WashU Medicine Senior Clinical Research coordinator shares her passion for volunteering and love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
What is your current title, and how long have you been with Oto and WashU?
My current title is Senior Clinical Research Coordinator. I’ve been with Oto since 2008, working as a Research Coordinator under the supervision of Dr. Lieu and then transitioning to a School Psychologist role with the Special School District for two years. I returned to the department in 2019 as a Clinical Research Coordinator to work on Dr. Buchman’s Army contract and in the Outcomes Research Office. I began working with WashU Medicine as an undergraduate student in 1997 through the work-study program. I started my first full-time position here in 2004 as a Professional Rater in the psychiatry department, working on studies related to bipolar disorder and depression.
What do you like most about your work here?
I enjoy working with my collaborators, and I appreciate the opportunity to support the development, execution, and operation of research projects within the department, helping others along the way. As I’ve gotten older though, I like the work-life balance I’m able to manage from this job.
How would you describe life in your household?
Life is quiet except when my family is visiting—and someone is almost always over. I’m grateful to have my parents, my sister, and three brothers, and their spouses all living in the St. Louis area. I have eight nieces and nephews, between the ages of 2 to 9, who are beautiful, funny, smart, kind, energetic, and sometimes (in the case of my 3-year-old nephew) a little tyrannical. Luckily for me, I get to see them often.
Do you have a favorite activity or pastime?
My favorite activity is falling asleep on the couch while watching TV, particularly Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek, or Jeopardy. I used to live for the Cardinals and the Blues. I attended Games 6 and 7 of the 2011 World Series, and I somehow managed to find my way into a Blues 2019 Stanley Cup party with players and staff. However, I now prefer to devote my time to volunteering for an organization called HEAL Palestine, which stands for Health, Education, Aid, and Leadership and focuses on assisting Palestinian children and families in need. We organize annual fundraisers, including a 5K and trivia night, and help children and their families who come to St. Louis for medical treatment adjust to their lives here. They can be here for several months, and we make sure that they have housing, social support and activities, stable schooling, mental health services, and support from a loving and compassionate St. Louis community.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list, and why?
I’ve run a marathon, got to see games 6 and 7 of the 2011 World Series in person, and gone sky diving. But at the top of my bucket list is to live in a world with a Free Palestine and liberation for my people. I am Palestinian and was privileged to live in the West Bank as a teenager. I hope one day to return and sip tea at my family home in peace and dignity.