Mission Facilities Administration & Oversight
Mission
The Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. Clinical Research Center (CRC) is primarily an outpatient center and also supports inpatient studies in UConn John Dempsey Hospital. The CRC’s primary goal is to execute clinical research protocols that support the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Many projects represent the application of basic science discoveries to clinical problems, or seek better ways to combat disease and promote health. The CRC also supports studies funded by foundations, pharmaceutical companies, and companies developing diagnostic tests and devices.
Projects are carried out by faculty at the UConn School of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine at UConn Health, and in collaboration with affiliated hospitals including Hartford HealthCare, Saint Francis Hospital (Trinity Health of New England), and Connecticut Children’s.
Facilities
The Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. Clinical Research Center (CRC) is a core resource supporting Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) at UConn Health through outpatient facilities and services dedicated exclusively to CTR. The clinical research space is approximately 6,000 square feet, including 1,376 square feet for the core laboratory. The Dental Clinical Research Center adds an additional 839 square feet.
Clinical and Dental Research Space
- Seven patient exam rooms
- Medical records room
- Processing laboratory
- Offices for CRC staff
- Two fully equipped dental operatories
- Dispensing room and dental lab
- Office space for study coordinators
Core Laboratory
The CLIA-waived core laboratory supports sample processing and specialized procedures, including enzyme linked immunoassays and molecular biology workflows.
Equipment includes:
- -80°C freezers
- Tabletop refrigerated centrifuges
- ELISA and multiplex equipment
- PCR and RT-PCR technology
- Computerized sample tracking system
Administration & Oversight
Victor Hesselbrock, Ph.D.
Interim Program Director
Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Sheila Alessi, Ph.D.
Assistant Program Director
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Emily Germain Lee, MD
Medical Director
Elizabeth Laska, BSN, RN, CCRC
Nurse Manager
Sharon DiMauro, BA, MS
Administrative Director
Scientific Advisory Committee
Oversight of the Center is provided by Scientific Advisory Committee Chairman, Dr. Victor Hesselbrock. All protocols are reviewed by CRC planning.