Written by Brian C. Moon – September 24, 2026
The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) has welcomed 44 clinical research staff professionals to the 2026 RISE Leadership Development Program, marking the program’s broadest institutional participation to date.
RISE (Relate, Inspire, Strategize, Elevate) is a 10-week experiential leadership program created by the CCTS Training Academy to prepare clinical research professionals for increasingly prominent leadership roles in research. Through weekly sessions, participants develop practical skills in areas including project leadership and teamwork, interpersonal effectiveness, trust building, conflict management, and building a community of practice.
Expanding Access Across the Region
Following an earlier pilot of remote participation with a CCTS Partner institution, the 2026 program expanded remote participation to additional institutions across the region.
This year’s cohort includes participants from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Tulane University, the University of Alabama, Southern Research, and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Bringing professionals from multiple institutions into the same leadership development experience creates additional opportunities to share perspectives, build relationships and strengthen the regional clinical research workforce.
Meet the 2026 RISE Cohort
Tulane University
Arezu Paganetti, Marigny Bostock, Tara Dobson, Momi Sagoe, Delainna Bartholomew, Monique Diles, Allie Williams, Lauren Griffin-Scudari, Natalie Duong, Wesal Abualkhair, Ayitevi Agbodji, Christina Marchese
Southern Research
Anne Bet
University of Alabama
Monica Henderson, Kristie Black, Barbara Wright, Dimetra Rollins
University of Alabama at Birmingham (CCTS Hub)
Sharon May, Patricia Busta Flores, Tushima Reeves, Bethany Etheridge, Cassie Hammond, Melissa Garner, Stephanie For, Vera Sousa-Lee, Emily Pounds, Q. Lachell Cole, Megan Maier, Debra Orange, Brittany Harris, Donna Harris, Paramita Das, Shahela Laboni, Aubree Bradford, Zenoria Causey Pruitt, Narayan D Chaurasiya, Rebecca Rogers, Rachael Shevin
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Savannah Mansion, Michele Seeman, Brianne Voros, Dina Brackman, Carla Laborde, Cambri Moeller
Developing the Next Generation of Research Leaders
As clinical and translational research becomes increasingly collaborative and team-oriented, RISE gives experienced research staff professionals an opportunity to strengthen the leadership skills needed to guide teams, navigate challenges, and contribute to successful research programs.
Applications for the next RISE cohort are expected to open in late October. Interested clinical research staff professionals are encouraged to follow the CCTS on LinkedIn and subscribe to the CCTS Digest to be among the first notified when applications open. Learn more about the RISE Leadership Development Program.