Core Staff
Laura Sissons-Ross, Research Manager
I was born and raised in Tacoma and went to Curtis High School in University Place. I lived in Southern California for about 8 years at which time I worked towards a degree in Health Information and graduated from a local college while living there. In 1998 I moved back to Washington to be closer to family. I currently live in Graham with my husband, Dennis.
I have worked at UW since 1999 always in a Research Coordinator capacity. My previous position to this was in the Department of Neurology, as a Senior Research Coordinator. Research Coordinators are vital to the success of any trial and I understand and appreciate the immense amount of work and dedication that goes into executing a trial. Over the past year, I made the decision to step back from Research Coordinating to focus more on the administrative-related activities of research as well as wanting to be a mentor to the next generation of Research Coordinators.
In my free time, I enjoy crafting, reading, and traveling.
I am privileged to work at UW and look forward to helping fulfill the vision and mission of C-LIFE.
James Kashima - Research Coordinator
I was born and raised in the Seattle area and attended the University of Washington, graduating with honors with a degree in Neurobiology. Before joining C-LIFE in early 2020, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer in New Jersey at a Federally Qualified Health Center helping run programs to promote healthy living.
As a coordinator with C-LIFE, I have the privilege of working closely with PIs to advance their research goals and expand our knowledge of liver disease, while also helping run clinical trials so future patients can live a better life. I truly appreciate working with our wonderful research volunteers who give up their time and, with clinical trials, their bodies so others may benefit.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and being outside! I love to try new recipes from around the world, and you can find me on the mountains in the summer and winter, and on the soccer field year-round.
Sabrina Omer - Research Coordinator
I am a Research Coordinator in the Division of Gastroenterology here at UW. I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and received my degree with honors from York University in Global Health. I have also completed my postgraduate certification in Regulatory Affairs in hopes to further my understanding of pharmaceutical development. I am passionate about innovation and collaboration for discovering new and creative solutions.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending my time exploring unfamiliar places and trying new activities, but ultimately, I spend most of my time at home with my cat. Being able to work directly with the PIs and patients to further our knowledge of liver diseases and improve care is what I value most with our work here. I am honored to be with UW working in C-LIFE with an amazing research team.
Shahrukh Yousuf - Research Coordinator
I started at C-LIFE during undergrad and have enjoyed every moment. Working with hepatologists and gastroenterologists on their research studies and industry-sponsored clinical trials has been an enriching and fulfilling experience. I look forward to contributing to clinical development and positively impacting society through patient outreach and education.
I was born and raised in Shoreline, WA. I graduated from UW in 2021 majoring in Public Health and Molecular Biology. Outside of work, I love bantering with family and friends. My hobbies include playing tennis and traveling. I am also a Seattle sports fan and love following games and storylines. Across the pond I support Arsenal. COYG.
I am honored to be a part of this team and look forward to advancing the mission at C-LIFE.