Behind every successful Duke Clinical Research (DCRI) study or partnership are the people whose efforts made it possible. On Tuesday, June 30, the DCRI came together virtually as the finale of the organization’s Town Hall to celebrate the fourth annual 2026 DCRI Excellence Awards.
DCRI executive director Adrian Hernandez, MD, MHS, kicked off the Excellence Awards ceremony, recognizing colleagues whose achievements, leadership, and commitment stood out among an exceptional field of nominees.
During the virtual event, the following individuals and teams were honored for their exceptional contributions to the DCRI, its mission, and the broader clinical research community. The featured quotes are from their nominators.
Rising Star Award
Recognizes exceptional early-career staff whose actions and activities consistently exemplify enthusiasm.
Shara Reihani, PhD, Grants & Proposal Services
“Over the past year, (Shara) has driven measurable growth in the Med+ faculty pipeline by exceeding outreach goals and cultivating cross-disciplinary relationships. Shara consistently elevates faculty success while advancing DCRI’s mission with energy and vision.”
Team Excellence Award
A team that demonstrates excellence and is an exceptional role model for collaboration within and across projects.
The Research Proposal Development team
| Brady McLamb Dawn Goodwin Debria Morton-Glenn Demarkus Byrd Elizabeth (Liz) Park Gina Hodges Greg Addesso Haley Stroup | James Ward Jeff Gamm Jeff Pagel Joni Whitt Juanita Oakley Julie Randle Kaitlyn Loefstedt Kat Herstein | Kevin Roddy Mimi Khan Nancy Wood Naomi Harris Paul Cryer RhaShawn Wells Samantha Simons Shannon Carr | Shara Reihani Shelley Adderley Sherry Lloyd Sierra Foxx Taylor Nguyen Tyriq Kellam Vincent Miller Yonina Robinson |
“They continue to deliver high-quality work through partnership. Their resilience and team-first mindset have made a real difference, and they truly deserve this recognition.”
Innovator Award
Recognizes the creative innovation of an individual, project team or department that develops new ideas and works to improve and/or expand clinical research.
Chris Mosher, MD, Medicine-Pulmonary
“By leading three COPD clinical trials, (Chris) is advancing biologic therapies for severe lung disease. These studies are moving pulmonary medicine toward precision care, addressing a major unmet need and expanding access to promising new treatments. Dr. Mosher has also made important contributions to DCRI through scholarship and other innovative efforts. In addition, he has led eight manuscripts with DCRI faculty across multiple disciplines.”
The Excellence in Community Engagement Award
Presented to an employee demonstrating exemplary leadership and dedication to serving the community.
Renee Leverty, MA, Research Communications & Engagement
“Renee exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication to community-centered research. As associate director and lead of the DCRI Research Together program, she has transformed how clinical research engages patients, caregivers, and communities, elevating them as true partners across the research lifecycle.”
Excellence in Leadership Award
Given to the DCRI staff member who demonstrates exceptional leadership, embodies the DCRI core values, and has made noteworthy contributions to enhancing clinical research infrastructure and/or supporting excellence at the DCRI.
Crystal Cannon, MA, Government Operations
“Crystal leads with a rare combination of operational rigor and genuine care for the people around her. Most notably, she oversees our department’s mentorship program; a role that captures exactly what this award is meant to recognize: a leader who lifts others, builds lasting capability, and strengthens the culture of the entire team.”
Stand-Out Performer Award
A stand-out performer is one who constantly gives their best at work. It reflects the dedication of an employee towards his or her work.
Dan Foster, Finance
“Dan has transformed his role to work hand-in-hand with IT to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of financial reports — work that goes way beyond what his role entails from the perspective of his job description. All the while, he remains a strong manager of a high-performing team.”
The Rob Califf Excellence in Service Award
Recognizes the staff members who demonstrate hard work and commitment to ensure excellence in support of the DCRI mission and success within their own respective functional group.
Laura Webb, Outcomes
“Laura has been a valued member of DCRI for over 30 years, beginning her career as a clinical trials assistant on a Phase II study. She is now a highly valued Project Leader III in the Outcomes group, where her deep understanding of project management, data, and statistics has made her an exceptional leader. She brings a thoughtful leadership approach, recognizing team contributions and fostering a collaborative environment.”