Clinical Research Administration
Brian Gotz, BS
Senior Pre-Award Associate
"While much of my career has been spent in finance, I have come to develop an appreciation of the science behind our clinical research. And even though I am not directly involved with patient care, the results from our trials whether they are considered successful or not, give one a sense of satisfaction knowing someone, someday, will benefit from our efforts today."
Robert Haws, M.D.
Director
“I want my patients to feel that they received the best-quality care from someone who truly cared about them. It’s fun to work with children because they have a positive outlook on life and are real fighters.” Dr. Haws and his wife, Kellie, have nine children. I enjoy spending time with my family, serving as a Boy Scout troop leader and tracing my family genealogy.
Joseph Mazza, M.D.
Emeritus Researcher
Dr. Mazza is a Hematologist/Oncologist with a deep interest in Immunology. "I joined the Marshfield Clinic in 1970 and practiced my specialty for 36 years before joining the Research Foundation. I am a Master in the American College of Physicians, served as Director of Medical Education, Assistant Director of the Internal Medicine residency program, and Director of the Med-Peds residency program at Marshfield Clinic." Dr. Mazza is on four editorial boards of medical journals, has published more than 140 scientific articles in peer review journals, several book chapters and is the editor of The Manual of Clinical Hematology. Other books authored include A Fifty Year History of Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation and The History of the National Farm Medicine Center. Dr. Mazza and his wife, Ginny, have four children and they live in Marshfield with their dog Lucy.
Melissa Slager, BS
Manager - Research Studies
"I enjoy working in clinical research because we are able to serve our patients by offering them new treatment options which they might otherwise not have access to. It is exciting to be part of a team that contributes to society as a whole. Innovative scientific developments offer the promise of significant advances for current and future patients, and it is rewarding to be a part of that."
Michelle Wellsandt
Administrative Secretary - Graphic Production Technician
"I am thankful to be part of a research team that offers hope to people. This hits very close to home as a couple of my siblings have been directly affected by research with a positive outcome."
Marylin Workinger
Emeritus Researcher
“I am using my time as an emeritus researcher to initiate and complete projects I envisioned but did not have time to do when working full-time as a clinician and administrator. I look at this as an opportunity to ‘give back’ to the Clinic and my profession.”
Brian Zaleski
Administrator
Multispecialty Research Staff
Hannatu Amaza
Research Coordinator Associate
"In college I always knew I wanted a career path where I would make an impact and be a part of something worthwhile. My senior seminar focused on malaria and its deadly yet preventable effects, largely stemming from ignorance and a lack of proper and prompt care. I realized how much I enjoyed research as I went through college and thereafter accepted a job offer with Covance Laboratories Inc. My combined experience in college, Covance, Epidemiology and Multispecialty (Cardiology) has made me appreciate firsthand the interaction with research participants and research staff who are knowledgeable, versatile and dedicated. Such dedication and commitment inspires me to strive to make the positive impact I have always desired."
Chris Bishop
Research Coordinator Associate
"Through clinical research, we have the unique opportunity to advance healthcare and improve the quality of life for our patients. It’s great to be a part of an organization that understands the importance of clinical research."
Anne Edwards
Research Coordinator Associate
"I enjoy the variety of participating in research."
Sandy Freeman
Research Coordinator Associate - Team Lead
"Over the last 29 years I’ve learned so much from my families who participated in many of the Clinical Research Studies I’ve been part of. With the help from our Research Participants we can now prevent Chicken Pox, HPV and Haemophilus influenza type B and have access to many new combination vaccines. With continued research efforts, we’ll prevent even more diseases like C-Difficile and maybe even Ebola! Thank You to the 100’s of Research Participants I’ve meet throughout the years!"
Deb Johnson
Research Coordinator Associate
"I have 9 years of data collection and research experience within the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation. I bring to the Clinical Research Center an Associate of Science degree in Business, with 36 years of experience within the Clinic system; 25 years of patient care services, as a Certified Medical Assistant and over 3 years, as an Operations Manager."
Karin Kaiser
Clinical Trials Assistant
"I enjoy seeing all of the pieces of a study come together." ~If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? Albert Einstein~
Sue Kalepp
Administrative Secretary
"Working in Research gives me a good feeling. We have the potential to discover ways for patients to live healthy life styles or may offer hope of a better life to a disease that has no cure."
Lisa Larson
Research Coordinator Associate
"Research gives me a sense of accomplishment and allows me to work closely with patients taking them through the process."
Kathy Mancl
Research Coordinator Associate - Team Lead
"I find Research exciting and challenging. I like the diversity of each project."
Emily Redmond
Research Coordinator Associate
"Working in clinical research allows me to meld my compassion for humanity with my love of science. All in one day I get to help others and catch a glimpse of the future."
Jodi Schiller
Research Coordinator Associate
"I feel privileged to be a part of the process that pursues answers to the questions that drive Clinical Research." ~The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. Albert Einstein~
Arika Strand
Clinical Trials Assistant
“Work for cause, not for applause. Live life to express not to impress. Don’t strive to make you presence noticed just make your absence felt.” Unknown
Oncology Research Staff
Angie Bulgrin
Research Coordinator Associate
"I have been employed at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation since April 2010. I enjoy crafts and reading."
Bonnie Carpenter
Research Coordinator Associate
"As the Children’s Oncology Group Lead Clinical Research Coordinator, I’ve learned that research is a lot of work and it takes a long time to do. My job requires strong critical thinking, problem solving and attentiveness to detail. I work closely with the doctor’s when they identify a possible patient. I confirm patient’s eligibility and verify pre-treatment requirements are met. Once on study, I continue to work closely with the doctor and staff to ensure family and provider adherence to study protocol. I work collaboratively with other departments to continue the proper flow of information from care environment to COG database. We all become one team. To me, Research offers clinical care hope. I am honored to work with such a dedicated team."
