Meet Our Team

Mary has 54 years of experience in healthcare practice, administration, education and research. She practiced in hospitals, served on hospital and corporate health system boards and taught in universities. Her experience as Corporate Director of the Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research covers 26 years. As Corporate Director, she is responsible for assuring research development, implementation and dissemination for all areas of the Academic Medical Center. She has conducted retrospective and prospective research and served as a mentor to those conducting research. Health policy and public health practice are her passions. She has a personal investment in community health and is the Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee for Wild, Wonderful, and Healthy West Virginia. Engagement in research that addresses community concerns of chronic disease because of the infectious disease pandemic; mentoring of residents, fellows and clinical researchers as they advance their ability to address the clinical challenges through research; and assisting clinicians with developing pilot grants congruent with the grant's aim. 

Education:

• Doctoral Degree (PhD) from the University of Iowa
• Masters from the University of South Dakota
• Bachelors from the Marquette University 

Experience:

My experience includes management of clinical departments, hospital administration, corporate healthcare administration - Boards of Trustees and Corporations. Education - teaching healthcare research. Research - clinical.

Education:

• Doctor in Education (EdD) from West Virginia University
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration from West Virginia University
• Registered Nursing (RN) from West Virginia Institute of Technology 
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain University 
• Six Sigma Greenbelt
• Legal Nurse Certification 

Experience:

• 14 years of Research Experience as a Research Scientist 
• Former Director, CAMC Vascular Center of Excellence, Invasive Vascular Labs, Non-invasive Vascular Labs, EKG/Echocardiography, Structural Heart Program, Neuro-intervention/acute stroke

Clinical Background:

• Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

Publications: 

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1BipnrmwiuGAW/bibliography/public/

Education:

• Doctoral Degree (PhD) from Florida State University
• Masters (MA/MPH) from West Virginia University
• Bachelors (BA) from West Virginia University
• Fellow in the American College of Cardiology
• Academic Appointment 
• Assistant Professor (Department of Cardiology) Charleston Area Medical Center

Experience:

• 7 years of research experience as a Research Scientist 

Clinical Background: 

• Cardiac Surgery, Renal Stenting, Structural Heart Disease, Toxicology

Oversees: 

• Heart and Vascular

Publications:

• https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=qz5ZigoAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Professional Profiles:

• https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8423-4119
• https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57207815125

Education:

• Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Biomedical Research from Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine 
• Bachelors of Science (BS) in Biotechnology from Marshall University 

Experience: 

• 2015 to 2016: Microbiologist at West Virginia Department of Agriculture 
• 2016 to 2021: Graduate Research Assistant at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
• 2021 to 2023: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Marshall University University School of Pharmacy 
• 2023 to Present: Research Scientist at CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine Heart and Vascular Services 

Laboratory Experience:

• Doctorate: "The Role of Thymidine Phosphorylase in Type-2 Diabetes-Associated High-Risk of Thrombosis"
• Post-Doctorate: "Effects of Prenatal Exposure of Methamphetamine on the Vascular Function of Mice and Rats"

Publications: 

• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=4lJmFzAAAAAJ

Professional Profiles:

• OFCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5424-2732
• Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adam-Belcher

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing at West Virginia University 
• Master of Science (MS) in Nursing - Family Nursing Practitioner at Marshall University 
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing at Marshall University 

Experience: 

• 2023 to Present: Research Scientist, CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine
• 2015 to Present: Family Nurse Practitioner 
• 2020 to 2022: Research Assistant, West Virginia University 

Publications and Professional Profiles:

• https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7308-9251
• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kerry_Drabish

Education: 

• Doctoral Degree (DrPH) in Quality and Patient Safety from Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University - In progress
• Master of Science (MS) from University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA

Experience: 

• 2004 to 2006: Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA
• 2007 to 2013: Research and Evaluation Associate, Edvantia Inc, Charleston, WV
• 2013 to 2020: Senior Research Associate, Center for Health Services and Outcome Research, CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, WV
• 2020 to 2023: Lead Trauma Research Associate, Center for Health Services and Outcome Research, CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, WV
• 2023 to Present: Clinical Research Manager, Center for Health Services and Outcome Research, CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, WV

