OUR TEAM
Leadership
Dr. Patil completed her undergraduate education in History and Pre-medical studies at Yale University. She played on the varsity tennis team during her time there. She then completed her medical degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada where she spent two years learning basic sciences abroad and two years of clinical clerkships in…
Margaret (Maggie) Leal serves as our Director of Clinical Research Operations. She has several years of coordinator experience spanning therapeutic areas but particularly in the field of liver disease, where she assisted Dr. Patil in becoming a top-enrolling NASH research site at DHR Health. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Chemistry at the University…
Monica Garza is a Rio Grande Valley native and in 2007 obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Texas – Pan American. Since 2008, she has worked on multiple Phase I – Phase IV clinical trials in various therapeutic areas.
STRI welcomes our Director of Business Development, Yoli Pena. A Rio Grande Valley native, she attended the University of Texas Pan American and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a minor in Sociology. Yoli has over 12 years of healthcare marketing experience and enjoys fostering and cultivating professional relationships with physicians. She…
Management
Neal comes from a background in retail management where he managed a West Coast sporting goods store for the last nine years. He is excited to foray into clinical research and use his managerial skills to help the teamwork effectively to better serve our patients. Neal studied business at Central Washington University and lived in…
Brenda Chavez joined South Texas Research Institute in January 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley. To become knowledgeable in healthcare industries, she pursued a Master of Science in Health Science in 2020 from the University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley. She has devoted numerous hours of volunteerism here in our Rio Grande Valley community and has worked in healthcare since 2016. After working in various roles in local healthcare systems, she found her passion for clinical research. Brenda is our Clinical Research Project Manager, who supports and facilitates daily clinical trial activities by working closely with site staff and sponsors.
Alejandra serves as our Human Resources and Talent Manager. She comes from over 15 years of Human Resources and Finance Administration experience serving various Texas State Agencies; she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Texas A&M International University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Alejandra brings expertise and enthusiasm to South Texas Research Institute and joins in its mission to raise awareness in the Rio Grande Valley area. She is eager to support STRI and the staff in their continuous growth and success.
Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Compliance
Narexcy returns to the Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Neuroscience from The University of Texas – Austin, and completion of a successful internship with STRI. She has excelled in her role as a Clinical Research Data Coordinator and is now our newest Quality Assurance/Regulatory Associate. Narexcy brings her dedication and fresh perspective to her new position and continues to embody the STRI values and mission in her new role. She is excited to combine her passion for medicine and dedication to her community to improve the health of South Texas residents.
Victor Villarreal moved to the Rio Grande Valley from Kingsville, Texas, where he attended Texas A& M University-Kingsville received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and Chemistry and his Master of Science in Chemistry. Before joining the STRI team, he worked in a molecular biology laboratory, where he performed experiments to generate and analyze data. He will draw from these previous experiences to support his position as a Clinical Research Data Coordinator. He hopes that within his role at STRI, he can help the organization make a positive impact within the Rio Grande Valley community for years to come.
Edinburg Clinical Team
Graciela Marje is a Rio Grande Valley native with 24 years of nursing experience in the field of Gastroenterology. She is a bilingual Family Nurse Practitioner who is excited to join South Texas Research Institute and bring awareness of liver disease and clinical research studies to the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley.
Estella is a fully credentialed, bilingual Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) with 22 years of experience in providing compassionate care to her patients across medical specialties. A native of the Rio Grande Valley, she graduated from South Texas College and has worked in healthcare systems within her community. She has dedicated the past two years of her career…
Lissete joins our team with over 10 years of experience as a CRC and has worked in several therapeutic areas and phases of clinical trials. As a certified medical assistant, she also brings clinical knowledge to her work.
Yazzini Salinas joins South Texas Research Institute with over 15 years of medical experience working in a hospital setting, including gastroenterology and kidney transplant. She was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and is dedicated to improving patient care for her community. She is motivated, optimistic, and excited to raise awareness of liver health and support the vision of STRI.
Xiomara Hernandez is a Rio Grande Valley native who believes in building the future in medicine. With eight years of health care experience, Xiomara is part of our clinical team as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She graduated from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2017 with a B.S. in Biomedical Science, then in 2018 with an M.S. in Health Science with a concentration in Nutrition. In 2019, she obtained the Phlebotomy Technician certification with the NHA. Xiomara is eager to give back to her community and learn more about liver disease.
Margarita Vega joins South Texas Research Institute as a Clinical Research Coordinator. As a certified phlebotomist and patient care technician, she has had experience in diverse clinical settings for over 12 years. Margarita has played various roles in clinical research, which has allowed her to expand her knowledge and expertise in different areas stemming from laboratory to direct patient interaction as a research medical assistant. She is enthusiastic about making a positive contribution to our community as a clinical research coordinator.
Eliza Alaniz joins South Texas Research Institute as a Lab Technician. She moved to the Rio Grande Valley from Zapata County and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 7 years. She obtained her Phlebotomy and EKG certification from Valley Grande Institute. Eliza is excited to help and give back to her community and learn more about the diseases that affect them.
