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 MS, PA-C
RCR 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, Leigh transitioned to clinical research in early 2023, joining Rochester Clinical Research. Currently, Leigh is a fellow in the Doctorate of Medical Science program at the University of Lynchburg, with an expected graduation date in December 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.

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.

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.

Julie Mooney, RN, CCRC
Senior Clinical Research Nurse, Study Manager

Julie has been at Rochester Clinical Research for 10 years. Julie is a Study Manager with a deep passion for research and has extensive experience in managing and coordinating research studies. She thrives on the excitement of working at the forefront of medical science, where she has the opportunity to contribute to the discovery and advancement of new vaccines and medications. Her role involves meticulous planning, execution, and management of research projects, ensuring that each study progresses smoothly and adheres to the highest standards of scientific integrity.

Julie is a Registered Nurse who started her career working at a few local hospitals, mostly in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. Outside of her professional life, Julie enjoys movies, music, being outside, and reading.

Jennifer Foley, CCRC
Senior Study Coordinator
With over 20 years of experience in clinical research, Jennifer Foley is a seasoned expert in the field, specializing in pediatric developmental disabilities. Her career began with a focus on advancing research in this critical area, allowing her to contribute significantly to the understanding and treatment of developmental disabilities in children.
Currently, Jennifer serves as a Senior Study Coordinator at Rochester Clinical Research, where she leverages her extensive experience to oversee and manage complex research studies. Her role involves coordinating various aspects of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and facilitating the smooth execution of research protocols.
Jennifer is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), a credential that underscores her commitment to excellence and expertise in clinical research methodologies. Her dedication to advancing clinical knowledge and improving patient outcomes remains at the forefront of her professional endeavors.
Jessica Fisher
Lead Research Assistant
Jessica Fisher has worked in clinical research for four years and loves it. Being a part of advancing medicine and changing lives is extremely rewarding and important to her. In her free time, Jessica enjoys engaging in various musical activities, spending time outdoors, and being with her family, friends, and her cat, Starfire.
Helen Bell-Upsher
Lead Lab Technician
Helen Bell-Upsher joined RCR in March 2022 as a lab tech/phlebotomist and brings over 12 years of lab experience. She is passionate about her work and finds her role at RCR highly rewarding, with excellent opportunities for growth. In February 2024, Helen was promoted to Lead Lab Tech, a role she is very thankful for. Known for being a reliable team player, Helen is dedicated to succeeding and continuing to grow, always eager to help people in any way she can.
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