About Us
Richmond Clinical Trials is a research centre located in British Columbia that specializes in conducting research studies for the pharmaceutical industry. We have longstanding staff that have been with and grown with us, and we've got a great reputation locally with over 500 trials conducted over our history.
Our Staff
Kim Christie, PhD
President
Dr. Christie has extensive knowledge of neurological diseases, specializing in Alzheimer's disease. With this experience she spearheads a memory clinic that is offered free to the public. She is the initial contact for all new research studies conducted at our site.
Eugene Okorie, MD, FRCPC
Principal Investigator
Dr. Okorie is a Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator at OCT. As a practiced psychiatrist, he understands the inherent limitations of available options to help people struggling with mental health issues, hence his passion in trials of investigational products that would help his patients.
Colleen Maytham, MD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Maytham is a Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator at OCT. She has extensive knowledge in medicine and clinical research and brings with her, a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the medical field from her position as a family physician in the community.
Dr. Alexandra Lucas, MD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Lucas is a principal investigator at Richmond Clinical Trials. Dr. Lucas is a physician scientist who has led research in the field of immune modulating protein therapeutics and vascular disease with extensive clinical experience over the past 25 years. She has been a tenured professor at the University of Alberta, and the Robarts’ Research Institute at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, and also at the University of Florida in the US holding a Vasculitis Research Chair. Dr. Lucas currently has a continuing appointment as a Professor at the Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University. Dr. Lucas brings many years of clinical experience, participating in many clinical trials with over 200 publications.
Dr. Catherine Allen-Ayodabo
Principal Investigator
Dr. Catherine Allen-Ayodabo is a Principal Investigator and Sub investigator at Richmond clinical trials. She is a dedicated family physician with extensive clinical experience spanning community clinics and hospital settings. She provides comprehensive primary care and has also contributed to research in clinical care, particularly in oncology, with multiple publications and presentations. She has held roles such as Chief Research Fellow at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and Associate Scientific Editor for the Canadian Communicable Disease Report. She has ongoing interest in clinical research that aims to improve patients' health outcomes.
Sara Eftekhar, NP
Sub-Investigator
Sara is a Sub-Investigator who leverages her experience as a Nurse Practitioner in urgent and primary care settings, as well as her background in institutional research. Additionally, she serves as a Vancouver councilor for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC (NNPBC). Sara is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, aiming to involve communities that are typically underrepresented in research studies.
Shaghayegh (Sherri) Jamshidi, NP
Sub-Investigator
Sherri is a Sub-Investigator at Richmond Clinical Trials. She is a Nurse Practitioner with extensive clinical experience in heart failure, cardiac amyloidosis, and cardio-oncology. She earned her Master of Nursing–Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of British Columbia in 2015. In Spring 2023, she co-authored an article in the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses Journal titled “Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Comprehensive Clinical Resource for Cardiovascular Nurses.” Sherri is passionate about advancing research in the field of cardio-oncology and improving outcomes for patients with complex cardiac conditions.
Adrienne Lam, BSc, IMG MD
Site Manager
Adrienne is an International Medical Graduate who also holds a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree with a minor in Biology from University of Northern British Columbia. Her passion for research and academic/medical background enables her to take a comprehensive approach to working in the field of clinical trials at OCT.
Emily Eisner, BSc, CCRP
Site Director
Emily developed a passion for research from completing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at UBC Okanagan. Her interpersonal and research skills are utilized in all aspects of clinical trials such as helping conduct clinical trials, interacting with participants, and more.
Ali Madhi, MSc
Research Assistant
Ali Madhi is a Research Assistant at Richmond Clinical Trials, where he specializes in the collection and processing of human specimens. He holds a master’s degree in microbiology with a focus on genetic techniques, including PCR and qPCR. Over the past ten years, Ali has gained extensive research experience as a Research Assistant at UBC and the University of Tehran, as well as practical laboratory expertise as a Medical Laboratory Assistant at LifeLabs.
Aedriane Caringal, BSc (Hons)
Research Assistant
Aedriane graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Health Science and a minor in Biology. His academic background and previous experience in research and pharmacy have honed his practical knowledge of healthcare and patient care, enabling him to assist with patient recruitment, memory assessments, preparation of investigational products, and other aspects of clinical research. Passionate about advancing healthcare through research, Aedriane is dedicated to contributing to innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and shape the future of clinical science.
Jasneal Sandhu, BSc, BPharm
Unblinded Pharmacy Staff / Research Assistant
Jasneal Sandhu, is a graduate of pharmacy school from Australia, and has extensive experience working in various community pharmacy settings across Australia and Canada. With a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and patient care. His diverse background in different pharmacy environments equips him with the skills and expertise necessary to support clinical trials.
Leela Moza, BA
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Leela recently graduated from UBC Vancouver and holds a bachelor’s in psychology. Her academic interests were focused on brain and behavior, with previous work experience in research labs that allows her to assist with memory assessments, patient recruitment, and many other aspects of clinical research. She especially enjoys working with sutdy participants and being able to contribute to the advancement of the medical field, one study at a time!
Nathan Lee, BSc
Clinical Trial Coordinator
Nathan graduated from SFU with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Physiology. He has experience coordinating numerous clinical trials and studies related to colorectal surgery and infectious disease, which has allowed him to work with diverse populations. Nathan is passionate about enhancing patient experiences and exploring the unknowns in research to advance healthcare and improve patient outcomes
Nivya Sasi, M. Tech Biotech
Data Entry Coordinator
Nivya is a Data Entry Coordinator at Richmond Clinical Trial with expertise in Electronic Data Capture (EDC). Holding a Master of Technology in Biotechnology from D.Y. Patil University, her academic focus was on Genetic Engineering and Clinical Trials. Nivya's previous role as a Research Study Assistant in cancer research, specializing in prostate and kidney cancers, has fueled her passion for clinical data. She is dedicated to analyzing data that informs evidence-based decisions, improves patient outcomes, and contributes to the advancement of medical research.
Karl Tsoi, MA, MSc
Patient Recruitment Specialist
Karl holds a master’s degree in Linguistics from King’s College London in the UK and an Advanced Master’s degree in Linguistics focusing on healthcare equity from Ghent University in Belgium. With extensive experience as a medical interpreter across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, he brings strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of patient needs to his role. His background supports effective outreach and engagement, helping connect patients with clinical research opportunities in an accessible and compassionate manner.
Janice Yoo, MSc
Psychometric Rater & Administrative Coordinator
Janice holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in medical genetics from UBC. She is passionate about supporting the development of new treatments, particularly in the area of neurodegenerative conditions. In her role, she works directly with participants to conduct memory assessments and ensure a positive and supportive experience throughout the clinical trial process.