The University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and Clinical Research Office (CRO) started a new training program in 2025 designed to increase the number of trained clinical research coordinators. One year later, those who have completed the Clinical Research Coordinator Training Program are sharing why the program for new research coordinators or individuals who are aspiring to become research coordinators is so impactful.

CTSI Director Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Senior Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, says clinical and translational research, especially clinical trials, has become increasingly complicated. This means the need for training programs is more important than ever.

“While in years past learning clinical research on the job may have been sufficient, today’s complex landscape requires a deeper understanding of this vitally important role,” Sethi explains. “The CTSI and the CRO worked together to develop training opportunities in clinical research that utilize a self-directed, asynchronous, modular approach with a mix of online learning, in-person interaction and mentoring.”

The program provides practical training on navigating the research process at UB from study startup to study close-out via educational videos and one-on-one meetings with CRO staff. Topics covered include protocol development, budget development, regulatory assistance, and study operational support along with how to navigate available resources effectively and conduct compliant and efficient clinical research.

Individuals who have completed the Clinical Research Coordinator Training Program so far include:

• Andrea Carland, MPH, Clinical Research Coordinator, UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, who wanted to become more familiar with UB-specific systems that would apply to her day-to-day work.
• Susan Cunningham, RDA, BS, Senior Clinical Research Coordinator at the School of Dental Medicine’s Dental Clinical Research Core, who wanted hands-on training and was interested in interacting with others in the field of clinical research.
• Kayla Moorehead, a rising senior at UB majoring in psychology and neuroscience who hopes to pursue a career in research.
• Onyeche Oche, PhD, MBA-HCA, RPh, Clinical Pharmacy Fellow in Public Health and Outcomes Research at UB and Jericho Road Community Health Center, who wanted to gain a better understanding of the research landscape at UB.
• Jacob Paveljack, MS, Clinical Research Coordinator, Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacobs School, who was interested in developing skills within the clinical research field.

Here, the five individuals reflect on the program and share how the knowledge gained has positively impacted their careers.

• Carland: “Meeting people, putting names to faces and making those connections to supports through the CRO was helpful for future research studies our team will conduct. The online training modules are very helpful and informative; they share information, resources and tools for researchers that can benefit any research team.”
• Cunningham: “The program provides a strong balance of education and experience in a supportive learning environment. It is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in starting a career in clinical research, as well as for current coordinators who want to refine their skills and expand on their knowledge.”
• Moorehead: “Having the opportunity to shadow a clinical research coordinator helped me connect what I was learning to day-to-day responsibilities. The program made me feel more confident about pursuing opportunities in clinical research after graduation, and it provided a great introduction to the field.”
• Oche: “The program not only helped me develop skills valuable to my career, but also strengthened my confidence in navigating the research environment through a deeper understanding of clinical research processes, regulatory requirements, and study coordination responsibilities. By the end of the training, I felt connected to the research community in a way I had not before.”
• Paveljack: “I use Click and OnCore almost every day, and the program helped me become more confident writing consent forms, understanding qualitative and quantitative research, and working with the IRB. It provides an excellent foundation that can continue to grow alongside your research experience.”

In addition to the Clinical Research Coordinator Training Program, also available through the CTSI and CRO is the Clinical Research Training Course for Clinical Faculty, which provides user-friendly training opportunities and mentoring for faculty who are interested in conducting clinical research.

For more information on the Clinical Research Coordinator Training Program, contact program coordinator Sevie Kandefer, MS, Clinical Research Associate, Clinical Research Office, at sk293@buffalo.edu.