Oversees:

• Obstetrics Gynecology, General Surgery, Pediatrics Surgery, Trauma, Urology and Maxillofacial Surgery 

Publications: 

• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=D2TcxpkAAAAJ&hl=en

Education:

• Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Public Health from Capella University 
• Master (MPH) in Public Health from West Virginia University School of Public Health
• Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Biology, Minor in Chemistry from West Virginia State University 

Experience:

• 2023 to Present: CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine Per diem Senior Research Associate
• 2015 to 2020: CAMC Senior Research Associate for Trauma, Urology, General Surgery, Pharmacy, Maxillofacial and Keys 4 Healthy Kids Research Projects
• 2021 to Present: Director of Epidemiologic Evaluation and Population-base Surveillance WV Department of Health and Human Resources
• 2020 to 2021: Senior Epidemiologist at West Virginia University School of Public Health
• 2019 to 2020: Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology Program Manager at West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources 
• 2013 to 2015: Director of Epidemiology at West Virginia Health Care Authority 
• 2000 to 2013: Epidemiologist Director at West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

Professional Profiles:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-hill-aa8ab988

Publications: 

• Kelley, J. J., 4th, Hill, S., Deem, S., & Hale, N. E. (2020). Post-Operative Opioid Prescribing Practices and Trends Among Urology Residents in the United States. Cureus, 12(12), e12014. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.12014. PMID 33457121|
• Clark, KF, Risendal, M, Hill, S, Deem, S. (2019). Prognostic Implications of Renal Vein Involvement in T3a Renal Cancer. Can J Urol. 26 (2); 9718-9719. PMID 31012835
  Choi, Kellen, Hill, Sharon, Hale, Nathan, Phillips, Stephen, Deem, Samuel. (2018) Intraoperative mannitol during robotic-assisted-laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. J. Robot. Surg. Doi: 10.1007/s11701-018-0868-4. PMID: 30171484
• Kelly, J., Hill, S., Deem, S., & Hale, N. (2020). Post-Operative Prescribing Practices and Trends Among Urology Residents in the United States. Cureus 12(12): e12014. doi:10.7759/cureus.12014.
• Phillips SH, Hill SK, Lipscomb LD, Africa JB. (2017) Altering the Approach: Open Minimally Invasive Renal Transplant in Obese Patients Through the Anterior Rectus Sheath. Urology. 105, 192-196. PMID: 28366701
• Phillips, S., Hill, S., Lipscomb, L. & Africa, J. (2017) First Experience: Open Small Incision Rectus Sheath Approach Renal Transplant: A Case Series. International Journal of Surgery, 39, 114-118. PMID: 28110032
• Hale, N., Davis, Modak, Asmita, Hill, S., & Deem, S. (2017) Mechanism and Management of All-Terrain Vehicle Related Renal Trauma in Adult and Pediatric Patients. West Virginia Medical Journal, 113(4); 28-31.
• Choi, Kellen B., Hill, Sharon, Deem, Samuel. (2016) Positive Surgical Margin after Radical Prostatectomy: Effect on Oncologic Outcomes. WVMJ, DOI: 10.21885/wvmj.2016.22
• Hale, N., Davis, C., Hill, S., Welch, C., & Deem, S. (2016). Insignificance of Perirenal Fat Invasion in Small Renal Masses. J Urol Nephrol, 1(2): 000106.
• Hill, Sharon, West Virginia Health Statistics Center Child Asthma Survey Enables Development of State Asthma Plan, West Virginia Medical Journal 2010, 106; 51-52. PMID: 21736158
• Asthma Surveillance in West Virginia, Statistical Brief, WV Health Statistics Center’s website, http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/statserv/Pub.asp?ID=140, 2010.
• La Crosse Encephalitis in West Virginia, Poster presentation, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Conference, 2007.

