Conducting Research at the University of Utah
What We Can Do For You
- Pre- and post-award grants and contracts support, from proposal submission to annual reporting to project closeout.
- Serve as a liaison with other departments, institutions, and research offices.
- Serve as a source of information about institutional research resources and regulations.
- Clinical research guidance, including ClinicalTrials.gov and other compliance support.
- Clinical research coordinator support.
A Simplified Process for Conducting Research at the University of Utah
- Develop a research question from an idea or observation
- ensure that your question is feasible, interesting, novel, ethical and relevant
- discuss your research ideas with your colleagues
- get trained to perform research at the University of Utah
- Perform a scoping literature review to ensure novelty
- develop a search strategy
- search relevant electronic databases and websites, e.g. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library etc.
- search for relevant systematic reviews.
- Refine your research question and consider the funding stream
- identify experts in field and discuss your idea with them
- Decide on the appropriate research study design
- decide on the appropriate study design and statistical analysis
- work with Dr. Pace or SDBC
- consider feasibility and ethical aspects
- think about the sampling and recruitment
- identify the additional input you may need from a statistician, health economist, methodology expert etc.
- Write the research proposal
- Confirm the costing of the project
- think through the logistics of your research
- Submit your research application
- ERICA
- Clinical Trials.gov (drug phase II+; device phase 0+; human non-drug, non-device intervention and/or randomization; publication)
- Obtain ethical approval
- IRB approval can take weeks to months
- Prepare for data management before collecting and collating the data
- design data collection forms and develop a database (Dr. Pace/SDBC)
- follow the protocol and guidelines
- think about the data protection and confidentiality
- follow GCP SOPs
- Analyze the data and interpret findings
- perform data analysis
- work with Dr. Pace or SDBC
- interpret findings
- compare your findings with the relevant published evidence
- clarify how your research findings can be put into clinical practice
- Reporting and dissemination
- write a research report
- follow relevant reporting guidelines
- present at conferences or seminars
- write a scientific paper for a peer-reviewed journal
- MAKE YOUR FINDINGS KNOWN!
Research Leadership
Background: Jacob joined the department of Anesthesiology in 2021. Prior to coming to the Department of Anesthesiology he worked for 12 years in the Department of Emergency Medicine. Jacob is a registered nurse and completed his DNP in May of 2021. He holds a joint appointment with the College of Nursing as an Assistant Professor (Clinical).
Responsibilities: Jacob serves the department as the Sr. Research Manager for the Department. Duties include but are not limited to: research staff management, IRB submissions, study oversight, project development, and grant development.
Research Admin Team
Background: Natalie Bennion holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Public Health, with a focus on health promotion and epidemiology. Before joining the University of Utah, she taught a variety of public health courses at Utah Valley University and gained five years of experience as an epidemiology research assistant.
Responsibilities: As a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Department of Anesthesiology, Natalie manages and conducts ongoing research studies. Her role includes assisting with applications for clinicaltrials.gov and ensuring the successful execution of research projects.
Background: Christian Cahoon earned a degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Public Health from Utah State University. Before transitioning to his current role as a Clinical Research Coordinator, he worked as a research associate in Dr. Norman Taylor’s lab, where he focused on chronic pain conditions.
Responsibilities: As a Clinical Research Coordinator for the INFORM and DILIGENT clinical trials, Christian is based at the Pain Research Center. His work centers on clinical research in pain management, with a specific focus on fibromyalgia. He ensures studies are conducted efficiently, adhering to protocols and maintaining data accuracy to support evidence-based solutions in pain management. By coordinating interdisciplinary teams, Christian helps bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, aiming to improve patient outcomes.
Soeren Hoehne
Sr Biomedical Research Engineer, Technical Co-Director of Center for Patient Simulation
Background: Soeren Hoehne serves as the Technical Co-Director of the Anesthesiology Center for Patient Simulation at the University of Utah. He earned his Dipl.-Ing. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg, Germany. Mr. Hoehne first joined the Department of Anesthesiology as a student in 2007 and transitioned to a full-time role in 2009. His expertise spans 3D printing, CAD design, A/V systems, microcontroller programming, and PCB fabrication. He has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications on sedation techniques, mechanical ventilation, and respiratory monitoring.
Responsibilities: As Technical Co-Director, Mr. Hoehne oversees the center's technical infrastructure and executes high-fidelity training scenarios. He collaborates with faculty, residents, and researchers on special projects, including 3D-printed part-task trainers, sensor-based monitoring systems, and custom device prototypes like a novel laryngoscope. Additionally, he applies his engineering and research expertise to teaching "Airway Basics" to medical students, integrating clinical fundamentals with hands-on simulation techniques.
Background: Carter de la Houssaye joined the Department of Anesthesiology in April 2017 after working as an independent contractor with the South Salt Lake’s mayor’s office. Prior to that she spent 11 years as the manager of a day spa and salon.
Responsibilities: Carter serves as the administrative assistant for clinicians, research faculty, and PhDs in the Department of Anesthesiology. Her responsibilities include accounting, project reconciliation and tracking, data management, and report creation.
Background: Robli Kennedy joined the Department of Anesthesiology in 2015, following three years as a Customer Service and Hospital Lodging Coordinator liaison with the University Guest House. Before her time at the University of Utah, Robli worked at Nordstrom and spent 16 years self-employed while raising three children with her husband, Jeff.
Responsibilities: As an administrative assistant for the Department of Anesthesiology, Robli supports all clinical research faculty, organizes the Research Conference, and provides assistance to the Simulation Center. Her responsibilities include purchasing, processing receipts and travel reimbursements, tracking project payments, and contributing to the holiday scheduling team.
Background: Kristen Kinjo has worked in research administration for the past ten years, specializing in the management and compliance of federal, state, foundation, and industry grants and contracts at both pre-award and post-award stages. Before joining the Department of Anesthesiology, she worked in the Office of Sponsored Projects at the University of Utah and at Salt Lake Community College.
Responsibilities: Kristen currently oversees proposal development and pre-award processes. She also supports post-award administration and compliance, including the management of existing awards.
Background: Anne Mackey, MD, graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in 2004, where she also earned a Master of Public Health in Tropical Medicine. After completing a year of internal medicine residency, she chose to dedicate her time to raising her three children as a full-time parent.
Responsibilities: Anne currently serves the department as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She assists in managing and conducting ongoing research studies for the department.
Background: Reiko has served as a research nurse for the Department of Anesthesiology and the Pain Research Center for over 20 years. Prior to her research role, she worked in the Operating Room department at the University of Utah.
Responsibilities: As the Senior Research Nurse for the Department of Anesthesiology and the Pain Research Center, Reiko oversees the facilitation of clinical research from design to implementation. Her responsibilities include IRB submissions, clinical budget setup and review, and managing the clinical trial systems (OnCore, eReg, participant payments, and EPIC research).