Providing Regulatory Support for Clinical Research

Ashley Bowman, senior regulatory coordinator for the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute. Bowman graduated with a bachelor of science in community health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and went on to earn a master’s in healthcare administration from Purdue University Global. 

She previously served as a senior regulatory coordinator at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and worked in clinical operations research at Hollister Incorporated. Her passion for the clinical administrative environment led her back to Northwestern to join NUCATS. 

In her current role, Bowman bridges the gap between ethics, medical research and human impact.  

Where is your hometown?  

Chicago.

What led you to Northwestern?  

A growth opportunity led me to Northwestern. I decided to leave another large medical institution in Chicago for job growth and a shift in culture and work environment. Upon being exposed to the Northwestern culture, it truly felt like a fantastic work home and as far as research, I knew that Northwestern has been eager to break through barriers in the clinical trial research realm.  

 What are you currently working on?  

Within NUCATS Center for Clinical Research (CCR) Regulatory Unit, we are in the process of continuing to build trusting relationships amongst different departments and study teams as we open more clinical trial research studies. I am currently overseeing study maintenance for my assigned studies, delegating study tasks to my team and meeting with leadership as we discuss FY24 CCR Regulatory plans. 

 How does your work support the research enterprise at Feinberg?   

The regulatory unit assists investigators with meeting essential regulatory activities, training and general support to Feinberg research staff. My regulatory team consists of five regulatory coordinators who each oversee a variety of studies across departments within Feinberg. Our regulatory study support allows for the PI and study team to effectively screen and enroll patients across the Northwestern campus and Chicagoland area.  

 Why do you enjoy working at Northwestern?   

I enjoy working at Northwestern because I truly feel that the work I do is recognized. I am apart of a team that enjoys the work that they do, and I push myself to perform my best since I am working amongst a great group of individuals. While there are many factors that impact my job satisfaction, my regulatory background and research experiences have been a great contribution that has allowed for me to excel in my role here on the NUCATS CCR team.