Program directors and managers at PHRI are responsible for end-to-end management of studies – from site assessment and initiation, through to site close-out and study followup and publication.
Program Director
Sumathy Rangarajan has been Program Director, Global Health, since 2016, preceded by many years’ service at PHRI in other roles. She oversees the PURE study team, as well as the INVICTUS rheumatic AF treatment trial, the CANPWR pediatric weight management registry, and others.
She holds both a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Science degree from Pune University in India.
Program Director
Tara McCready, PhD, oversees a variety of collaborative programs at PHRI, and serves as Project Manager for PHRI research studies and registries.
She was recruited to PHRI as a Program Director for the Canadian Network and Centre for Trials Internationally (CANNeCTIN), a national network funded by the CIHR/CFI Clinical Research Initiative program to improve the prevention and treatment of cardiac and vascular diseases and diabetes.
Previously the Executive Director of the Canadian Maternal, Infant, Child and Youth Research Network, Tara holds a PhD in Biochemistry and a MBA in Technology Commercialization from the University of Alberta.
Program Director
Jessica Vincent has more than 15 years’ experience in coordinating and managing large, international clinical trials. As Associate Program Manager, she oversees interventional trials, registries, and observational research studies in the areas of perioperative medicine, cardiac surgery, and digital health.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree from Queens University, and a Master of Clinical Epidemiology Degree from the University of Newcastle.
Program Manager
Dipika Desai oversees many epidemiologic studies, including the South Asian birth cohort, START, the South Asian Heart Risk Assessment (SAHARA), and the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds (CAHHM), as well as management assistance and oversight in the utilization of samples from a number of other studies.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition from the M S University in Baroda, India, and a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of British Columbia.
Program Manager
Jessica Tyrwhitt has more than 10 years’ experience in coordinating and managing large, international clinical trials. She oversees interventional trials, registries, and observational research studies looking at primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in a variety of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, thrombosis, nephrology, cardio-oncology and diabetes.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree & Business from the University of Waterloo.
Associate Program Manager
Amanda Taylor is an Associate Program Manager who currently coordinates trials in stroke, and has experience conducting trials in acute coronary syndrome and arrhythmia. Amanda joined PHRI in 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Honours) in Neurobiology from Brock University.
Associate Program Manager
Valerie Harvey is an Associate Program Manager with more than 12 years’ experience in clinical research at PHRI. She currently coordinates and manages interventional trials and observational studies in Digital Health in the areas of perioperative medicine and cardiac surgery. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Honours) in Biological Sciences from Brock University.
ACT Consortium Manager
Alexander Lim has more than 10 years of health sector experience at the local, regional, provincial, and pan-Canadian levels. As a health system leader, his work has focused on health system transformation, program development and implementation, and quality improvement.
Alex holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Waterloo, and a Master of Law degree specializing in Health Law from Osgoode Hall Law School (York University). He is also a certified Project Management Professional.
Data analytics and data management teams operate within the Statistics department, with the overarching mission to identify, develop and apply sound biostatistical foundations essential for methodological excellence.
Director, Statistics; Senior Scientist
Shrikant Bangdiwala, PhD, has extensive experience in the design, conduct and analysis of multi-center observational and experimental studies, having worked on clinical and community-based randomized controlled trials in congestive heart failure, cardiovascular risk factors, functional bowel disease, and obesity prevention. His statistical research interests include non-parametric methods, methodology for clinical trials, reliability and validity of diagnostic tests, and graphical methods for descriptive analyses.
A Professor in McMaster University’s Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, he is a former Fulbright senior specialist in global public health, and holds faculty positions in universities in Chile, South Africa and India.
He is a member of the USA NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) “COVID-19 Preventive mAb Data and Safety Monitoring Board” (DSMB) that will be reviewing and monitoring the US government-supported clinical trials of candidate preventive monoclonal Antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. He also chairs the Multinational DSMB for the division of AIDS at NIH, and is a member of the Gastrointestinal Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA.
Statistical Operations Manager
Kumar Balasubramanian has been an integral part of the PHRI Statistics department since November 2013 when he joined as a Statistical Analyst; then became Statistical Analyst II in 2016, and Statistical Coordinator in 2018. In August 2021 he became the department’s Statistical Operations Manager.
Before coming to PHRI, Kumar held academic statistical positions at University of Calgary and University of Toronto. He holds a Masters in Biostatistics from University of Toronto.
Associate Operations Manager
Xiumei Yang stared to work at PHRI’s Statistics Department in 2006. With more than 17 years of service, she has obtained broad experience and training in Data Management, EDC systems, industry standards (CDISC) on clinical trial data collections and data submissions, and strong Unix and SAS programming skills.
She holds a Bachelor of Computer Science, and Big Data Analytics Certification, from McMaster University.
From providing a stable, secure infrastructure and custom software, to data collection and critical lines of communication with the investigative sites, the ICT department maintains the systems at the heart of PHRI studies.
Director, ICT
Andrew Renner is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and digital transformation. He currently serves as the Director of Information, Communication Technologies, and Digital Transformation at Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), where he plays a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and providing visionary leadership.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical and Computer Science (McMaster University), a Bachelor of Kinesiology (McMaster University), and is a certified ITIL Expert and ITIL 4 Managing Professional. His diverse academic background enables him to approach challenges with a unique perspective, combining technical expertise with a comprehensive understanding of human movement and health.
