Laura Cartwright Email and Phone Number

Lead a multidisciplinary team in driving critical research initiatives. Proven track record in overseeing projects, implementing effective strategies, and fostering collaborative research environments. Specialized in behavioral science and health equity research. Adept at translating findings into actionable insights. Strong leadership skills with a focus on innovation and advancing the organization's mission in organ transplantation.

• Developed implementation and evaluation plan to launch lung cancer screening (LCS) programs in 10 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers across the nation in 3 years. Currently implementation is on schedule and on budget.• Collaborated with content experts to gather and translate best practices into recommendations regarding workflow and site resource requirements for implementation plan.• Planned and executed first of its kind summit of 75 VA LCS, radiology, and implementation science experts. Initiated survey of summit attendees to assess current beliefs and identify perceived barriers and facilitators of a successful LCS program. Used this data to guide recommendations and resources provided to stakeholders at each new LCS site.• Created forms using Excel and PDF to collect recruitment and program development data from all 10 site leaders to ensure accurate and complete data.• Presented interactive workflow demonstrations and program descriptions to project stakeholders using Tableau and PowerPoint.• Manage budget and budget reporting for all 6 awardees to the project funder, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.• Recorded and distributed training videos for the radiology quality control program and software development.• Developed internal budget tracking system in Excel to provide leadership with real time budget reconciliation.• Utilized SAS to analyze the VA Corporate Data Warehouse for IRB approved research study.

• Analyzed and presented initial findings of mixed-methods multi-site research study using SAS and PowerPoint. • Consulted on implementation strategies and database management for a multi-site research study.• Developed study manual and training program used by research staff. Created evaluation plans to readily identify the need to retrain or develop new training materials. • Guest lectured for graduate level courses on the topics of program development, research study structure, Health Literacy and Communication, and Health Disparities. 
• Assisted in manuscript development and analysis of nationally representative dataset, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), for manuscript.

• Performed analyses for collaboration on manuscripts using SAS and SPSS. • Independently developed research plan analyzing data from 1,306 cancer patients, using SAS and MPLUS to execute analyses.• Presented and successfully defended dissertation to multidisciplinary dissertation committee.

• Worked directly with Principal Investigator/Awardee of NIH R01 grant to launch a new research study intended to develop and validate an innovative measure of cancer health literacy, the Cancer Health Literacy Test (CHLT). • Designed and implemented study protocol and standard operating procedures to ensure all research staff were expertly trained to recruited participants efficiently and respectfully, collect data properly, and ensure all activities adhered to federal regulations and VCU institutional policies.• Hired, trained, and supervised to maintain a staff of 6 full-time research assistants. Developed interview questions and exercises used during hiring interviews. Performed annual staff performance reviews and guided individualized goal and training plans. • Designed study-specific interview instruments with a focus on participant usability and ease of data entry. Conducted a Delphi panel, focus groups, cognitive interviews, and usability studies to inform development of CHLT. • Assessed study data and processes in real time using Excel, SPSS and REDCap. This ensured the study ran efficiently and recruitment goals were being met. Created a new full-time position as a result of these assessments to optimize data collection and restructure workflow. • Co-authored 3 articles published in peer-reviewed publications.• Exceeded target enrollment goals, enrolling over 1900 research study participants in just 2 years.• Consulted on department research projects to advise best practices for recruitment, measurement, and study structure.

• Actively recruited eligible participants for study participation by attending multidisciplinary Tumor Board and Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Meetings at VCU’s Massey Cancer Center.• Conducted mixed qualitative and quantitative interviews with subjects in a sensitive manner.• Trained new research assistants in all study processes and procedures.• Served as research study liaison to cancer outreach clinics in Richmond, Emporia, and Petersburg VA.• Developed and maintained record keeping procedures for patient recruitment, follow up and data entry.• Screened electronic and paper medical records to identify additional eligible patients.• Developed and implemented recruitment materials and strategies to increase enrollment.• Compensated study participants and managed two petty cash accounts.• Developed qualitative data coding system in collaboration with Principal Investigator.• Developed and maintained professional relationships with Massey Cancer Center practitioners and staff.• Utilized SPSS and Access to enter and code data.

• Supported curriculum by formatting, distributing, and publishing PowerPoints online using Adobe Acrobat and Dreamweaver.• Processed payroll, arranged travel and prepared and processed financial transactions for purchase of equipment, software, office supplies, and learning resources using purchasing card and the financial reporting system (FRS).• Assisted in research conducted by the Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety, including data collection, organization, and poster design.• Managed Computer Based Instruction Lab cataloging project and supervised a part-time employee to assist with this project.