Alumni
EXPERIENCE
The alumni from the MAS in Clinical Research have seen great success since graduation. They have gone on to become Biostatitians, Epidemiologists, Research Specialists, and more! Hear firsthand how the CLRE Program has transformed their careers.
Brookie Best, MAS '07
Dean of Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
"The Clinical Research Degree has set me up for a successful career in academia. It provided me with the training required to conduct high-quality research and help advance science as a whole."
Olivia Springfield, MAS '21
"I would not be where I am now if not for this program. It has given me so many skills that have allowed me to be successful in my current role."
Dhrtika Bhatia, MAS ‘23
"Not only did I learn about clinical research and its different types, I also learned essential soft skills like where to go for funding, professional development, and much more."
Linda Awdishu, MAS ‘07
"It may seem daunting to take on a degree program while working full time, but it is definitely doable, and you will be tremendously supported along the way."
Edward Cachay, MAS ‘07
“This program not only helped me conduct meaningful research but also taught me how to effectively present my findings.”
Testimonials
Click on a testimonial to learn more about our alumni
Kat Schmidt
Institutional Research Specialist
California Lutheran University
Class of 2020
Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“I got this Master’s degree to further my experience in research. I had social, behavioral, and psychological research background, and I wanted to add clinical to my profile.”
What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?
“Learning biostatistics was a huge addition to my career, and I have been able to apply statistics to all facets of research. After the program, I spent a year as a clinical research coordinator on oncology trials through OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute. This program was integral in developing the skills I needed to be a successful and sought-after coordinator.”
Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?
“From this program I met my mentor that coached me throughout the Independent Study Project. He connected me with his research lab where I was able to volunteer as a graduate research assistant during my time in the program. This was a great addition to my skills, and he has provided references for me for my previous and current job positions.”
What did you like best about the program?
“I really liked the integration of research into clinical practice, and how knowledgeable the professors were. I went through this program during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I feel as though it really adapted to the situation well. Although we were fully remote, the professors were always available and made the courses as engaging as possible. Not to mention, the Epidemiology courses utilized real-life examples in the lessons, making the coursework relevant and impactful. The professors were all clearly knowledgeable about their subject matter, and as a student you could tell you were getting a great education from them; even despite it being remote during the pandemic. During my time as a coordinator for OHSU, I was able to utilize so much of my learned knowledge in my career practices. Even now as a research specialist for Cal Lutheran, I utilize the data analytics skills and research methods that I obtained.”
If you could give an incoming CLRE student one piece of advice, what would it be?
“My advice would be to do your research. Really know what specific area of clinical research you want to focus on, as this will help direct the path of your studies. For example, I found a lot of interest in oncology and neurology, so I tailored the topics of my assignments to focus on those so that they would be meaningful to me. From there, I then went on to work in oncology, so doing so really helped support my career and knowledge base.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Although this program is very specific to clinical research, the courses taught have a vast application to various career goals. You will learn many skills of research, i.e., biostatistics and using programs such as R studio and SPSS, professional skills, clinical and research ethics, etc.”
Your Independent Study Project:
Sham Mindfulness Meditation is as Effective as Mindfulness Meditation to Reduce Anxiety
Education
- 2023 MS, Psychology, ASU
- 2020 MAS, Clinical Research, University of California, San Diego
- 2015 BA, Psychology, Sonoma State University
Hiral Dave, DGO, MBBS
Intern
Center for Promotion of Maternal Health and Infant Development, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Class of 2015
Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“To connect my passions for and experience in Clinical Medicine and Research, and I wanted to further expand a career in Women’s Health Research to contribute to modern medicine. As a graduate student of the Clinical Research program, I plan to continue to develop my research, written, and clinical skills in order to prepare for a successful career in Women’s Health Research not merely to use an established treatment as a physician, but to help establish new treatment plans. Therefore, the Master’s in Clinical Research proved as an EXCELLENT fit for my career path.”
What did you like best about the program?
“The clinical research training helped me in extending my knowledge of research approaches and skills related to clinical trials. In addition, the program expanded my scientific writing skills facilitating future participation in grant and manuscript writing as well as critically analyzing scientific literature to support evidence-based medicine. The broad curriculum not only covered conducting clinical trials, but also GCP (Good Clinical Practice), Big-Data as well as Ethics of Clinical Research. I strongly believe that the training environment and expert faculties of this program provided the complete set of skills necessary for the field of clinical research. Also, the cultural and professional diversity of students’ were incomparable.”
