Advancing Equity in Clinical Trials Through Research-Naive Community
October 23, 2025
10:00 am - 02:00 pm CST
Research Foundation Virtual Conference
About the Event
The Advancing Equity in Clinical Trials Through Research-Naive Community is a space where conversations around clinical research, community access, and diversity in clinical trials truly come alive.
This half-day event brings together thought leaders, new site owners, healthcare professionals, and advocates to explore how we can break barriers and create real opportunities in research. Whether you are just starting out in the field or leading global operations, SPARK is where you’ll find fresh perspectives, mentorship, and the connections that can move your work forward.
Who Should Attend
SPARK is designed for anyone passionate about shaping the future of research:
Clinical research professionals & stakeholders
Research-naive site owners or those building new site teams
Healthcare providers & community health advocates
Sponsors, CROs, CTMs, and PMs committed to expanding DEI in trials.
Academic institutions looking to improve trial access for diverse communities.
Conference Highlights & Featured Topics
We’re bringing together experts who are tackling today’s most pressing challenges in research
Keynote Topics (Tentative)
1. FDA Form 483 & Vaccine Hesitancy – History of Mistrust & Fast-Tracked Trials
Guest Speaker: Edye Edens
Senior Attorney at Kulkarni Law Firm ​
2. Protocol Design & Trial Planning
Guest Speaker: Dr. Hassan, MD, MSc
Sr Medical Affairs Manager at Minerva, Sr. Teaching Assistant at Harvard, Sr. Clinical Research Compliance/ PM
3. Project Manager Site Selection + Mentorship/Diversity
Guest Speaker: Damien Hall, B.S. Health Services
Global Clinical Operations Leader, Director of Operations at CSRS Research Naive Institute
4. CTM Site Selection Experience
Guest Speaker: Tiffany Ashton, MAS, CCRA
Clinical Trial Manager, Director of Operations at ClinEssentials
5. How Can Research-Naive Sites Become Sponsor-Ready?
Guest Speaker: Alisha Moore, B.S. Medical Technology, MSc Biology
CEO of CSRS & Founder of I.A.M Research & Wellness Foundation (New Site Owners)
6. Men Providing and Communication in the industry & Upskilling Mentorship, Diversity, and Representation in the Industry
Guest Speaker: Bryce Nichols, B.S. Psychology, MS Liberal Arts
Sr. Clinical Research Associate II
7. Training vs. Tech Overload: Upskilling Communities for Real Progress
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jazmine Crain, PhD. Chemistry
Founder & Owner of Covalent Clinical Research, Sr. CRC, Board Member of I.A.M. Research & Wellness Foundation
8. Plain Language Summaries - Building Trust Through Accessible Communication
Guest Speaker: Tayaba Khan, B.S. Dental Surgery, MBA in Health & Hospital & Pharmaceutical Management
Faculty at Bow Valley College, Board Member of I.A.M. Research & Wellness Foundation
9. Suryatapa Roy
Founder @ DeRiddle.Life, AI Architect @ CHATA.AI, PhD Candidate Brain Computer Interfaces @ UCalgary
Register now for free and join us on October 23, 2025!
Be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of clinical research access. ​​
Partner With Us
​Want to showcase your commitment to advancing clinical research and DEI? Explore our Sponsor Packages to position your organization in front of a highly engaged audience of professionals, site owners, and advocates.
Support the Mission
Your support makes a difference.
Every donation helps us:
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Provide scholarships for aspiring PIs
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Cover site startup costs (staffing, legal, marketing, grant writing)
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Host Lunch & Learns and outreach events
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Complete CRIO onboarding to launch Southeast Missouri’s first clinical trial site ​​