Evan DuBose was promoted to Clinical Research Scientist I following her completion of IMPACT's Fellowship Program. Evan is an excellent scientist and is developing into an outstanding writer. In addition to her fellowship work, Evan has been actively involved with Making an IMPACT since she started. Behind Evan's quiet demeanor is a million-dollar smile, a wicked sense of humor, and a caring heart.

Kelly D'Arezzo was promoted to Senior Quality Control Specialist. Kelly has been instrumental in the day-to-day functions of our QC department and is the go-to coordinator of all QC resourcing. Kelly's superb project management skills and her ability to find creative solutions keep our QC "engine" running as efficiently as possible. In addition to being an excellent QCer, she has also taken on new responsibilities, including helping to manage weekly safety submissions, training our newest employees on all things QC-related, and contributing to company initiatives.

Brandi Schuster  was promoted to Clinical Research Scientist II. Brandi joined us in 2018 and has proven herself to be a gifted writer, an excellent communicator, and a dedicated team player. Brandi has authored CSRs, IBs, narratives, and protocols of increasing complexity. In addition, she served an invaluable role on an NDA submission team last year. Aside from her stellar skills as a clinical research scientist, Brandi also offers her time and talents to co-leading Making an IMPACT, as well as providing valuable and insightful contributions to other company initiatives. She truly invests her heart and soul into every single project she touches.

Laurel Kartchner was promoted to Clinical Research Scientist II. Laurel joined us in 2018, and her immeasurable work ethic and heart of gold have made her an invaluable part of our team. She has authored CSRs, IBs, protocols, and narratives and been complimented for her scientific knowledge, flexibility, and communication. Laurel embraces the challenges of working with our smaller clients as they navigate the initial steps of their drug development journey. In addition, she offers her time and talents to co-leading Making an IMPACT, mentoring our fellows, and participating in every possible IMPACT event.

Erin Peters was promoted to Senior Clinical Research Scientist. Erin joined Impact in 2017 and has proven herself to be an exemplary team player, a gifted mentor, and a brilliant scientist. Erin has authored a wide assortment of documents, including CSRs, narratives, IBs, safety update reports, protocols, and briefing documents. Erin has also authored components of both NDA and IND submissions. In addition, Erin has demonstrated outstanding leadership and mentoring abilities. She is presently sharing her time and talents to assist with our new class of Fellows and to improve our CSR training class. She is a master at delivering high-quality documents, creating wonderfully collaborative relationships across an array of diverse clients, and serving as the consummate team player.

Julia DiFiore  just finished up her PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill. While in grad school she had a short stint as an intern with Cato Research in the Clinical Strategy and Regulatory Affairs program. Julia grew up near Pittsburgh and moved to Chapel Hill for grad school, so she is a big fan of the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, as well as the Tar Heels. In her free time she enjoys running, cooking, and reading, particularly historical fiction.

Alicia Carreiro received her PhD in nutritional biochemistry from Purdue University and had been working in non-regulatory medical writing for MicroMass Communications for a little over a year. In this role, she gained experience working with clients, meeting deadlines, and functioning in a small team atmosphere. Alicia likes outdoor activities such as running and hiking, and she also enjoys busting out some yoga and baking.

Kelsey Noll recently completed her PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill in Microbiology and Immunology. Last year, she participated in an internship with EpiCypher, where she contributed to writing NIH grants and various other scientific communications. Kelsey races triathlons on a local elite team and does some rock climbing on the side. She also enjoys baking and is leisurely learning the art of cocktail making.

Rory Bales joined the Regulatory Operations team as a Senior Submissions Specialist. He has worked in Regulatory Operations since 2015 and has a Master's Degree in Regulatory Affairs. Rory has gained much of his global submission experience while working on the sponsor side with Cempra and, most recently, on the CRO side with Triangle Regulatory Publishing. Rory is an incredible addition to our team and will be a valued partner to the clients he supports.

Stephanie (Steph) Byrd joined the medical writing team as a Clinical Research Scientist II. She comes to us from Nuventra, where she was an Associate Scientist. Steph received her PhD in Plant Biology with a minor in Biotechnology at NC State. Her hobbies include gardening, cycling,\ scuba diving, canine agility, and swimming. She and her husband have two young boys and an Australian Shepherd/Cattle Dog named Deacon (named after Wake Forest where she and her husband met).