboratory into the hands of the people who need them most.
Her interest in clinical research was further shaped during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she observed widespread mistrust in science and vaccine development. “While my training allowed me to understand and trust the science, I recognized that many individuals lacked access to clear information and representation in the research process,” she said.
These experiences motivated her to pursue clinical research, where she can help foster trust and support informed participation.
Toomer will complete her clinical research internship at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute under the mentorship of Byron Hauser.