Our Team
Investigation Team
Matthew Davis, MD
Family Practice, Medical Director
Dr. Davis has been a Principal Investigator at Rochester Clinical Research for over 27 years, participating in more than 1,000 clinical research studies. He graduated from Dartmouth College, received his MD from the University of Rochester, and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Monroe County Medical Society. Dr. Davis is dedicated to excellence and is known for prioritizing patient care and maintaining high-quality standards in research. These attributes have significantly contributed to RCR’s success and the advancement of medical knowledge across the therapeutic landscape.
Patrick Connors, MD
Internal Medicine, Principal Investigator
Dr. Connors practiced primary care internal medicine for 25 years before joining Rochester Clinical Research as a Principal Investigator in 2023. He enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. His hobbies include golfing, biking, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
Leigh Schirmer, DMSc, MS, PA-C
Principal and Sub-Investigator
Leigh Schirmer earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia University in 2006. With extensive clinical experience in cardiothoracic surgery, critical care, and cardiology, she transitioned to clinical research in early 2023, joining Rochester Clinical Research. Leigh graduated with her Doctorate of Medical Science in Advanced Professional Practice from the University of Lynchburg in 2024. As a principal and sub-investigator, Leigh finds immense fulfillment in advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes. Outside of work, Leigh enjoys traveling, reading, and staying active. Leigh is happily married with two daughters.
Guinivere Hellems, MS, PA-C
Sub-Investigator
Guin graduated from Daemen College with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2009. She has worked in primary care, internal medicine, urgent care, and oncology, and joined the clinical research team in 2024. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with animals, and being with her nieces.
Zerina Zornic, PharmD
RCR Pharmacist
Zerina Zornic is the lead pharmacist at Rochester Clinical Research, a role she has enjoyed for the past four years. She has contributed to more than 90 trials and is excited to continue expanding her experience. Additionally, Zerina works as a per diem pharmacist at Wegmans, which allows her to engage with various areas of pharmacy. She graduated from St. John Fisher University in 2020 with a Doctorate in Pharmacy. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, cooking and baking new recipes, working out, and spending time with her husband and their two dogs, a black lab named Tupper and a German shepherd named Kona.
Administration Team
Jean C. Kelly, MS, PA-C, CCRC
Head of Site Operations
Jean joined RCR in 2020 as a Sub-Investigator following five years in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. She is a board-certified Physician Assistant who earned her Master’s in Physician Assistant Sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2016. Jean has thoroughly enjoyed advancing clinical research and enhancing the well-being of our community with innovative treatment options. Outside of work, Jean loves to travel, binge watching TV shows, and spending time with her husband and French Bulldog, Frankie.
Jean C. Kelly, MS, PA-C
Head of Clinical Operations
Jean joined RCR in 2020 as a Sub-Investigator after five years in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. She is a board-certified Physician Assistant who graduated with a Bachelor’s/Master’s of Science degree in 2016 from the Rochester Institute of Technology. While obtaining her degree, Jean completed a clinical internship in Hematology/Oncology in Genoa, Italy. Post-graduation, Jean did a one-year Emergency Medicine APP Fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center and continued to work full time in their Emergency Department afterwards. She has spent the past two years in Cardiac Critical Care.
Clinical Research Nurses and Study Coordinators
Kathleen Ebeling, RN, CCRC
Senior Clinical Research Nurse, Study Manager
Kathleen Ebeling has been with RCR since 2012 as study coordinator, senior study coordinator, clinical research nurse and now, study manager. Before joining RCR she worked as a financial analyst at a university medical center. After earning her RN, she was employed in a rehabilitation unit and then as a clinical coordinator in a long-term care setting.
Jennifer Foley, CCRC
Senior Study Coordinator
Research Assistant
