The Research Professionals Exemplar Awards celebrate the dedication and impact of research professionals throughout Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute. This year, the Research Professionals Steering Committee and the Research Professionals Engagement and Mentoring Committee collaborated to introduce six new award categories that recognize the outstanding work of research professionals. The following are the nominees and winners in each category.
Research Professionals Community Hero Award
CRC Lead, Neonatology
The Community Hero Award recognizes a research professional who fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, builds connections across teams and departments, and contributes to a culture where colleagues feel supported and valued.
- Eric Brown
- Bria Brumfield
- Lillian Cooper
- Kyle Honegger
- Pedro Lara
- Larissa Rugg
- Liz Sierra—award winner
- Malaak Yehya
Research Professionals Growth and Development Award
CRC-I, Infectious Disease
The Growth and Development Award recognizes a research professional who has demonstrated consistent dedication to advancing research at Lurie Children’s.
- Michelle Adzido
- Sophia Crowleyo
- Halley Dillenbeck
- Sriamsha Dubbaka
- Melissa Espinosa
- Dami Ibrahim
- Maria Kalogris
- Joanna Malec—award winner
- Linda Martinez
- Esperanza Mendoza
- Amparo Perez
- Lauren Spirov
Research Professionals Innovator Award
Project Manager,
Emergency Medicine
The Innovator Award honors a research professional who consistently demonstrates exceptional creative problem solving in the design, execution, and advancement of research processes and methods.
- Ope Blackburn
- Danielle Cory—award winner
- Christa Martinez Bran
- Raven Hill
- Amanda Kass
- Henry Mantakul
- Richa Mehta
- Irene Wu
Research Professionals Outstanding Mentor Award
Associate Director of Clinical Research Services,
Office of Clinical and Community Trials
The Outstanding Mentor Award honors a research professional whose guidance and encouragement have meaningful impact on the growth and success of others.
- Gretchen Anding
- Angela Anthony
- Stephany Barth
- Jamie Burgess—award winner
- Kitty Carrion
- Kevin Guerrero
- Amanda Kass
- Theresa Oswald
- Gabrielle Morgan
- Madeleine Muller
- Lorraine Rich
- Chris Stake
- Xaviera Vasser
- Joanie Wright
- Candace Young
CRC Lead, Cardiology
Research Professionals Patient and Family Advocate Award
The Patient and Family Advocate Award honors a research professional who advocates for patients and families in the design and conduct of research.
- Jackie Alexander
- Jessica Bhavsar, CRC-Lead, Cardiology—award winner
- Darian Dorantes
- Anne Lakes
- Maddie Lamphear
- Susan Rapp
BRC-III, Foster Health Lab
Research Professionals Step-Up Award
The Step-Up Award recognizes a research professional who exemplifies a team-first mindset by going above and beyond their core responsibilities to ensure team success.
- Samie Ayala
- Mary Akel
- Jenna Bardwell
- Bria Brumfield
- Charlie Chmelik
- Kevin Guerrero
- Peyton Halsey
- Isheeta Jaria
- Amanda Kass
- Ivy Marruffo
- Emily Marshall
- Prachi Patel
- Laura Smith
- Marina Teruel
- Peter Walsh—award winner