What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“Starting from developing a research theory and applying for funding all the way to conducting full-on clinical trials and publishing a scientific paper, I learned a great deal in the program. Simultaneously doing an internship, I could apply all theoretical knowledge directly to a real-world scenario. In my opinion, this hands-on experience is the BEST way of learning any new knowledge!”
What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“This program has my highest recommendation for whoever is considering a career that involves Human subject research whether it is for career advancement or choosing a new career path altogether. Along with core courses to cover the heart and soul of clinical research, there are wide varieties of elective courses offered which I enjoyed a lot! Additionally, the flexibility of the program lets you fulfill any personal or professional responsibilities alongside it.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Being part of this program gave me the unique opportunity to participate as a faculty member for the Oncofertility Science Academy of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at UC San Diego. It is a hands-on educational program that trains high-school girls in biology and reproductive medicine. Many of them go on to become the next generation of scientists and physicians. Teaching a day-long session of “Ethics in Reproductive Medicine” while engaging those energetic girls in the discussion has been extremely worthwhile, and knowing that I am able to make a difference in the careers of those aspiring young women interested in science and medicine.”
Hiral’s Independent Study Project:
“Effectiveness of mediolateral versus midline episiotomy in vaginal instrumental delivery to prevent anal sphincter injury.”
Education
- 2016 MAS, Clinical Research, University of California, San Diego
- 2006 DGO, M.P.Shah Medical College, India
- 2004 MBBS, M.P.Shah Medical College, India
Christine Totri
Class of 2014
Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“My desire to pursue a career in academic dermatology meant that a solid background in clinical research was essential. The MAS program was appealing as it provided a comprehensive overview of clinical research. It covered topics such as epidemiology, bio-statistics, patient-oriented research, data management, applied quantitative analysis, and outcomes research.”
What did you like best about the program?
“The MAS program at UC San Diego provided me with a unique opportunity to comprehensively study clinical research methodology and protocol while simultaneously allowing me to conduct clinical research. Such a balance allowed me to directly implement what I learned in the classroom to my research on a daily basis, maximizing my experience. “
What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“There are so many skills that I have learned through the program that I utilize on a daily basis, both in a clinical and a research setting. With the program, my ability to critically analyze the literature in my field has been maximized, which directly benefits the patients I care for. In a research setting, I know the details and intricacies involved in conducting research from design to statistical analysis to writing the manuscript, all of which were covered in the program.”
What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in learning the principles of clinical research as he/she will be provided with the tools necessary to conduct sound clinical research. Classes are taught by world class faculty who truly care about their students’ progress. Furthermore, the program is flexible enough to allow one to pursue other projects (i.e. research, clinic, work).”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“My interest in collaborative research has provided me the unique opportunity to work alongside international colleagues from Cuba, England, Greece, and France.”
Christine’s Independent Study Project:
“Therapeutic Patient Education for Atopic Dermatitis in Pediatric Patients”
Education
- 2015 M.D., University of California, San Diego
- 2014 M.A.S., Clinical Research
- University of California, San Diego
- 2010 B.A., Molecular and Cellular Biology and Political Science
- University of California, Berkeley
Aria Vazirnia
Class of 2014
Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“I decided to spend a year to get my MAS degree in order to attain the skill set for a future in academics and clinical research.”
What did you like best about the program?
“The program was great since it not only gave me a better understanding of biostatistics, epidemiology, and clinical research design, but also allowed me to work with other MAS students on manuscripts for publication.”
What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“The program has taught me to properly design and conduct clinical research studies as well as to analyze data using appropriate statistical tests, such as regression analyses. In addition, the program has allowed me to become more proficient in critically analyzing the scientific literature and in using several different statistical software, such as SPSS and R.”
What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“This is a remarkable program for someone considering a future in academics and/or clinical or translational research.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“The program allows individuals from different backgrounds, professions, and levels of research experience to work together and learn from one another.”
Aria’s other talent:
Aria is an accomplished pianist. Here is a YouTube clip of his piano piece “Raindrops” set to a picture slideshow.
Aria’s Independent Study Project:
“Dysbiosis of the skin’s microbiome in patients with atopic dermatitis”
Education
- 2015 M.D., University of California, San Diego
- 2014 M.A.S., Clinical Research, University of California, San Diego
- 2010 B.S., Psychobiology, University of California, Los Angeles
clre@ucsd.edu