Research Support Staff

Jennifer Ferris, MSHS, CCRC
Assistant Director of Research
3rd floor Research Building
Office 306
jferris@utmck.edu
Phone: (865) 305-7975

Jennifer Ferris provides supports for the Director of Research to ensure oversight and guidance for research operations at GSM. Functions as the chief administrative and programmatic contact for the Research Center; provides consultation on grant preparation; Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials, IRB and FDA compliance, and provides GSM with information regarding grant policies and procedures, as well as, UT Health Science Center (UTHSC) research polices. Assists PI(s) with grant application procedures and coordinates all trainings for our researchers with the Office of Biosafety, Radiation Safety, Environmental Health and Safety and clinical trial compliance.

Melissa Weaver
Research Admin Coordinator I
3rd floor Research building
Office 310
mweaver@utmck.edu
Phone: (865) 305-6181

Melissa Weaver provides management and coordination of the administrative and day-to-day operational activities for the research infrastructure and programs for the UTGSM. Maintains records of expenses and departmental funds. Coordinates compliance reviews, facility inspections, equipment removal and storage, and assists with Cayuse grant submissions. Melissa also works with the Research Leader to organize and prepare for investigator-initiated trial execution.

Brenda Chaves
Research Financial Associate II
3rd floor Research building
Office 303
bchaves@utmck.edu
Phone: (865) 305-3897

Brenda Chaves coordinates financial day-to-day operational activities for research infrastructure and programs for the UTGSM. She assists research leadership with the management and oversight of research account expenses and departmental funds and other fiscal related activities for the research program. 

Tracy Walker
Research Study Coordinator
3rd Floor Research Building
Office 3030
Twalker5@utmck.edu
865-305-4297

Tracy Walker assists faculty with clinical research activities including but not limited to the submission and management of regulatory paperwork for the Institutional Review Board (IRB); the preparation and maintenance of study files and essential trial documents; the coordination of operational components of research studies; organizes recruitment, screening, and consenting of participants, and coordinates the implementation of study protocols and record-keeping for GSM Investigator-Initiated Clinical Research Studies.

Ronnie Roberts
Director, Graduate School of Medicine Animal Facility
Research Building, Basement Level
rrobets@utmck.edu
865-305-9451

Ronnie Roberts oversees the AALAC-I-accredited vivarium at the GSM.  Responsible for the maintenance of the facility and ensures the health and well-being of the animals housed therein.

James Cloud
Medical Service Assistant, Animal Facility
Research Building, Basement Level
jcloud@utmck.edu
865-305-9451