Research Professionals Network | Duke University School of Medicine

Take your career to the next level: Join the Research Professionals Network!

The Research Professionals Network (RPN) provides an opportunity for Duke Health staff and faculty to enhance their contributions to the research community through educational and networking opportunities.

Interested research professionals can join our listserv at docr-rpn@dm.duke.edu to receive RPN meeting invites.

Scheduled RPN Meeting Topics

RPN+ Foundational Series Sessions

Suggest a Topic

RPN Online - Past Sessions

Research Professionals Network Goals

Provide members with professional development opportunities
Foster networking amongst research professionals
Champion a culture of excellence within the Duke clinical research enterprise

Decorative image with Research Professionals Network in orange, yellow, and red circles.

Upcoming RPN Meeting Topics

Sessions are held at 1PM and typically on the third Thursday of each month. All events will be hosted via Zoom until otherwise posted.

Topic and Date	Speaker(s)
January 16th, 2025: From Foundations to Frontiers: The Evolution of Clinical Research Education	Melissa Oakley Ockert, MS, CCRA, CCRP Dean of Health and Wellness, Durham Technical Community College
February 20th, 2025: Learning and Growing with Duke Over the Years	Beth Perry Research Practice Manager, Neurosurgery Steven Shipes Research Practice Manager, Radiology
March 20th, 2025: Pathways to Clinical Research Leadership and Tips for Becoming a Leader in Your Role	Catee Mullen Senior Director of Clinical Research Operations, DOCR Stephanie Freel, PhD Director of Clinical Research Operations, Education & Outreach Sue Budinger Director of Research Operations, Project Ops, DOCR Marissa Stroo Director of Clinical Research Operations, Data, DOCR Sarah Knowles Research Practice Manager, DCI

Topic and Date

Speaker(s)

January 16th, 2025:
From Foundations to Frontiers: The Evolution of Clinical Research Education

Melissa Oakley Ockert, MS, CCRA, CCRP
Dean of Health and Wellness, Durham Technical Community College

February 20th, 2025:
Learning and Growing with Duke Over the Years

Beth Perry
Research Practice Manager, Neurosurgery

Steven Shipes
Research Practice Manager, Radiology

March 20th, 2025:
Pathways to Clinical Research Leadership and Tips for Becoming a Leader in Your Role

Catee Mullen
Senior Director of Clinical Research Operations, DOCR

Stephanie Freel, PhD
Director of Clinical Research Operations, Education & Outreach

Sue Budinger
Director of Research Operations, Project Ops, DOCR

Marissa Stroo
Director of Clinical Research Operations, Data, DOCR

Sarah Knowles
Research Practice Manager, DCI

RPN LinkedIn Group

The RPN LinkedIn group serves to promote networking and collaboration amongst members and other research professionals both within and outside of Duke Health. Group members are encouraged to use this platform to connect with other members, post discussion questions, share helpful resources and articles, and inform the network about other networking and professional development events in the area.

Click here to join

RPN+ Foundational Clinical Research Topic Series

The RPN+ is a special edition of the Research Professionals Network (RPN) that focuses on foundational topics for clinical research professionals. While these sessions are selected with the Clinical Research New Hire Cohorts in mind, the topics may be relevant to anyone in clinical research at Duke and all are welcome to attend! Sessions are proposed and facilitated by the clinical research community. To learn more about the RPN+ or gain leadership experience by facilitating a session, visit the DOCR Onboarding and Training page.

Registration links for these topics will be posted in the DOCR Newsletter, posted below, and sent to the RPN+ New Hire Cohorts. They will not be sent directly to the full listserv.

Suggest a Future RPN+ Topic

Sessions are typically held at 1PM on the last Thursday of the month.

