Congratulations to the four inaugural winners of the CanStroke Excellence in Clinical Trials Research Award! This award was launched to recognize the outstanding impact of CanStroke team members and their commitment to improving trial performance, participant engagement, leadership, and collaboration.
Learn more about the winners below:
Qiao Zhang, University of Calgary
Describe your career journey and what brought you to your current position with CanStroke Recovery Trials.
My career in stroke clinical research began over a decade ago. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working on numerous international phase II and III stroke trials, gaining extensive experience in protocol development, data management, site management, and patient engagement.
Currently, I serve as the Senior Manager, Clinical Trials at the Calgary Stroke Program & Stroke Clinical Trials Group, where I lead the implementation and oversight of stroke-related studies. This includes CAMAROS, part of the CanStroke Recovery Trials network. I’m proud to be part of a collaborative initiative that is driving innovation in stroke recovery across Canada and beyond.
What is your favourite part of working with CanStroke Recovery Trials?
What I value most about working with CanStroke Recovery Trials is the strong spirit of collaboration and shared commitment across the network. Being part of a national initiative that brings together researchers, clinicians, and coordinators from diverse backgrounds creates a dynamic environment where ideas are exchanged freely, and innovation is encouraged. I especially appreciate the opportunity to contribute to studies like CAMAROS, which have the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of stroke survivors. It’s deeply rewarding to be part of a team that is dedicated to advancing stroke recovery across Canada.
What are the most important qualities to have when working as part of a clinical trials team?
Success in a clinical trials team relies heavily on several key qualities. First and foremost is attention to detail, as accuracy in data collection, documentation, and adherence to protocols is essential for maintaining the integrity of the trial and ensuring participant safety. Equally important is strong communication—clear, timely, and respectful interactions among team members, investigators, and participants are vital for smooth operations and effective problem-solving. Lastly, collaboration plays a central role; clinical trials are inherently team-based, and the ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse disciplines fosters a productive and supportive research environment.
What advice do you have for someone interested in working as part of a clinical trials team?
It is essential to develop strong organizational skills and maintain a high level of attention to detail—both are critical for preserving data integrity and ensuring patient safety throughout the course of a clinical trial. Another essential ability is to communicate effectively and work collaboratively; clinical trials are inherently team-based, and success depends on seamless coordination among professionals from diverse disciplines.
It is also important to remain mindful of the broader impact of your work. Each trial contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge and the improvement of patient outcomes. Keeping this purpose at the forefront can be both motivating and deeply rewarding.
Marissa Sobey, University of Calgary
Describe your career journey and what brought you to your current position with CanStrokeRecovery Trials.
Starting with my educational training, my Bachelor of Science and Master of Neuroscience, focused on understanding the brain from a pre-clinical perspective. I was a basic scientist, keen to learn about bio-cellular functioning. With over 6 years of basic research training, I felt like I had a solid foundation. However, I have immense appreciation for both basic and clinical fields. Post-grad, I was ready to switch gears to clinical research, and subsequently spent time working at biotech startups, in the biotechnology sector, and in other clinical fields.
Currently, I have been a Research Coordinator with the Calgary Stroke Program and Clinical Trials Group for over 1.5 years. I have had the privilege of facilitating international clinical trials. I felt ready to take on another clinical trial and was given the opportunity to concurrently work with CanStroke Recovery Trials. I feel fortunate to work for both teams and see the caliber and quality of the research yield results. I was particularly drawn to working with CanStrokeRecovery Trials as I wanted to be involved in Canadian-specific clinical trials and learn more about post-stroke recovery. Now, as also the Central Site Coordinator for the CAMAROS trial (The Canadian Maraviroc Randomized Controlled Trial TovAugment Rehabilitation Outcomes After Stroke), I am responsible for managing new and current site activities. Overall, CanStrokeis committed to clinical trials for recovery. I now work on both acute and rehabilitation stroke clinical trials, covering the scope of stroke. It’s invaluable to promote scientific research across Canada and know that we are making strides for rehabilitation research, which will ultimately have an impact on patients globally.
What is your favourite part of working with CanStroke Recovery Trials?
The CanStroke Recovery Trials team! Everyone, from the sites to the internal teams, were genuinely kind and welcoming when I joined CanStroke Recovery Trials in November 2024. Without having such a hard-working group of individuals, clinical trials like CAMAROS, would not be possible. It takes a collective of determined individuals to make research at hospitals across the country successful.
What are the most important qualities to have when working as part of a clinical trials team?
There are a few important qualities that I have relied on when doing my clinical trials work. The first being not underestimating the value of connection within communication. Your coworkers should look forward to talking to you. Make your workplace a space that is enjoyable, make a witty joke- hopefully, it lands! Get a coffee with your coworker, and you’ll see how much more you’ll get done. Secondly, in terms of hard skills, organization is a key factor for success in managing clinical trial sites. For me, I keep my clinical trials separated by a colour system- it’s pretty and effective. Lastly, transparency and initiative, which in my mind go hand-in-hand. There is so much behind the scenes that happens when running a clinical trial. Whether it is site activation processes, regulatory guidelines, legal contracts and negotiations, insurance, etc., you won’t know it all. Be transparent with your team on areas for learning and take initiative for the next steps.
