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The Clinical and Translational Research Program (CTRP) at VA Providence is comprised of project managers, research associates, and research assistants as part of a centrally managed research

support team. The CTRP supports every aspect of clinical and translational research studies, including regulatory and coordination of support, data collection, sample collection, data

entry, analysis and publication of results.

The CTRP participates in the VISN 1 New England Clinical Trials Network (CTN). By conducting clinical trials in the VA healthcare system, the CTN accomplishes its goals of providing veterans

with access to emerging therapies and accelerating clinical knowledge. This allows us to offer the highest quality of care to our veterans.

Our research coordinators here at VA Providence’s Clinical and Translational Research Program work hard to keep our trials running smoothly and provide veterans with the best experience

possible.

Dr. Pamela Brewer obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Villanova University, her master’s in acute cardiovascular nursing from Loyola University of Chicago, and her PhD from the

University of Rhode Island. Pam joined the Providence VA in November of 2023, bringing extensive medical and surgical cardiovascular clinical experience as a Nurse Practitioner and as a

member of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s heart transplant team. Pam has functioned in the Chicagoland area as a cardiovascular research nurse and most recently conducted her own clinical

research on the cardiovascular status of adults born prematurely.  

Karen Evans RN achieved a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth and started her career in home health nursing. She transitioned to the Providence VA

in 2015. Karen is well-versed in research and has collaborated on over 25 clinical research trials, affording her countless opportunities to engage Veterans in VA research.   

Morgan holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of New England and brings a background in healthcare, clinical informatics, and project management. Morgan began her

career in research and quality improvement in May 2023 and functions as a health coach for the VALOR-QI study.

Dr. Laurie Bryan is a clinical psychologist and study coordinator, who completed her PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Military and Veteran Psychology at William James

College in 2020. Dr. Bryan also completed an APA-Accredited Postdoctoral Residency at the Bedford VA (2021) prior to joining the Providence VA in June 2022. She specializes in supporting

Veterans seeking employment/education and trauma-focused treatment as well as functioning as the study coordinator for the National Adaptive Trial for PTSD-related Insomnia (NAP) trial. Dr.

Bryan can be reached via email ([email protected]) or phone ). 

Sarah studied at the University of Rhode Island where she earned a Bachelor of Art in Psychology prior to joining the Providence VA in October of 2021. Sarah is the lead research coordinator

for the Million Veterans Program and has played a pivotal role in other research trials.

Gianna holds an associate degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from CCRI and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Assumption University. Gianna worked as a Certified Occupational

Therapy Assistant, where she gained valuable experience in rehabilitation prior to joining the Providence VA in July of 2024.  x16359

Elena completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Boston University and a Master of Public Health from Brown University. She began working at the Providence VA in August of 2023 and

functions a lead coordinator for the BETTER-COPD study and assists on many other projects.  

Sophia Piperata holds a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Behavior from Columbia University. Sophia joined the Providence VA in October of 2024 and supports cardiology and oncology

trials.

Katie studied psychology at the University of Rhode Island and spent her time as an undergraduate assisting in a laboratory researching substance use treatment. After graduation, Katie

joined the Providence VA and continues to work on studies investigating treatments related to substance use.

Antonio received a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico and joined the Providence VA in August of 2022. Antonio is a research assistant on a heart

failure trial and a statistical analysis for other research projects, contributing significantly to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes for the veteran community.

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