Education: 

• Masters (MPH) at University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS)
• Bachelors (BS) in Anatomy 

Experience:

• 4 years as a Healthcare Data Analyst 
• 2 years in Public Health

Professional Profiles: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/chisom-maduakonam-mph-sas%C2%AE-536283109/

Education:

• Master's in Applied Anthropology (MAA) from the University of Maryland, MD
• Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (BS) from Lehigh University, PA
• Fulbright Scholar Senegal, West Africa 

Experience:

• 2007 to Present: Senior Research Associate for Obstetrics and Gynecology
• 2003 to 2007: Research Associate at Institute of Human Virology, Baltimore, MD
• 2006 to 2007: Managing Editor at Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Disorder
• 2000 to 2002: Teaching Assistant for Biological Anthropology Labs and Special Projects Coordinator at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• 1997 to 1998: Fulbright Scholar, Senegal, West Africa 

Publications and Professional Profiles:

• https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Vq7kwQgAAAAJ

Education:

• Master of Science in Community Health Education West Virginia University

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing West Virginia University -Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society

• Associate of Science in Nursing Marshall University

• Certification in Critical Care (Alumnus Status)

• Certification in Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Certified in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support

• Six Sigma Green Belt

Experience:

• 1987 to Present: Registered Nurse -Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) Charleston, WV
• Nursing experience in various cardiovascular/cardiopulmonary units including medical telemetry, surgical telemetry, PCCU and coronary intensive care unit. Nursing skill involvement with clients of varying cardiovascular/cardiopulmonary illnesses and acuities. Served as charge nurse for medical telemetry and clinical coordinator for cardiac rehabilitation. Primary focus on cardiovascular lifestyle modification
• 2017 to 2024 Clinical Research Nurse/ Research Coordinator- West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI)
• 2024 to Present Clinical Research Associate Senior

Publications: 

• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bcaBr_cAAAAJ&hl=en

Education:

• Doctoral Degree (PhD) from University of Kentucky, Anatomy and Neurobiology, Lexington, KY
• Bachelors of Science (BS) from Allegheny College, Meadville, PA

Experience:

• 2005 to 2007: Post-Doctoral Scholar, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
• 2007 to 2009: Scientist II, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
• 2009 to 2023: Research Scientist, Center for Health Services and Outcome Research, CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, WV
• 2023 to Present: Manager of Clinical Sciences Research, Center for Health Services and Outcome Research, CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, WV

Oversees:

• Internal Medicine, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Neurology, Family Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, Pediatrics, Pharmacy and Emergency Medicine

Publications:

• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=44K2XpEAAAAJ&hl=en

Education:

• Masters (MS) in Public Health from West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
• Bachelor (BA) in Psychology from West Virginia University

Experience: 

• 1999 to Present: CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine Senior Research Associate for General Medicine Services
• Previous: Research support for WVU/CAMC Department of Internal Medicine

Publications:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/suzanne.kemper.1/bibliography/public/

Education:

• Bachelor of Science from Marshall University
• Master of Science from Liberty University
• Concentration: Biomedical Science 

Experience: 

• 2021 to Present: CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine Senior Research Associate for Pulmonary Critical Care
• 2016 to 2019: Clinical Research Coordinator for Orthopedic Surgery at Scott Orthopedic Center 

Publications: 

• https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=50NZGIgAAAAJ 

Education: 

• Masters (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University
• Bachelors (BS) in Health Services Administration, West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Publications:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/lisa.calderwood.1/bibliography/public/

Education:

• Masters (MS) in Healthcare Administration from Marshall University 
• Masters (MA in Counseling

Experience: 

• 2022 to Present: CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine Senior Research Associate, Charleston, WV
• Previous: 26 years as School Counselor and one year as Financial Aid Advisor

Professional Profiles:

• www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-dunlap-93002a9

Education: 

• MS in Pharmacology from Rush University, Chicago, IL

• BS in Biochemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Experience:

I’ve had the opportunity to explore both academia and industry, contributing as an Assistant Professor, Research Scientist and Chemist. My work is guided by curiosity, with a focus on making impactful contributions across scientific disciplines.

