Clinical Research Unit Team Members
Wei Xu, MD, MBE
Director of Clinical Research
weixu@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 662-6083
Bibliography
Wei received her medical degree from Xiangya School of Medicine at Central South University and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Affiliated Tongren Hospital. She subsequently earned a Master’s in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. Wei has decades of experience in biomedical, clinical, and translational research experience both in academia and the industry. In recent years, her focus has been on clinical research, dedicating over a decade to cancer clinical research at Penn. Her work has been featured in prestigious journals such as Nature Medicine, Nature, Cancer Cell, Immunity, Cancer Discovery, and the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Currently, Wei is responsible for managing and overseeing operations within the RadOnc CRU to align with our department's research mission, while ensuring adherence to protocols, SOPs, GCP, and compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements in clinical research. For a comprehensive list of Wei's publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1FcqatggHCik9d/bibliography/public/
Kelly Clark, MA
Research Project Manager
Kelly.Clark3@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 349-8594
Kelly Clark, MA, joined the Radiation Oncology team at Penn Medicine as a Research Project Manager in January 2023. She earned her Master’s degree in Psychology from American University in 2013 with a specialization in clinical psychology and the assessment of body image and muscularity and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University in 2010. Prior to joining the team at Penn, she worked as a Program Manager in pediatric health research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her passion for oncology-related research was fostered during her time spent working with the non-profit Cancer Support Community, where Kelly helped to expand a cancer patient and caregiver registry and conducted psychosocial research on the cancer experience. She is originally from the Philadelphia area and currently resides in Roxborough where she lives with her senior rescue dog Ginger and enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and following Philadelphia and Wake Forest sports.
Joshua S. Bryer
Research Project Manager
JBryer@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(445) 800-5711
Google Scholar
Josh Bryer (he/him/his) is a research project manager on the RadOnc CRU team. His team consists of three clinical research coordinators: Jonathan Fu; Jhohanna Perez Sanchez; and Karen Tang. They support studies investigating a wide-range of indications and technologies including using radiation for the treatment of refractory supraventricular tachycardia and testing a novel AI chatbot to triage patients undergoing concomitant chemo-radiation therapy. Josh received his Bachelor of Arts in classical literatures and languages from Penn and is currently pursuing a pre-health post-baccalaureate. In nearly eight years on staff at Penn, he has supported over 35 clinical trials, Phase 0 through IV, from study start-up to close out, in nephrology, dermatology, and radiation oncology. Josh is passionate about empowering people with knowledge and helping others access high-quality healthcare and clinical trials while improving processes and solving complex problems. When not at work, you can find Josh scoping out trendy outdoor Philly eats; revisiting the works of Vergil and Kurt Vonnegut; trying to keep up with the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise; resisting the urge to buy a new fragrance; jamming to MPB, alternative rock, or anything, really, but country music; and dreaming of his next visit to Greece.
Ching Lai
Research Project Manager
Ching.Lai@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 614-1894
Ching is a Research Project Manager in the Department of Radiation Oncology Clinical Research Unit (CRU). She manages a team of CRCs, monitors compliance for trials assigned to her team, conducts study start-up, and develops budgets. Previously, she worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Studies of Addiction. Ching has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware. In her time off, she enjoys traveling and eating.
Michell Kim, MFA
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Michell.Kim@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 662 – 3790
Michell is a Regulatory Affairs Specialist in the Department of Radiation Oncology Clinical Research Unit (CRU). She assists the CRU with new study start-up, submissions to regulatory bodies, audits, and regulatory compliance. Previously, she worked as a Regulatory Coordinator at Northwestern University and as a research assistant in social psychology labs. Michell has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Northwestern University and a master's degree in Creative Writing from The New School. In her spare time, she writes novels.
Bobby George
Data Manager/Data Analyst
Bobby.George@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 615 5645
Bobby George is the data manager/data analyst at the Radiation Oncology Clinical Research Unit and the data analyst for the Radiation Oncology Data Analytics Group. He is a computer engineer with over 30 years of experience in many industries, such as software, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Most recently, for the last 17 years, he has worked as the Systems Administrator for the Division of Neonatology at PennMedicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He enjoys new technology and gadgets, traveling, and trying new cuisines.
