
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.

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

Dr. Julie Van
Director of Behavioral Science Research
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

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

Blake Nesmith
Behavioral Data Analyst
A skilled data scientist and human factors researcher with expertise in managing structured datasets, statistical analysis, and research design. With a Master’s in Experimental Psychology. Blake has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and tools like the FAA Maintenance Safety Culture Assessment and Improvement Toolkit (M-SCAIT).
PRIMARY ROLES:
-
Review surveys and perform quality assurance to ensure accuracy and compliance, manage data collection processes, and analyze survey data using statistical tools to uncover behavioral insights.

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

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

Liz DeMartini, BSN, RN
Director, Clinical and Consumer Research
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

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

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

Kimberly Hesse, M.A.
Chief Compliance Officer & Chief Marketing Officer
Kim combines extensive marketing expertise with a solid foundation in quality management within regulated environments, offering a unique and valuable skill set. She holds a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and a Master’s in Management, blending academic credentials with hands-on experience to drive market growth and excellence.
PRIMARY ROLES:
-
Maintain Quality Control Management System, ensure compliance, and assess and manage risk.
-
Lead marketing strategy and brand management

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

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

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.