Education: 

• Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Biostatistics from the University of Pittsburgh
• Masters (MBA) from West Virginia University
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Statistics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

Experience:

• 2006 to Present: Senior Biostatistician at CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, WV

Chris has worked with principal investigators in oncology, radiation oncology, internal medicine, vascular and pediatrics. Duties include developing IRB applications, data collection, data analysis, report writing, PowerPoint production and assistance with manuscript development.

• Charleston Area Medical Center: 25-year tenure as a Biostatistician primarily using SAS

Education:

• Masters (MS) from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech
• Thesis: Zylka, Christine A. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1989). Composition and nutrient utilization by sheep of ensiled tall fescue with different levels of endophyte infection. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/52098 Master Theses [22157]. 
• Bachelor's Degree (BS) from Michigan State University

Experience:

• East Carolina University: Research Technician III. Five years at ECU. Both bench top research and analysis responsibilities. Laboratory research both in vitro and in vivo in rabbit, mouse and rate models for cystic fibrosis and asthma. Worked in both the Department of Physiology and Microbiology and Immunology.

Publications: 

• Emrick BB, Smith E, Thompson L, Mullett C, Pino E, Snyder K, Kroll MA, Ayoubi S, Phillips J, Istfan S, Welch CA, McJunkin JE. Epidemiology of abusive head trauma in West Virginia children <24 months: 2000-2010. Child Abuse Negl. 2019 Jul; 93:215-221. Doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.05.011. Epub 2019 May 21. PMID: 31125851; PMCID: PMC7561031.
• Pfister AK, Welch CA, John M, Emmett MK. Changes in Non osteoporotic Bone Density and Subsequent Fractures in Women. South Med J. 2016 Feb;109(2):118-23. Doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000410. PMID: 26840970; PMCID: PMC4979224.
• Kuenstner JT, Chamberlin W, Naser SA, Collins MT, Dow CT, Aitken JM, Weg S, Telega G, John K, Haas D, Eckstein TM, Kali M, Welch C, Petrie T. Resolution of Crohn's disease and complex regional pain syndrome following treatment of paratuberculosis.
• World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Apr 7;21(13):4048-62. Doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i13.4048.PMID: 25852293
• Jubelirer SJ, Ratliff HL, Cotes DJ, Riley MA, Welch CA. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) following coronary artery bypass: case series and review of the literature. W V Med J. 2015 Jan-Feb;111(1):10-4. PMID: 25665272.
• Pfister AK, Welch CA, Emmett MK. Significance of high- and low-distal energy forearm fractures. South Med J. 2014 Mar;107(3):165-72. Doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0000000000000072. PMID: 24937334.
• Fulcher PH Jr, Granese M, Chun Y, Welch CA, Seybold DJ, Randall G, DePond RT. Intraoperative utilization of dexamethasone/bupivacaine/gentamicin solution in laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy and pain management. W V Med J. 2014 Jan-Feb;110(1):10-5. PMID: 24640268.
• Pfister AK, Welch CA, Emmett MK, Sheets NW. Risk factors predicting fractures in early postmenopausal women. W V Med J. 2013 May-Jun;109(3):8-12, 14-5. PMID: 23798274.
• Pfister AK, Welch CA, Emmett MK, Gessford AK. An approach to identify rural women aged 60 to 64 for osteoporosis treatment. South Med J. 2012 Jan;105(1):11-7. Doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e3182e1b57. PMID: 22189661.
• Jubelier SJ, Mousa L, Reddy U, Mir M, Welch CA. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): a community hospital experience and review of the literature. W V Med J. 2011 Nov- Dec;107(6):10-4. PMID: 22235705.
• McJunkin JE, Nahata MC, De Los Reyes EC, Hunt WG, Caceres M, Khan RR, Chebib MG, Taravath S, Minnich LL, Carr R, Welch CA, Whitley RJ. Safety and pharmacokinetics of ribavirin for the treatment of la crosse encephalitis.
• Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2011 Oct;30(10):860-5. Doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31821c922c. PMID: 21544005.
• Vargo JA, Plants BA, Mihailidis DN, Mallah J, Plants M, Welch CA, Clark GM, Farinash LJ, Raja P, Harmon MB, Whaley LA. Early clinical outcomes for 3 radiation techniques for brain metastases: focal versus whole brain. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2011 Oct-Dec;1(4):261-70. Doi: 10.1016/j.prro.2011.03.005. Epub 2011 May 20. PMID: 24674004.
• Wilhelm CM, Hanna SL, Welch CA, Shahid H, Minnich LL, Daly SB, Udall JN Jr. Viral gastroenteritis in Charleston, West Virginia, in 2007: from birth to 99 years of age. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010 Aug;31(8):816-21. Doi: 10.1086/654004. PMID: 20565260. 
• Dean CT, Jubelirer SJ, Plants BA, Welch CA. Use of radiation after breast conserving surgery (BCS) for DCIS and early invasive breast cancer at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC). A study of compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. W V Med J. 2009 Oct;105 Spec No:34-8; quiz 39. PMID: 19999263.
• Khan RR, Lawson AD, Minnich LL, Martin K, Nasir A, Emmett MK, Welch CA, Udall JN Jr. Gastrointestinal norovirus infection associated with exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009 Mar;48(3):328-33. Doi: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e31818255cc. PMID: 19274789.
• Shahid H, Welch CA, Minnich LL, Daly SB, Wilhelm CM, Udall JN Jr. Gastrointestinal norovirus in the Charleston, West Virginia area-2007: birth to 99 years of age. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2009 Oct;28(10):918-20. Doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3181a60beb. PMID: 19738505.
• Jubelirer SJ, Varela NL, Welch CA, Emmett MK. Does sex make a difference in survival of patients undergoing resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)? W V Med J. 2009 Jul-Aug;105(4):18-22. PMID: 19585900.
• Pfister AK, Helmick KP, Saville PD, Welch CA, Emmett MK. OST risk index with
• forearm densitometry. J Clin Densitom. 2008 Oct-Dec;11(4):590-1; author reply 592. Doi: 10.1016/j.jocd.2008.02.008. Epub 2008 May 5. PMID: 18456532. 