Topic and Date	Speaker(s)
January 30th, 2025 Food is Fuel: Energizing Your Day As a Clinical Research Professional Add this link to your calendar to join the session when it is time: https://duke.zoom.us/j/98028409889 (Note: Duke account authentication is required to join)	Laura Van Althuis, MHA, RDN, LDN Clinical Research Coordinator Tier 2, DOCR
February 27th, 2025 Design, Monitor, Respond: Total Quality Management 101 Add this link to your calendar to join the session when it is time: https://duke.zoom.us/j/92932144845 (Note: Duke account authentication is required to join)	Kristi Prather, MPH Associate Director of Research Operations, DOSI
March 27th, 2025 Filling Your Toolbox to Build Your Professional Identity	Denise Snyder, MS, RD, LDN Associate Dean for Clinical Research
April 24th, 2025 Introduction to Electronic Tools for Research - Part 1 In this session, we'll be exploring: Maestro Care for Research Slicer-Dicer DEDUCE Xealth	Dalia Mack, Pharm.D. Senior Manager, IT, DOCR Ira Togo Senior Analyst, IT, DOCR Nelda Bradley DHTS IT Manager, Ace - Clinical/Operations Solutions Ellen Thoresen DHTS IT Analyst, Digital Strategy Office
May 29th, 2025 Introduction to Electronic Tools for Research - Part 2 In this session, we'll be exploring: Clinical Data Research Network (CDRN) Clinical Research Data Mart (CRDM) RIC Social Media Advertising Service ResearchMatch	Janis Curtis Associate Director, IT, CTSI Nelda Bradley DHTS IT Manager, Ace - Clinical/Operations Solutions Nick Eberlein Research Project Manager, DOCR Julie Opiteck Research Program Leader, DOCR

Research Professionals Network Online

You can review the content from previous Research Professionals Network meetings using the following links.

