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

Dr. Anup Katheria, FAAP

Senior research consultant

Dr. Neil Finer

Medical director, Sharp HealthCare

Dr. Paul Wozniak

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
Ana Morales, BA, MPH
Erwin Fontelera, BA, RCP-RRT
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