Project Leaders at the DCRI represent a truly multidisciplinary, clinically knowledgeable approach to clinical research project management. Their education and experience include business, life science, chemistry, nursing, and public health. Each Project Leader leads a team with expertise in clinical trial methods, project planning, team building, and facilitation. All team members have the proven ability to handle multiparty relationships effectively.

Daily collaboration with the clinical faculty at the DCRI and close association with clinical research teams at Duke University Medical Center provide cutting-edge, innovative perspectives for our Project Leaders that translate into informed management of all aspects of research. Project Leadership’s integration of science and unique operational models contribute to swift, efficient project completion and client satisfaction.

At the DCRI, the Project Leader is the principal investigator’s operations partner and the single, authoritative point of contact for the project sponsor. The Project Leader provides cross-functional coordination for all project activities and ensures seamless integration of teams across specialties for focused and informed decision-making.

Leader: Bunny Donohue

Project Leaders have access to tools, such as an Enterprise Project Management (EPM) system, and processes that have been tested in the most demanding research environments. The EPM system provides coordinated tracking and reporting of project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and finances. Our unique Project Office serves as a “one-stop shop” of all project management resources, to ensure consistency in methods, processes, communications, and reporting for DCRI clinical trials operations. Routine “Lessons Learned” after completion of each project and a library of proven tools and processes ensure consistency and improvement.

Our trial metrics reflect some of the most successful and ambitious clinical research projects ever undertaken, and offer a track record no other clinical research organization can match.

• 28 project leaders
• Average DCRI tenure of 6 years
• Phase I – IV trials, registries, quality improvement initiatives
• Small pilot trials to megatrials
• Neonates to geriatric patients
• Cross-functional coordination and operational partner of the principal investigator
• Coordinates activities with other coordinating centers, service providers, or subcontractors