Education:

• Masters of Science (MS) in Biostatistics from Duke University
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Statistics from Marshall University

Experience:

• 2024 to Present: Biostatistician at CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, WV

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Systems from West Virginia University Institute of Technology in 2019
• Master of Science (MS) in Health Informatics from Marshall University in 2021

Experience:

• 2021 to Present: CAMC Decision Support System Analyst
• 20219 to 2020: Field Tech with West Virginia Office of Technology

Relevant Certifications:

• Tableau Certified 

Education: 

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science from Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore, India
• Master of Science (MS) in Information Systems from Marshall University, Huntington, WV

Experience: 

• 2016 to Present: CAMC Data Engineer
• 2014 to 2016: Marshall Health Grad Assistant to Data Architect of Marshall Health

Education:

• Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Science, University of Central Florida, FL

• Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Science, University of Central Florida, FL

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, University of Central Florida, FL

Experience:

• 2022 to 2024: Post-doctoral Fellow, Molecular Parasitology, University of Central Florida, FL

• 2016 to 2022: Graduate Biomedical Researcher, Molecular Parasitology, University of Central Florida, FL

• 2017 to 2018: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Methods in Biomedical Research, University of Central Florida, FL

Professional Profiles:

• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jennifer-Collins-21

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-collins-235234213/

Publications:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/jennifer.collins.7/bibliography/public/

Education:

• MBA in Healthcare Management at the University of Charleston, WV
• Bachelor of Science at University of Charleston, WV - Biology with an emphasis in Biomedical studies 

Experience: 

• 2021 to Present: Research Assistant at CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, WV

Professional Profiles:

• https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0009-0005-6135-8879
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-de-lourdes-marrero-arocho-3957b36b/