Our people
Research Executive Team
Amit Acharya, PhD
- Title:
- Vice Chief Science Officer, Advocate Health; Vice Dean for Regional Research Strategy & Integration, Wake Forest University School of Medicine; President, Advocate Aurora Research Institute
- Email:
- amit.acharya@aah.org
Denise Angst, PhD, RN
- Title:
- Vice President, Academic Research and Strategic Partnerships
- Email:
- denise.angst@aah.org
Nina Garlie, PhD
- Title:
- Vice President, Clinical Trials Research
- Email:
- nina.garlie@aah.org
Directors
Melissa Kadar
- Email:
- melissa.kadar@aah.org
- Additional Information:
Center of Excellence in Cancer Research and Center of Excellence in Neuroscience Research
Cheryl Lefaiver, PhD, RN
- Email:
- cheryl.lefaiver@aah.org
- Additional Information:
Center for Child and Family Research
Mercedes Robaina, EdD
- Email:
- mercedes.robaina@aah.org
- Additional Information:
Office of Academic Research Support
- Specialty:
- Reproductive epidemiology; maternal and child health; health equity
- Title:
- Scientific Research Director
- Email:
- brandie.taylor@aah.org
- Additional Information:
Scientific Research
Laura Wrona, MSN
- Email:
- laura.wrona@aah.org
- Additional Information:
Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Research and Clinical Trials Office
Independent Research Scientists
Our academic research programs are led by independent research scientists who dedicate their scientific expertise to both Advocate Aurora Health investigator-initiated studies and collaborative projects developed and conducted in partnership with academic or industry partners.
Research Executive Council physician leaders
Each of our Research Executive Councils include physician leaders working in partnership with the Research Institute to provide strategic direction for clinical research within their service line.
Tanvir Bajwa, MD
Frank Belmonte, DO, MPH
Alan Brown, MD
Dennis Disch, MD
Varsha Gharpure, MD
Darren Gitelman, MD
Sigrun Hallmeyer, MD
Fuad Jan, MD
Dean Karahalios, MD
Shaun O'Leary, MD
Peter Polewski, MD
Jon Richards, MD, PhD
Board Vice Chair, Medical Director, Advocate Cancer Institute, Advocate Aurora Health
Ali Valika, MD
James Weese, MD
Ann Windsor, MD
Thomas Wolfe, MD
Board of Directors
Our board of directors consists of Advocate Aurora Health leaders and key community stakeholders who serve in an advisory capacity, helping to shape the Research Institute’s future.
Jeffrey Bahr, MD
Board Chair, Chief Medical Group Officer, Advocate Aurora Health
Jon Richards, MD, PhD
Board Vice Chair, Medical Director, Advocate Cancer Institute, Advocate Aurora Health
Amit Acharya, PhD
Vice Chief Science Officer, Advocate Health; Vice Dean for Regional Research Strategy & Integration, Wake Forest University School of Medicine; President, Advocate Aurora Research Institute
Rachelle (Shelly) Hart, JD
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Advocate Aurora Health
Janet Wessel Krejci, PhD, RN
Emeritus Dean and Professor, College of Nursing, Marquette University
Nan Nelson
Senior Vice President, Finance Operations, Advocate Aurora Health
Gregory Nycz
Executive Director, Family Health Center of Marshfield, Inc.
Ina Owens, MSW, LCSW
Vice President, Grants and Program Development, Advocate Aurora Health
Carol Rizzie, MBA
(Retired) Director, Professional Development, Advocate Health Care
