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Meet The Team

Fully-staffed Scientific Research Team with IN-HOUSE psychologists, behavioral scientists, statisticians, and survey methodologist offering tailored research solutions with unparalleled integrity and an exceptional client experience. Clinical Research Team enhances ARAC's standardization and facility training with on-site clinical assessments, proper sample distribution, and compliance oversight.

 

Dependable, versatile team with tack-sharp focus and agility. Hands-on, all-team approach ensures to deliver rapid-response, personalized and effective client SOLUTIONS.​ CLICK HERE for an ARAC Directory + TEAM BIOS.

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Dr. Jessica Zdinak

Chief Research Officer, CEO

Two decades dedicated as a Behavioral Scientist in a variety of settings, including academic, federal government, public health, and industry. Award-winning publisher of foundational research and recognized for research contributions.

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Supervises team of seasoned scientists responsible for executing, managing, and delivering client-focused research

  • Driving ongoing business expansion in both the U.S. FDA regulated sectors and international markets

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Dr. Julie Van

Lead Behavioral Scientist

Researcher with a doctorate in psychology specializing in cognitive/behavioral neuroscience and over a decade of interdisciplinary experience spanning human behavior and translational research.

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Lead design and execution of behavioral science research 

  • Guide and mentor a team of Ph.D.-level scientists 

  • Translate data into evidence-based strategies for meaningful change 

  • Collaborate across disciplines to apply behavioral science to products, policy, and initiatives 

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Dr. Riley Wincheski

Behavioral Scientist & Statistical Analyst

Doctorate in Experimental Psychology specializing in Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology, with a quantitative concentration and a graduate certificate in Neuroscience.

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Execute and support statistical analyses, research studies, and scientific engagements to deliver quality insights, manage product inventory, and deliver high-quality reports.

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Liz DeMartini, BSN, RN

Lead Clinical Researcher

Has managed pivotal roles in overseeing daily operations, administering nursing staff, and managing nursing care delivery systems. Liz ensures the provision of top-notch participant care, on-site facility trainings and clinical assessments, with a specific focus on facilitating and monitoring the compliance operations.

 

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Adverse event monitoring, clinical data collection, compliance quality assurance, and maintaining participant safety

  • Oversee compliance to IRB-approved study protocols

  • Lead research site trainings at study facilities

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Shantel Keck

Executive Research Assistant

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Manages schedules, travel, and communications in a timely and efficient manner

  • Coordinates day-to-day task management for leadership

  • Manages logistics, expense reporting, and documentation to support smooth operations

  • Works side-by-side with Project Manager to ensure on-time executive reviews of client deliverables

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Samuel C. Hampsher-Monk

VP, Global Regulatory Strategy
& Client Operations

Expertise leading international research on cannabis, tobacco, and nicotine regulation for diverse clients, including government agencies and research institutions. A published expert in policy analysis and public health, he has authored numerous academic works, including Clearing the Air on E-Cigarettes and Harm Reduction (2024).

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Strategic planning, revenue generation, oversight of business development and sales operations, customer relationship management, reporting and analysis

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Dr. Frank Wyman

Statistician

A seasoned statistician and research expert, Frank has built a career applying advanced statistical methods and research design across healthcare, market research, and higher education. He brings deep expertise in modeling, workforce and survey research, and complex analyses (including conjoint, discrete-choice, and econometric forecasting) to help organizations solve diverse, data-driven challenges.

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Analyze complex datasets to identify behavioral insights 

  • Design models and experiments to test interventions 

  • Deliver clear reports and visualizations for decision-making 

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Maxwell Box, ABD

Survey Researcher

An accomplished industrial-organizational psychology professional, Maxwell holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Industrial–Organizational Psychology, and is completing his doctorate in I-O Psychology (expected Winter 2025). Maxwell brings expertise in psychometrics, survey design, and validation studies from roles at ACT and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and is recognized for making complex research accessible to diverse audiences.

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Design and program surveys to uncover behavioral insights 

  • Manage deployment and ensure high-quality data collection 

  • Analyze results and deliver clear reports and visualizations 

  • Support cross-functional teams with survey best practices

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Amanda Cox, BSN, RN

Clinical Research Nurse

Amanda is a highly experienced nurse with 18 years of diverse expertise in the healthcare field. She is a proud graduate of Baker University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Passionate about patient connection, transparency in science, and preventive medicine, she strives to promote holistic health beyond the absence of disease.

 

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Global research oversight, adverse event monitoring, clinical data collection, compliance quality assurance, research oversight, and maintaining participant safety

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Kimberly Hesse, M.A.

VP, Human Resources

Director, Quality Control

Kim is a dynamic marketing and operations leader with a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and a Master’s in Management, specializing in designing growth strategies, optimizing sales processes, and training teams to drive revenue and engagement. She empowers startups and established brands alike by building scalable systems, streamlining operations, and identifying strategic opportunities for diversification and expansion.

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Leading our HR infrastructure

  • Managing Quality Control for client deliverables — will oversee our quality control and assurance processes

  • Project Manager — will manage deliverable timelines and internal team coordination of project tasks and work flow

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Dr. Kiri Stauch

Behavioral Scientist

Rigorous research focused on comparative psychology and toxicology, using a combination of behavioral, biological, and self-report measures. Undergraduate academia professor.

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Design and conduct rigorous behavioral research studies, analyze and interpret data, develop evidence-based research strategies

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Tal Shahar

Survey Methodologist

Decade of diverse marketing research experience, having conducted hundreds of projects for companies worldwide, ranging from small firms to major enterprises. Driven by client satisfaction and passion to make a difference.

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Survey design & development, sampling & data collection, data reporting, quality assurance, research & development

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Michael Cox, Paramedic

Clinical Research Associate

Michael is a dedicated paramedic with extensive experience in high-pressure environments, combining quick decision-making with a passion for research and innovation. As part of ARAC’s Clinical Research Team, Michael leads clinical data generation, research studies, remote monitoring, and ethical compliance contributing to the development of meaningful healthcare solutions.

 

PRIMARY ROLES:

  • Oversee ethical research practices, manage critical data, adverse event monitoring, clinical data collection, and compliance quality assurance.

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