Our people
Our HMRC team includes eight dedicated staff members whose backgrounds span clinical research, nursing, laboratory processing and other key research administration areas.
Our Leadership
Dr. Derek Exner, Associate Dean (Clinical Research)
Dr. Exner earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan in 1990. He went on to complete post-graduate training in internal medicine, cardiology, and cardiac electrophysiology at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Calgary. Following that he completed his Masters of Public Health at Johns Hopkins and a research Fellowship at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute before returning to Calgary in 2000. Dr. Exner is the Associate Dean, Clinical Trials at the Cumming School of Medicine, Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials and is a Professor of Cardiac Sciences and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Exner is leading multiple large international trials, is a world authority on arrhythmias, has over 300 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts and multiple patents related to using electrocardiogram (ECG) signals to evaluate cardiac structure and the risk of serious arrhythmias. He is actively engaged in research with multiple small and large biotech companies in Canada and beyond and has obtained over $50 million in funding from peer-reviewed and industry sources over the past two decades. Dr. Exner has authored or co-authored more than 185 articles, book chapters, and abstracts, including publications in leading medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Circulation, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Email: exner@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 403.210.9663
Sabine Moritz, MSc, CCRP
As director for Clinical, Health Services and Population Health Research, Sabine Moritz oversees both the Calgary Centre for Clinical Research (CCCR) and the HMRC. Her career has spanned more than 20 years and includes extensive experience in developing and leading clinical trial programs both in Canada and the UK, including at the Cancer Research Campaign Clinical Trials Centre at King’s College in London, UK, and the Cancer Clinical Trials Centre at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary.
In her capacity as director, Sabine plays a critical role in building clinical research infrastructure, expanding clinical trial capacity and supporting the growth of research that provides real-world evidence. Currently, she’s also leading the Alberta-wide implementation of a Clinical Trial Management System. She holds both a BSc and MSc in Biology from the RWTH in Aachen, Germany, as well as an MSc in Research and Evaluation Methods in Health Care from the Open University, UK. A graduate of the University of Calgary’s ULead program, she was also the recipient of the 2018 U Make a Difference award and is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (SoCRA).
Email: sabine.moritz@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 403.220.8754
Cortney Yeo, Team lead Nursing and Clinical Operations
Cortney holds the pivotal role of team lead for Nursing and Clinical Operations at the Heritage Medical Research Clinic, drawing upon over five years of nursing experience. With specialized expertise spanning pediatrics, mental health, and rural acute care, Cortney adeptly coordinates study activities, oversees finances, and ensures the seamless execution of day-to-day operations.
In her capacity, Cortney oversees essential nursing responsibilities such as medication administration and participant assessments, maintaining the highest standards of care and adherence to study protocols. As a proficient communicator and astute leader, she is dedicated to fostering a collaborative work environment while meticulously managing our clinical operations. Cortney's adaptability and unwavering commitment to excellence solidify her invaluable contribution to our team and our pursuit of groundbreaking research.
Email: cortney.yeo@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 403.220.8384
Our clinical staff:
Lorina M. Platon
Lorina brings more than 10 years of experience as a medical laboratory assistant to the HMRC team. Having worked in a variety of clinics across western Canada, she brings with her significant experience across a range of laboratory functions, including the collection and management of blood samples, patient identification, infection control procedures and the testing and processing of various patient samples. Detail-oriented and conscientious, Lorina performs a wide range of support functions at the HMRC, and takes great pride in the quality of her work.
Lovina Mbaogu, Medical Laboratory Technician
Lovina is a highly esteemed Medical Laboratory Technician at the Heritage Medical Research Clinic, bringing over a decade of experience and a Master's degree in Medical Molecular Microbiology. She oversees critical aspects of our laboratory operations, including blood draws, sample processing, and packing and shipping. Lovina's meticulous approach ensures the accuracy and efficiency of these processes, upholding the integrity of our research outcomes and enhancing patient care. Her compassionate nature and collaborative demeanor foster a supportive team environment, embodying our commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare.
Ashlee Meier, Clinical Research Nurse
Ashlee stands as one of our esteemed Clinical Research Nurses at Heritage Medical Research Clinic. With an extensive background spanning three years within our clinic and over a decade in cardiology, Ashlee fulfills a crucial role in our research initiatives. Her responsibilities include conducting comprehensive patient assessments, managing infusions and administering medications with precision, and adhering rigorously to study protocols.
Ashlee's unwavering commitment to advancing medical knowledge is reflected in her compassionate and meticulous approach to patient care. Her dedication to excellence ensures that every facet of our research endeavors is executed with utmost professionalism and integrity. Ashlee's invaluable contributions serve as a cornerstone of our team, propelling our mission of pioneering research and transformative healthcare forward.
Lucenia Ongayo-Cruz (May), Medical Laboratory Technician
Dedicated to advancing healthcare through precision and care, May serves as a valued Medical Laboratory Assistant, bringing over 7 years of expertise in clinical laboratory operations and patient-focused services. With a profound understanding of laboratory protocols and a keen eye for detail, May excels in specimen collection, processing, and analysis, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of clinical research results. She is proficient in utilizing a wide range of laboratory equipment and technologies, navigating through various tests and procedures to support the HMRC team. Known for her compassionate demeanor, May fosters a supportive and empathetic environment for patients undergoing laboratory procedures. She prioritizes patient comfort and confidentiality, ensuring a positive experience throughout the entire process.
Pallavi Noojibail
With more than 10 years of health-care administration experience, Pallavi provides a wealth of expertise to the HMRC team. As a medical administrative assistant, she uses her exceptional communication and time management skills to manage clinic bookings, coordinate patients, clinic staff and researchers, set up files for new studies and assist in a variety of other capacities. With her technical expertise, she helps ensure that studies being conducted at the HMRC are being coordinated and managed properly and efficiently.