Amanda (Mandy) Munter, BSN, RN, OCN
Clinical Practice Lead
Amanda.Munter@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(267) 764-7561
Mandy graduated from nursing school from Towson University with her BSN in Nursing in 2008. She started her nursing career at the Medical University of South Carolina on a hematology-oncology floor. She later moved to Colorado and continued her career in bone marrow transplant. She expanded her nursing knowledge by becoming ICU trained, permanent charge nurse, and mega charge nurse for all oncology floors. Mandy moved to Pennsylvania in 2014, starting her career at Penn in the clinical research unit, primarily focused on leukemia. Following her passion for patient care, she accepted a position in Radiation Oncology in 2015. She accepted the role as Clinical Practice Lead for Radiation Oncology Research in 2022, supporting the nursing team as a nurse leader in advancing clinical practice, identifying areas for improvement as a Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Lean Practitioner, and supporting the mission of Radiation Oncology and UPHS. Mandy also serves as a liaison for the nursing team within the Radiation Oncology Clinical Research Division. Mandy's role focuses on enhancing collaboration and ensuring that team members are aligned to support clinical research initiatives effectively. Specifically, she works with the Clinical Research Division to coordinate care, educate, and assist the nursing and research study teams regarding clinical trials. She is actively pursuing her master's degree in nursing administration. She enjoys traveling, hiking, running, and spending time with her family in her free time.
Hien Lu
Associate Director, RADComp Coordinating Center
hien.lu@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 662-6694
Prior to coming to Penn Medicine, Hien has worked in education and with non-profit organizations throughout the Philadelphia Area. She started her research career at Penn in palliative care research and has overseen a large quality improvement program aimed at improving care for Veterans at the end of life. She is currently working on a national breast cancer trial comparing two types of radiation therapy funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. In her spare time, she spends an inordinate amount of time planning her next meal.
Ashley Feriozzi
Research Project Manager, RADComp Coordinating Center
ashley.feriozzi@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 615-3272
Ashley Feriozzi, BS, has been with Penn Medicine for 13 years. She began her career in 2011 as a Research Assistant in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, focusing on mitral regurgitation and LVAD trials. In 2013, she transitioned to the Department of Radiation Oncology, initially serving as a Clinical Research Coordinator before advancing to Research Project Manager for the RadComp Coordinating Center in 2017. In her current role, Ashley manages the central adjudication process for cardiac clinical events and deaths, oversees the transition of sites to a central call center, and ensures high data compliance rates across all institutions. Outside of work, she enjoys family trips to the Jersey shore, baking, and watching the Real Housewives.
Amanda Driscoll
Regulatory Affairs, RADComp Coordinating Center
amanda.driscoll@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 430=3556
Amanda oversees the regulatory requirements for a large multi-site study comparing two types of radiation treatment for breast cancer. She joined the Department of Radiation Oncology in 2022 and is currently pursuing a Masters in Regulatory Affairs at the University of Pennsylvania.
Alexis Giron
Clinical Research Coordinator
Alexis.Giron@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 662-7449
Hello, My name is Alexis Girón Santos and I’m from Houston, TX! I completed my undergraduate degree at Bryn Mawr College where I majored in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience. I’ve been a part of the department for a few years where I’ve worked on NRG/ECOG-ACRIN Brain, Prostate, GI and Breast cancer trials. Though I now work part-time in the department maintaining CHOP-retrospective studies, I am a full-time student with the Drexel University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies where I will obtain my Masters of Science through the PMPH program in May 2025. When I’m not studying or working, you can find me singing and drawing or taking a nap with my dog, Mariposa.
Emily Xiong
Clinical Research Coordinator
Emily.Xiong@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(267) 299-9615
Emily is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Department of Radiation Oncology Clinical Research Unit (CRU). She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. She previously worked as a Clinical Research Assistant for the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders and as a Wet Lab Research Assistant for the Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics. In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, swimming, and drawing.
Jhohanna Perez
Clinical Research Coordinator
Jhohanna.perez@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(267) 299-9643
Jhohanna Perez Sanchez joined the Radiation Oncology team at Penn Medicine as a Clinical Research Coordinator in June 2023. Prior to joining the team, she graduated from Penn with a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience in May 2023. During her time at Penn, Jhohanna worked as an Emergency Medical Technician with PennMERT, served as president of Penn’s Public Health Global Brigades, and in the board of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS). Jhohanna has pursued a passion for social justice as president and co-founder of Awareness Against Current Transgressions (AACT), as a CIEE’s Frederick Douglass Global Fellow, and as recipient of the Hassenfeld Research Grant. In the future, Jhohanna hopes to become a physician while holding a focus on public health and marginalized populations. She is originally from the Dominican Republic but had been living in New Jersey prior to attending Penn. She enjoys traveling, attempting to paint, and trying new food.