Lori Fellenz
Registered Nurse
"What started as a stepping-stone for me at the Marshfield Clinic, has turned into 15 years of working in Oncology Research. My current role is primarily Symptom Management and Prevention trials, though I have previously worked Breast, Lung and Colon studies. I have encountered many research drugs which are now standard of care- thanks to the many patients that have participated in clinical trials. Research is never ending and such a vital part of finding our cure for cancer."
Cindy Finn
Registered Nurse - Clinical Coordinator
Susan Franseen
Research Coordinator Associate
"It gives me satisfaction that I am helping people through a very difficult phase of their life by giving them the option of cutting edge technologies and medications."
Sally Lang
Clinical Trials Assistant
"As the Clinical Trial Assistant, my job is to maintain regulatory documentation to make sure all paperwork is updated according to FDA regulations. I work closely with several research teams and investigators on study protocols. I realized research can be very complicated and complex and it takes several years to fully understand the whole process and how it works. From a personal perspective and witnessing living with an “incurable disease” first-hand, research has helped my family manage our life easier. I believe research offers hope for patients to live more comfortable with manageable and safer treatments. Without our team and the patients, this wouldn’t be possible."
Chris Mueller
Registered Nurse
"I have been working in the Oncology/Hematology field since 2000 as a chemotherapy nurse as well as a department manager. I have a strong interest in this field on the fact that I am a personal survivor of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I feel that with my experience as an oncology patient and nurse, I can use it to pay forward the care I received as well as provided. I believe in compassionate, and patient center care that leaves the patient informed, educated, and a part of their healthcare decisions."
Judy Petz
Registered Nurse
"We have seen many improvements in Oncology over the years, but we can always do better. I had renewed interest in Oncology Research when my daughter at age 24 was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I know that it was because of a Research study that she is a survivor of a disease that was deadly. When I started in Oncology my goal is to be part of a research study that helps future Oncology patients to also become survivors."
Douglas Reding, M.D.
Oncology Research Director
“I want patients to feel that I listened to them and tried to improve their quality of life through a specific plan.” Dr. Reding takes a team approach to working with patients and their families. “Ultimately, treatment is a joint decision made with the patient and family, I want everyone to understand the challenges being faced, the options for treatment and realistic expectations for quality-of-life outcomes.”
Chery Revels
Research Coordinator Associate
"I did not know anything about research when I took this position. It has become a job I truly enjoy doing. I have learned so much and have seen first-hand how research studies are making progress with the cancers out there. It is very exciting to see the drugs we are researching making a difference. I hope that the job I do as a Research Coordinator, in some small way, will make a difference in the world so that treatments and cures can be found for every person who has a cancer diagnosis."
Linda Rohde
Registered Nurse
"I have been a pediatric oncology research nurse in the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation for over 10 years. I enjoy working with Children’s Oncology Group research studies and find it very rewarding to help children, adolescents and young adults who are diagnosed with cancer. As time goes on I am able to see the progress made in treating these cancers. Because of the progress made in the past, I know there is hope for the future."
Deb Schillinger
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
"I was hired in June 1990 as a Medical Assistant with Marshfield Clinic Oncology/Hematology Department. In 1995 I accepted a position as clinical research coordinator with Oncology Research and worked primarily with CCOP trials. I achieved certification through the Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) in January 1998 certification through the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) in 1999. I a member of SOCRA. In 2009 I transitioned to working primarily with regulatory for the Oncology Research Program (NCORP, Industry, Institutional Collaboration and Internal) trials. My belief is the needs of the patient come first, with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through clinical studies, researchers can better understand how to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions."
Amy Sekel
Registered Nurse
"I graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a degree in Fashion Merchandising/Business Administration. I worked in retail management-clothing, gifts and books for over 15 years. My second career was as a stay at home mom. Both of my daughters were born prematurely here at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Once my daughters were born early and my Mom was diagnosed with COPD and CML and she needed hospice care, my interest in healthcare was reborn. I graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College in December of 2007 as an ADN and went to work with Mayo Clinic Health System-Luther Hospital on the Neuro/Pediatrics/Trauma unit where I worked for 3 years as a floor and Intermediate Care RN. In January 2012 I came to Marshfield Clinic where I was the Assistant Manager/RN for the West District Referral Center. Once this department was downsized, I worked as a RN in Comprehensive Pain Management for 9 months before transferring to Research. I was intrigued by this position because I have seen firsthand how cancer affected some of my loved ones and I love to learn! I tend to become bored (and find trouble) easily and I believe this position will keep me learning for quite some time! I am excited to be on the “cutting edge” for possible treatments/cures to the miserable disease that is cancer. I am a lifelong learner and am “in progress” for my BSN/MSN. My husband teaches high school Social Studies in Cadott as well as wearing the Athletic Director & Dean of Students hats. He referees basketball, volleyball, cross country as well as track and field in his “off” time. My daughters are swimmers and earn their keep by teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding at the Eau Claire pools or U of M. In my off time, I enjoy reading, watching TV, and baking. Once my foot heals, I hope to begin biking and walking again as well as getting involved in some way with horses once again."
Mary Spindler
Research Coordinator Associate
"I like working in research because I believe the work I do impacts people’s lives in a positive way. The things that are now considered standard of care all started out as research studies. I am always learning something new."