November 21, 2024 | RPN | When There Are No Words: Effective Practices for Responding with Empathy and Care for Healing (REACH) | View Recording | Slides
November 14, 2024 | RPN+ | Accuracy When Reporting and Monitoring Adverse Events | View Recording | Slides
October 31, 2024 | RPN+ | No Need to Be Scared: Tips and Tricks for Working and Communicating with Study Monitors | View Recording | Slides
October 17, 2024 | RPN | AI Tools for Clinical Research Professionals | View Recording | Slides
September 26, 2024 | RPN+ | Good Documentation Practices | View Recording | Slides
September 19, 2024 | RPN | Best Practices for Working with the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Quality | View Recording | Slides
August 15, 2024 | RPN/RPN+ | In-Person Networking Event - Dylan's Improv Workshop: Shared Imagination is Communication (not recorded)
June 27, 2024 | RPN+ | Emotional Intelligence, Self-Awareness, and Psychological Safety: Buzzwords for Addressing Day-to-Day Challenges | View Recording | Slides
June 20, 2024 | RPN | Effective Working Meetings | View Recording | Slides
May 30, 2024 | RPN+ | Building Resilience for Successful Management of Clinical Research Projects as Newcomer to Duke: A CRC Perspective | View Recording | Slides
May 16, 2024 | RPN | Nurturing the Next-Gen Workforce: Tips and Tools for Successfully Hosting Interns | View Recording | Slides
April 25, 2024 | RPN+ | An Introduction to Research with FDA Regulated Products and the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Quality | View Recording | Slides
April 18th, 2024 | RPN | Delivering & Receiving Constructive Feedback, Goal Setting, and the PEP Process | View Recording | Slides
March 28, 2024 | RPN+ | myRESEARCHsuite | View Recording | Slides
March 21st, 2024 | RPN | A Life-Changing Clinical Trial for My Family: The Other Side of Research | View Recording | Slides
February 29, 2024 | RPN+ | Top Ways to Tank Your Team: Why Some Teams Succeed While Others Fail | View Recording | Slides
February 15, 2024 | RPN | Tips on Navigating Tier Advancement From a CRC II and Manager Perspective | View Slides | View Recording
January 25, 2024 | RPN+ | Presenting Yourself with Professional Poise | View Recording
January 18, 2024 | RPN | Reflecting on 10 Years of RPN Success and Charting the Course for the Next Chapter | View Slides | Recording
December 14, 2023 | RPN | Emotional Eating | View Slides | Recording
November 30, 2023 | RPN+ | Social Media Advertising - Is it Right for Your Research Studies? | View Recording | Slides
November 16, 2023 | RPN | An Overview of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | View Recording | Slides
October 26, 2023 | RPN+ | Tips and Tools for Communicating with Clinical Research Participants | View Recording | Slides
October 19, 2023 | RPN | Growing Your Toolbox - Tips and Tricks I Learned From Growing Mine | View Recording | Slides
September 28, 2023 | RPN+ | Panel Discussion on Professional Certifications for Clinical Research | View Recording | RAC Slides
September 21, 2023 | RPN | Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative - What is Quality by Design? | View Recording | Slides
August 10, 2023 | RPN/RPN+ | In-Person Networking Bingo Game at Erwin Square (not recorded)
June 29, 2023 | RPN+ | Clinical Quality Management Program (CQMP) and Research Monitoring | View Recording | Slides | CQMP Materials on myRESEARCHpath
June 15, 2023 | RPN | Taking Control of Guilt and Shame: the Power of Vulnerability | View Recording | Slides
May 31, 2023 | RPN+ | Clinical Research Study Startup Workflow - A Beginner's Guide for Study Teams | View Recording | Slides
May 18th, 2023 | RPN | Delivering & Receiving Constructive Feedback, Goal Setting, and the PEP Process | View Recording | Slides
April 27, 2023 | RPN+ | Strategies for Getting Timely Responses and Asking for Help from Busy People | View Recording | Slides
April 13, 2023 | RPN | Duke's WE-R Program for Non-Traditional Hiring and Career Transitions into Clinical Research | View Recording | Slides
March 30, 2023 | RPN+ | Setting SMART Goals and Managing Time for Professional Development | View Recording | Slides
March 16, 2023 | RPN | Responsive and Clear Communications to Get What You Need | View Recording | Slides
February 23, 2023 | RPN+ | Using Duke Employee Tuition Benefits to Further Your Education and Career | View Recording | Slides
February 16, 2023 | RPN | Exploring Implicit Bias | View Recording | Slides | Resource List
January 26, 2023 | RPN+ | CRC Study Highlight: Overview, Tips, and Lessons Learned | View Recording
January 19, 2023 | RPN | Thriving as a Research Staff Member | View Recording | Slides
December 15, 2022 | RPN | Healthy Habits Through the Work Day and Mindful Holiday Help | View Recording | Slides
December 8, 2022 | RPN+ | Teamwork and Being a Good Team Member | View Recording | Slides
November 17, 2022 | RPN | Growth Mindset, Our Toolbox to Thrive and Succeed | View Recording | Slides
November 10, 2022 | RPN+ | Tips and Tools for Communicating with Clinical Research Participants | View Recording | Slides
October 20, 2022 | RPN | What is RPN+? An Overview of the New Hire Cohort & Mentoring Programs for Clinical Research | View Recording | View Slides
September 29, 2022 | RPN+ | Responsive and Clear Communications to Get What You Need | View Recording | Slides
September 16th, 2022 | RPN | Bite-Size Well-Being During Times of Uncertainty | View Recording | Slides
August 25, 2022 | RPN+ | It is all in your head! But... it shouldn't be. The Case for Proper Storage Locations and SOPs | View Recording | Slides
August 18, 2022 | RPN | Lessons Learned from the Translational Omnics Research Misconduct Case | View Recording | Slides
June 30, 2022 | RPN+ | Are They Available!? Using Outlook and Calendars to Your Advantage | View Recording | Slides