Andrew is known for his forward-thinking approach and his ability to identify emerging technologies that can be leveraged to transform business processes. He has a keen eye for innovation and continuously explores new avenues to enhance operational efficiency and deliver exceptional user experiences. By staying ahead of industry trends and fostering a culture of innovation, Andrew ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of digital transformation.
Manager, ICT, Solutions
Les Farago is an innovation leader and software development manager with decades of experience in the health research space, specializing in global randomized controlled trials. With a proven track record of success, he has played a pivotal role in many studies that have revolutionized the field the field of medicine, through his deep expertise in software development and the intricacies of conducting large-scale clinical trials. His innovative approach to leveraging technology has streamlined the process of global randomization, IP logistics, and management for multi-site trials, driving advancements in evidence-based healthcare practices. Known for meticulous attention to detail and adherence to regulatory standards, he ensures the integrity and validity of trial data, enabling researchers to make informed decisions. As a leader, he fosters collaboration and creativity within his teams, consistently delivering high-quality software solutions that meet the complex demands of global trials. His unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes has made him a trusted and respected figure in the health research community and PHRI.
ICT Projects Manager
Matt Smart provides leadership for PHRI’s Business Analysts and Clinical Data Operations teams, working collaboratively with program management and support departments to improve efficiencies at PHRI. Matt is responsible for aligning ICT priorities with PHRI needs, leading innovation projects, and delivering quality systems to enable clinical research initiatives.
He has been with PHRI since 2009 contributing to over 100 studies and study-related systems, gaining a wealth of experience in clinical research operations, software development, ICT operations, business analysis, project management, quality assurance, data management, and leadership. Matt has a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from University of Waterloo.
Manager, ICT, Operations
As the ICT Manager of Infrastructure, Security and Operations Dan is a seasoned and certified ITIL Managing Professional accountable for the effective and secure operations and continuous improvement of IT on-prem and cloud-based infrastructure and services at PHRI. Prior to joining PHRI in 2009 Dan held IT-based technical and managerial roles in academia, industry, regulated laboratory and banking sectors.
Dan has volunteered for 15+ years in community networking initiatives as technical committee chair, board member, and president of the not-for-profit Hamilton Wentworth Community Network, created to bring affordable Internet access to all Hamiltonians. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from McMaster University.
The RSSM department sources, procures, and distributes healthcare supplies and devices for PHRI studies around the world, as well as creating, packaging, labeling, and shipping biological specimen collection kits.
The QA department supports research teams by developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure quality across all stages of research, as well as ensures compliance with regularly changing regulations in various regions of the world.
Manager, Quality Assurance
Ivana started working with PHRI in January 2022, coming from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, where she worked as a Program Evaluator in the Mental Health and Addictions Program leading many quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving efficiency of processes and patient safety. She also held academic positions in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, where she supervised students in undergraduate research courses.
Ivana has more than 20 years’ experience in clinical research as a Research Coordinator, leading teams in both industry and academic research. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Toronto, and has a LEAN Black Belt certification.
The Contracts team at PHRI supports researchers by navigating through international laws and national regulations and negotiating with stakeholders such as private and public funding sources, collaborators and investigative sites in more than 100 countries, national leaders’ offices, and service providers.
Manager, Contracts
Deborah Redwood is the Manager of the Contracts Department and has over 15 years’ experience negotiating and advising on a variety of contracts. She began her career as a Private Client Solicitor in England at firms in London and Birmingham before moving to Canada. Deborah worked as a Law Clerk in the General Counsel’s Office at HHS where she employed her research and legal drafting skills, prior to joining PHRI in 2017 as a Contract Specialist.
Staff and researchers at PHRI are supported by our experts in human resources, education and training, and communications.
Operations Support Manager
Susan Ercole is responsible for all human resources activities including recruitment, succession planning, employee relations, career development, position evaluation, performance management and facilities at PHRI.
She holds a Human Resources Management Postgraduate Degree, Business Administration and Accounting Diplomas and has more than 15 years of experience in human resources.
Research Development & Education Advisor
Kirsten joined PHRI in 2011 and leads research development initiatives and education programs for PHRI researchers, leaders and staff. Kirsten is responsible for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of these initiatives. She is also responsible for the Health & Safety program.
Prior to joining PHRI, Kirsten worked as an HR Generalist for Hamilton Health Sciences and as an HR/Education Consultant within the health care industry.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from McMaster University, Post Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Mohawk College and Certificate in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University.
Operations Director
In his capacity as the first PHRI Operations Director, James Zhang plays a crucial role in overseeing PHRI’s operational interfaces with McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, while supporting the PHRI leadership team in driving overall operational excellence across PHRI.
He has more than 15 years of experience as a senior-level operations and finance leader across various sectors, both private and public. He has an impressive track record in leveraging technology and data analytics to support decision-making and to drive strong performance. He holds a BBA in strategic management and an MBA with a specialization in accounting. Throughout his career, James has consistently demonstrated his dedication to promoting a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
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