Jonathan Fu
Clinical Research Coordinator
jonathan.fu@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(267) 760-7636
Jonathan Fu (he/him/his) is a Clinical Research Coordinator on the RadOnc CRU team. He received his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Southern California. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, playing tennis, trying new restaurants, and traveling to new countries.
Karen Tang
Clinical Research Coordinator
Karen.Tang1@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(267) 299-9618
Karen Tang joined Radiation Oncology team at Penn Medicine as a Clinical Research Coordinator in May 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Drexel University in 2022. Karen enjoys food, stay indoors, spending time with family and friends.
Khulood Salman
Clinical Research Coordinator
salmank@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 615 - 2369
Khulood joins the department as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Drexel University. Previously, she worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). During her time at CHOP, she was involved in a culinary nutrition study for cancer patients' caregivers, exploring the feasibility of a food-medicine approach to help alleviate common symptoms experienced by cancer patients undergoing treatment. Prior to that, she worked as a clinical research assistant at CHOP, focusing on a genetic study of vascular anomalies. In her free time, Khulood enjoys, hiking, baking and traveling to new countries
Lisha Chen
Clinical Research Coordinator
Lisha.Chen@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
267-299-9668
Lisha Chen joined our Radiation Oncology team in June 2023. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. Throughout college, she worked at a research lab focused on developing new immunotherapies for leukemia and she is interested in continuing to explore oncology as a clinical research coordinator. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and exploring new restaurants in Philly!
Marlowe Estioko
Clinical Research Coordinator
Marlowe.Estioko@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(267) 343-6483
Coming from a family of medical professionals, Marlowe began exploring medicinal careers at Temple University. He found his passion for clinical research while volunteering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, performing well enough to become a fully fledged clinical research coordinator. Continuing his journey, he attained a Master of Science degree in Medical Physiology from Case Western Reserve University, where he concluded he is most interested in & dedicated to personally performing clinical research. After gaining vital experience from Cleveland Clinic, he returned to Philadelphia and Penn Medicine to continue professional & career development under the fantastic tutelage of investigator and senior research professional mentors. In his free time, Marlowe loves learning food recipes and experimenting with his own twists on ingredients & cooking techniques.
Pradhita Kolluru
Clinical Research Coordinator
Pradhita.Kolluru@PennMedicine.upenn.edu
Snehal Somalwar
Clinical Research Coordinator
Snehal.Somalwar@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(445) 800-5697
Snehal Somalwar is a research coordinator C on the RADONC CRU team. She is currently involved in intervention studies pertaining to breast, uterine, prostate and lung cancer in the Radiation Oncology Department at PCAM. She has a vast experience in conducting clinical trials phase 1-4 and has worked across the globe in countries like India, Canada and the USA. She is passionate about research and believes in the need for more research in the medical field to reach and benefit the masses.Snehal completed her Bachelors degree in Ayurvedic Medicine from India and went on to complete her MD in Ayurvedic Pharmacology with specialization in Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. She also completed her Diploma in Clinical Research and started her journey as a clinical researcher which has been quite fulfilling. When Snehal is not working, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, baking with her son, binge watching TV shows and travelling to different places. She loves going on hikes with her husband and 10 year old son.
Jennifer Margolis
Clinical Research Coordinator, RADComp Coordinating Center
Jennifer.Margolis@PennMedicine.upenn.edu
I graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Creative Writing. My passion for research grew while I worked at the Monell Chemical Senses Center researching the mechanisms of olfaction. I’m a South Jersey native and in my free time I enjoy reading, crocheting, snowboarding, watching movies, and spending time with friends and my cat Ziggy. I’m super excited to be a part of the team!
Sara Tabakha
Clinical Research Coordinator, RADComp Coordinating Center
sara.tabakha@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
(215) 662-4267
Sara Tabakha is a dedicated clinical research coordinator for the RadComp study, a national pragmatic phase III breast cancer trial comparing photon versus proton radiotherapy. With a team consisting of Ashley Ferriozzi, Hien Lu, Amanda Driscoll, Alex Lin, Bonnie Ky, and Carolyn Hencek, Sara plays a role in managing operations across over 30 participating centers for the study.In her role, Sara has developed and implemented communication protocols, including telephone scripts designed to gather health information from study participants. By utilizing behavioral economics strategies, she has enhanced the efficiency of over 1,200 participant interactions and data collection processes.Additionally, she follows up with participants regarding their quality of life after treatment.
Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with a minor in Political Science. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys exploring new coffee shops, working out, and spending time with friends.