What advice do you have for someone interested in working as part of a clinical trials team?
I highly recommend working in clinical trials as a rewarding career! My advice to someone looking to get into clinical trials is that the journey to the end goal is often not linear. Do not discredit other avenues of work or jobs you may have had to get prior to getting your foot in the door. Before my time as a Research Coordinator, I was a snowboard instructor, and the skills of leadership, public speaking, and giving instruction have made it comfortable for me to do so in front of executive teams regularly. Pull from past experiences and let your unique CV shine; you don’t necessarily have to have all the credentials to get the job!
Melanie Dunlop, Dalhousie University
Describe your career journey and what brought you to your current position with CanStroke Recovery Trials.
I have worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Acquired Brain Injury services in Halifax, Nova Scotia, since 2015. My involvement with CanStroke began in 2018, when I stepped in as site coordinator on short notice. Initially, I expected this to be a temporary “back-up” role, but I quickly came to love being part of the CanStroke platform and team. Since then, I have been proud to serve as a member of CanStroke Halifax, helping to coordinate the FLOW, ARM, TRAIL PROOF, TRAIL, CAMAROS, and ORDER studies.
What is your favourite part of working with CanStroke Recovery Trials?
As both a clinician and a coordinator, I value seeing the impact of CanStroke research on our site and our patients. The ARM study, in particular, introduced the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Center to wearable activity devices, which later informed a grant proposal to integrate them into practice. Collaborating with clinicians, patients, and researchers and witnessing research and health care come together to improve patient outcomes, has been especially rewarding.
What are the most important qualities to have when working as part of a clinical trials team?
I would highlight compassion, adaptability, and strong organizational skills.
What advice do you have for someone interested in working as part of a clinical trials team?
I would recommend starting by taking available courses and attending presentations by clinical trials team members. Attending journal clubs and completing the CanTrain education program are also great first steps. At Nova Scotia Health, this training is accessible to all clinicians. From there, look for opportunities to gradually get involved in research based on your comfort level.
Jill Williamson, University of British Columbia Okanagan
Describe your career journey and what brought you to your current position with CanStroke Recovery Trials.
I began my career trained in bench laboratory science with UBC Vancouver and the BC Centre for Disease Control, with a focus on public health and the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases. Very early on, I recognized the gap between discoveries made at the bench and their translation into tangible, positive impacts for patient populations. This realization shaped my career path, fueling my passion for bridging the divide between research and real-world health outcomes.
Over time, I have built my professional focus around merging rigorous research with community health, ensuring that scientific advances not only move forward in theory but also reach and benefit the people who need them most. This commitment to patient-centered impact ultimately brought me to my current role with CanStroke Recovery Trials, where I can contribute to advancing innovative rehabilitation research and improving recovery outcomes for people living with stroke.
With the growth of the UBC Okanagan campus I was able to relocate back to my home community, joining the Okanagan Stroke Research Lab, lead by Dr. Brodie Sakakibara, at the Centre for Chronic Disease and Prevention Management. Using innovative virtual methods our lab is committed to increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of clinical research trials to the rural populations. I am entering my 3rd year in my current role, having had the privilege of seeing our team and the reach of our work increase exponentially.
What is your favourite part of working with CanStroke Recovery Trials?
My favorite part of this role is bringing together the “puzzle pieces” contributed by our research team and seeing the real impact on participants’ lives. I have the privilege of working closely with individuals in their recovery journeys—hearing their stories, sharing in their fears and joys, laughing together, and sometimes working through tears. The most rewarding moments are when participants tell me about the milestones that truly matter after they have completed one of our trials: regaining the confidence to go on a cruise with their spouse because their balance has improved, finding the courage to take a long-dreamed kayaking trip post-stroke, or simply being able to stand up from a wheelchair to clean up a spilled glass of milk without relying on their partner. These stories are the most meaningful return on my work, and they remind me daily why this research matters.
What are the most important qualities to have when working as part of a clinical trials team?
Working effectively as part of a clinical trials team requires flexibility, patience, and resourcefulness. It is essential to balance immediate priorities while never losing sight of the broader research goals. By staying adaptable and focused, each team member contributes to the success of the trial and ultimately to tangible, positive outcomes for participants.
What advice do you have for someone interested in working as part of a clinical trials team?
My advice for anyone interested in working as part of a clinical trials team is to always remember that participants and their families are often facing life-changing and deeply emotional experiences that bring fear, worry, anger, or sadness. It is essential to individualize your approach with empathy and recognizing the unique needs and circumstances each participant has. While administrative checklists and scripts provide structure and are a crucial part of the process, they should never overshadow the importance of genuine human connection. Taking the time to listen openly, engage in meaningful conversations, and show compassion often leads to richer, more authentic responses than simply following a form. Above all, recognize that every participant is an equal partner in the research process—the true expert of their own experience—and honor their role in the RCT with the respect it deserves.