Neonatal Research Institute
Neonatal Research Institute Team
The Neonatal Research Institute (NRI) at Sharp is made up of a caring, dedicated research staff whose shared mission is to give fragile newborns the very best start in life.
Learn how you can help us support at-risk newborns today.
Meet the team.
Director
Senior research consultant
Dr. Neil Finer
Medical director, Sharp HealthCare
Co-director, Neurological Intensive Care for Newborns Program
Dr. MJ Harbert
Manager
Alona Diem
Research coordinators
Kathy Arnell, RNC
Katie Baker, RN, BSN
Debra Dennington, RRT-NPS, RCP
Felix Ines, RCP-RRT
Wade Rich, BSHS, RRT, CCRC
Research associates
Melissa Brown, BS, RRT-NPS, RCP
Stephanie Wackrow, RRT, RCP
Danielle Lazarus, BS, RRT-NPS, RCP
Kasim Hassen, BA, RRT-NPS, RCP
Michaela Kaltner, BA
Erin Niggemeier, RRT, RCP
Brianna Pierce, RCP-RRT
Jacob Stout
Data manager
Jane Steen, RN
Research pharmacist
Jason Sauberan, PharmD
Research cardiac sonographer
Randy Nopasri
Research data programmer
Shashank Sanjay
Regulatory coordinator
Marcie Portillo
Research investigator
Judith S. Mercer, PhD, FACNM
Research statistician
Debra Poeltler, PhD, MPH, RN, CCRC