Jillian is a native of the Rio Grande Valley. She obtained her B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Texas-Pan American. She worked as an educator in the RGV before relocating to North Carolina. While there, she worked in the healthcare setting, caring for patients from diverse populations and backgrounds. She joins South Texas Research Institute with a blended perspective of educating and caring for the community in clinical research. She is enthusiastic about raising awareness of liver health and supporting the vision of STRI.
Erick Vela joins South Texas Research Institute as a Clinical Research Scheduler in our Edinburg location. He obtained his associate’s degree in medical practice management from Kaplan College. Erick brings more than eight years of experience in the medical field. STRI is excited to have Erick on our team and to enhance our service to the South Texas community.
Brownsville Clinical Team
Claudia Padilla, M.D. has joined our team and will be our clinical research coordinator at the site in Brownsville, Texas. Claudia obtained her medical degree as a Medical Surgeon with specialization in Ear, Nose, and Throat from Universidad Autonoma Nuevo Leon.
Alejandro Flores was born and raised in the neighboring border town of Camargo, Tamaulipas, MX. He completed his high school studies at South Texas ISD for Health Professions. He attended the University of Texas-Pan – American in 2012 focusing on a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Alejandro obtained his medical degree from…
Sonya Rios joins our team as a Clinical Research Assistant for South Texas Research Institute- Brownsville. She obtained her Associate’s degree specializing in Pharmacy from South Texas College and is a certified Phlebotomist and Pharmacy Technician, specializing in Sterile Compounding. She brings over 18 years of experience in the medical field, three of which were spent conducting clinical trials. Sonya has gained clinical and internship experience throughout the years and is extremely compassionate towards patients and very enthusiastic to learn more about clinical research.
As a native of the Rio Grande Valley, Francisco Pina brings over 27 years of dedication to healthcare to the South Texas Research Institute. Graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, then in 2001 with a Master’s of Science in Nursing, he obtained degrees from the University of Texas-Pan American as both a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner. He is a bilingual member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners with experience in pediatrics, HIV care, family medicine, and the education of aspiring medical professionals. Along with a deep commitment to providing compassionate care to NAFLD/NASH patients in the RGV, Mr. Francisco Pina also strives to constantly expand our knowledge base to best serve the growing needs of our local community.
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Dimple Patel Desai to the STRI family. Dr. Desai is a board-certified family physician with a research interest in Obesity and NAFLD/NASH. She completed her undergraduate degree in Chemistry at UT Pan American and then went on to complete her medical degree at UT Medical Branch in Galveston Texas. After completing her residency in family medicine where she was also selected as Chief Resident by her peers and faculty, she returned home to the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Patel Desai aims to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to all patients.
Office Administration and Finance
Stephanie Davis has spent nearly 15 years in the nonprofit sector. She served as the Executive Director of a community-based youth development organization in Knoxville, TN and then honed her fundraising skills as a development professional at global and national nonprofit organizations in New York City. Stephanie is excited to serve as STRI’s bookkeeper and payroll specialist while also…
Karla Ann Hooper provides administrative support to the President and CEO, Dr. Rashmee Patil. She joins the team with 12 years of administrative experience with combined expertise in the healthcare and retail industries. Karla obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in English from the University of Texas-Pan American. She has a passion for the community and is excited to apply her skills to assist the residents of the Rio Grande Valley in seeking out innovative healthcare.
Marketing and Outreach
Maria is a certified Community Health Worker through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and has been a Promotora in the Rio Grande Valley for 30 years. She is part of the South Texas Promotora Association, where she currently sits on the Board. Promotoras de Salud are trained lay health workers who work…
Jacqueline Martinez a native of San Luis Potosi, Mexico later raised here in Edinburg. She joins STRI as our Community Outreach Representative. Jacqueline brings 15+ years of experience in Office Administration and Customer Relations in the health and fitness field. She enjoys helping Women reach their health & fitness goals as a Personal Trainer/Wellness Coach.
Yolanda Liesener from Edinburg Texas joins South Texas Research Institute as a patient recruiter. She has worked as a medical assistant for over 15 years. Yolanda is very enthusiastic about the opportunity of being part of our team and helping our community learn about liver disease, clinical research, and treatments. Yolanda is extremely dedicated and determined to provide the best experience for our patients. We’re thrilled to have Yolanda join our STRI family.
Clinical Research Intern
Deeandra joins South Texas Research Institute as a Clinical Research Intern. She is currently working towards her degree (B.S in Biomedical Science) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and aspires to pursue a career as a medical practitioner. Deeandra is excited to be a part of the team and is eager to expand her knowledge in clinical research.
Stephanie joins South Texas Research Institute as a Clinical Research Intern. She is currently working towards her degree (B.S in Biomedical Sciences) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and aspires to become a medical doctor one day. Stephanie is excited to be a part of STRI team and hopes to get a better understanding of what happens “behind the scenes” into finding cures for long-term diseases.