Clinical Research Staff
Clinical Research Staff
I have been a Registered Nurse since 2004, working directly in clinical research since 2008. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Nursing Informatics. I am a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. I have worked with the Division of Vascular Surgery at the University of Utah since November 2014 - coordinating and managing sponsor-initiated clinical trials and physician-initiated research projects, both quantitative and qualitative.
I am actively involved in the local clinical research community and have served as the President-Elect, President, Past-President, and Secretary of the Greater Salt Lake Chapter of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
I have expertise in conducting qualitative research within the vascular surgery specialty. In 2015-2016, I personally conducted 47 face-to-face interviews, then worked with a team to perform coding and thematic content analysis using ATLAS.ti software. Our team produced 2 manuscripts: 1) Information exchange between providers during transitions of surgical care: communication, documentation, and sometimes both, published by Studies in Health Technology and Informatics (2017); and, 2) Discordance in information exchange between providers during care transitions for surgical patients, published by the Journal of Vascular Surgery (2019).
I happily serve as the University of Utah Database Administrator for the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). We have earned the ‘3 Star Award’ (highest possible) annually since 2017 from the Society of Vascular Surgery Patient Safety Organization.
After growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I decided to pursue my college education at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology as well as a Bachelors of Science in Economics in May of 2023.
My passion for research and academic enrichment drove me to serve as a Research Assistant and Lab Support in the Baylor Biology Department for three years, where I actively contributed to the educational experience of over 4,000 students per semester. Additionally, my role as a Learning Assistant Mentor allowed me to invest in mentoring students in an attempt to increase accessibility in STEM classrooms and drive student success.
While in college, I also took strides to further my medical knowledge by receiving my medical scribe certification. These certifications reflect my commitment to professional development and healthcare support, demonstrating proficiency in medical documentation and communication. I am excited to serve as a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Department of Vascular Surgery as I expand my research experience to the clinical sector. I hope to continue my education, in the future, by pursing a degree in medicine.
I am Amanda Hoonakker, and I was born and raised here in Utah. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, with a minor in Chemistry, from Weber State University in 2000. This academic background laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to exploring both animal and human studies.
Soon after graduation my professional path in research began when I assumed the role of an animal technician. This entry-level position marked the beginning of my research career. Over the years, I developed my skills and expertise, eventually becoming a Senior Laboratory Specialist at the University of Utah's Department of Pharmacology. During my tenure there, I was deeply involved in conducting animal studies focused on drug addiction, which provided me with invaluable insights into the nuances of preclinical research.
In 2016, I made the move to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, joining their Specimen Processing team in the Clinical Trials Office. This move marked a significant shift in my career, steering me toward human studies. The experience broadened my understanding of clinical research and prepared me for future roles in patient-centered investigations.
In 2021 I transitioned to the role of Clinical Research Coordinator at the Sugar House Clinical facility. In this capacity, I played a key role in identifying and enrolling patients for a variety of cancer treatment studies. This position was not only challenging but also immensely rewarding, as it allowed me to connect with patients and contribute to their healthcare journeys.
Upon earning my Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) credential from the Society of Clinical Research Associates, I advanced to the position of Senior Clinical Research Coordinator. This role further deepened my involvement in the intricacies of clinical trials and research protocols, solidifying my expertise in the field.
Through my extensive experience in medical research, I have been fortunate to witness and contribute to significant advancements in the medical field. From the early stages of animal trials to the complexities of human studies, my career has been a testament to my dedication and passion for scientific exploration and medical innovation.