June 16, 2022 | RPN | Professional Development and Career Paths in Clinical Research: Considering Your Path and Being Part of the Change | View Recording | Slides
May 26, 2022 | RPN+ | Professional Development and Career Paths in Clinical Research | View Recording | Slides
May 19, 2022 | RPN | eTools for Clinical Research at Duke - 2022 | Slides
April 28, 2022 | RPN+ | Typical Clinical Research Meetings and Participating Effectively | View Recording | Slides
April 21, 2022 | RPN | CRU 2.0: How We Restructured Psychiatry CRU | View Recording | Slides
March 24, 2022 | RPN+ | Communication Methods: Should I Text or Email This? | View Recording | Slides
February 24, 2022 | RPN+ | Starting Out Social with RPN+ Mentoring and Peer Community Building | View Recording | Slides
February 17, 2022 | The Practice of Return of Research Findings to Participants | View Recording | Slides
January 20, 2022 | Understanding the Differences in Communication Styles and Health Literacy between the US and Hispanic/Latino Populations | View Recording | Slides
December 16, 2021 | Preserving Your Well-Being | View Recording | Slides
October 21, 2021 | Holding a Space for Possibility: Flexible Thinking at Work and Home | View Recording
September 16th, 2021 | Empowering the Participant Voice: Research Participant Perceptions Survey | View Recording | Slides
August 19th, 2021 | How Can Research Staff Support Building Research Ready Communities | View Recording | Slides
July 9th, 2021 | Building Your Portfolio for Tier Advancement: Writing Tips and Strategies | View Recording | Slides
May 20th, 2021 | Team Management and Microsoft Teams | View WebEx | Slides
April 15th, 2021 | Taking a Chance at Something Big: Duke Clinical Research at Pickett Road | View Webex | Slides
March 18th, 2021 | Using Social Media to Recruit (During a Pandemic)| View Webex | Slides
February 18th, 2021 | "Understanding the Burden of COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers: Early Results from the HERO Program Speaker" | View Webex | Slides
December 10th, 2020 | "The Many Roles of the Registered Dietitian + Healthy Eating During Holidays"| View Webex | Slides
November 19th, 2020 | “Leadership During Difficult Times- There is No Time Like the Present” | View Webex | Slides
October 22, 2020 | “Diversity in Clinical Research: What We’ve Learned” | View Zoom
September 24,2020 | “Team Science” | View Zoom | Slides
August 20th, 2020 | “What You Should Know When Switching to eConsent” | Slides
June 18, 2020 Task Management Practices and Tools for Clinical Research at Duke | View Webex | Slides
May 28, 2020 | Developing your Growth Mindset | View Webex | Slides
May 7, 2020 | Professional Portfolio Development – You Don’t Have to Hit Pause! | View Webex | Slides
March 5, 2020 | Overview of Crucial Conversations | View Webex | Slides
January 23, 2020 | Resume Preparation | View WebEx | Slides
November 14, 2019 | Why Research Matters - Research Study-Bullous Pemphigold
October 24, 2019 | Growth Mindset and Mentorship |
September 18, 2019 | Exploring New Technologies and Learning Opportunities | View WebEx | Slides
August 22, 2019 | Overview of the Clinical Quality Management Program | View WebEx | Slides
July 25, 2019 | Improving Readability in Clinical Research | View WebEx | Slides
June 6, 2019 | Project Management for Clinical Research: Myths, Realities, and Practicalities for Success | View WebEx | Presentation Slides | Overview of UNCW CLR Program
April 18, 2019 | WebEx Tips and Tricks for Hosting Successful Online Meetings | View WebEx | Slides
March 20, 2019 | Strategies for Building Your Professional Portfolio at Duke | View WebEx | Slides
February 21, 2019 | Effective Communication: How to Avoid the Common Pitfalls and Maximize Professional Strengths | View WebEx | Slides | Handouts
January 31, 2019 | Professionalism in Research | View WebEx | Slides
December 6, 2018 | Social Networking
November 8, 2018 | Long-term Preparation for Tier Advancement Panel Discussion
October 19, 2018 | FDA Audits WebEx | View WebEx
October 11, 2018 | Professionalism in Research Conversation Café
September 13, 2018 | Showing Leadership at any Level Panel Discussion
August 9, 2018 | Work-Life Integration Workshop
June 7, 2018 | Professional Development and Certification Opportunities through SOCRA and ACRP
May 16, 2018 | Journal Club Meet-up
April 23, 2018 | Journal Club Meet-up
April 19, 2018 | “Understanding Generational Differences and How They Impact the Workplace” by Keynote Speaker Dan Nagy
March 21, 2018 | Journal Club Meet-up
March 14, 2018 | Making the Most of Your Performance Review | Slides
January 2018 | RPN Relaunch Event “Networking 2.0” with Keynote Speaker Kris McGuigan
November 2017 | Designing for Engagement, Recruitment and Retention: Do you see what they see? From Idea to Implementation | Slides
September 2017 | Conversation Café: Shaping the Future of the RPN
August 2017 | How to Introspectively Reset When Your Buttons are Pushed in the Workplace | Audio | Slides
June 2017 | Tools and Strategies For Managing Multiple Projects | Audio | Slides
April 2017 | Coordinator Self-Care in Therapeutic Areas Involving Bereavement | Audio
March 2017 | There Is No "I" in "Team" | Audio | Slides
February 2017 | Unlocking Your Leadership Potential | Audio
September 2016 | What REDCap Can do For You
August 2016 | Duke - UNC Collaborative | View
June 2016 | Investigational Drug Services
March 2016 | Office of Corporate Research Collaborations: When to use MTAs and DUAs
January 2016 | Documenting Data Flow
September 2015 | Having Difficult Conversations with Teammates, Employees and Managers
August 2015 | Polishing Your Impromptu Presentation Skills
June 2015 | Leadership in Health Care
May 2015 | Thinking Beyond the Silos
April 2015 | IRB Behind the Scenes
March 2015 | Research Professionals Job Classifications

For more information, please contact DOCR -rpn@dm.duke.edu.