Meet a few of the many talented individuals working together on UPMC’s Sponsored Clinical Trials and Partnerships (SCTP) team who are shaping how industry-sponsored clinical trials bring new therapies, devices, and innovations to patients. Since SCTP’s launch, UPMC has reduced study activation timelines, accelerated access, and created a more seamless experience for sponsors, researchers, and patients.
Building a More Connected Research Engine
Under the leadership of Nicole Ansani, PharmD, senior vice president, UPMC Enterprises, SCTP has transformed sponsored clinical trials at UPMC. By centralizing operations and strengthening collaboration, the team has built a more connected and efficient model that enhances partnerships with the industry.
Supporting Clinical Trials Behind the Scenes
Andrea Lisiak, concierge specialist, UPMC Enterprises, is no stranger to keeping things running exactly on cue. As a stage manager for a local Pittsburgh theater company, she coordinates dozens of moving parts, ensuring every performance comes together seamlessly. At work, her stage looks different — but the mindset is the same.
Guiding Studies From Idea to Execution
With more than two decades in clinical research, Kimberly Diamond, senior research specialist – coverage analyst, UPMC Enterprises, brings a well-rounded perspective to her role. Her career spans clinical settings, research coordination, and administration, giving her a deep understanding of how studies move from concept to patient care.
Clearing the Path for Researchers
For many investigators, the administrative and regulatory aspects of clinical trials can feel overwhelming. That’s where team members like Joseph Bickus, senior research risk management review specialist, UPMC Enterprises, step in.
Aligning Contracts, Timelines, and Expectations
Every clinical trial requires careful coordination between multiple stakeholders, including sponsors, trial sites, and care teams. Diane Masters, sponsored clinical trials lead, contracts, UPMC Enterprises, plays a key role in that process. She helps review and manage clinical trial agreements, keeping timelines, expectations, and stakeholders aligned so studies can move forward without unnecessary delays.
Accelerating Innovation Through Partnership
At the forefront of new study development and operations, Soun Khountham, senior director, UPMC Enterprises, works closely with internal teams and external sponsors to bring new clinical trials to life. Her focus is on ensuring studies are designed, approved, and launched as efficiently as possible while maintaining the highest standards for quality and compliance.
Creating the Infrastructure for Scale
Behind the scenes, systems and data are essential to helping clinical trials operate efficiently at scale. Sita Assadi, director, UPMC Enterprises, has been instrumental in building that foundation, leading the centralization of UPMC’s clinical trials portfolio within OnCore, the system’s clinical trials management platform.
Human-Centered by Design
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of the journey from bench to bedside and to see the recent transformation of UPMC Sponsored Clinical Trials and Partnerships take shape so quickly,” says José-Alain Sahel, MD, director, UPMC Vision Institute, and distinguished professor and chair, Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Learn more about the details and all about the team transforming trials in the August 2026 edition of First Friday.
Please note: some links in the edition are for employees only and will not open for the general public.
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