{"id":607,"date":"2022-05-10T17:48:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-10T17:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.socra.org\/blog\/?p=607"},"modified":"2023-01-26T15:02:35","modified_gmt":"2023-01-26T15:02:35","slug":"clinical-trials-day-2022-insights-from-socra-nominee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.socra.org\/blog\/clinical-trials-day-2022-insights-from-socra-nominee\/","title":{"rendered":"Clinical Trials Day 2022: Insights from SOCRA Nominee Aryn Knight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Aryn Knight, CCRP<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Administrative Director <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas Heart Institute <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Houston, Texas<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

On May 20, the world will honor clinical research professionals in an annual celebration of Clinical Trials Day (CTD). This internationally recognized event raises awareness of clinical trials and the many career opportunities in this wonderfully rewarding field, and it is our honor to kick off the 2022 celebration. In keeping with tradition, we\u2019ve invited SOCRA members to nominate each other for their outstanding work and contributions to public health, medical advancement, and improved health outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019re sharing the insights and perspectives of Aryn Knight, Administrative Director for the Center for Clinical Research at Texas Heart Institute. We are recognizing Aryn for her positive contributions to clinical research education and advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Meet a SOCRA 2022 Clinical Trials Day nominee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aryn Knight, BS, CCRP, has more than 20 years of direct experience in clinical research in academia and hospital environments. Her specialty areas include cardiology, pediatrics, gastroenterology, neonatal ICU, psychiatry, psychology, and neurology. Blending her love of law and science, Aryn\u2019s focus on clinical research compliance and regulations has positioned her as a subject matter expert, elevating her contributions to the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aryn brought her compliance expertise to her professional role as Administrative Director at the Center for Clinical Research at Texas Heart Institute in Houston, TX, leveraging her skills to restructure the organization\u2019s clinical research system. She also serves as the Chairwoman of the Texas Medical Center Clinical Research and Training Committee.

An active SOCRA member since 2007, Aryn serves as the SOCRA Houston\/Galveston Chapter<\/a> Chair, in addition to serving on the SOCRA Board of Directors, Certification Content Writing Committee, Certification Governance Committee, and Job Task Analysis Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cClinical Trials Day is a relatively new recognition day for our industry. It\u2019s fantastic that we\u2019re receiving this acknowledgment that\u2019s so vitally important for the future of the clinical research profession.\u201d<\/p>\n– Aryn Knight<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Passion with purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Looking back on how her career began, Aryn noted that many seasoned clinical research professionals like her stumbled into the industry by chance. However, many choose to remain in the profession, dedicating their careers to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike many others, I just fell into clinical research,\u201d Aryn said. \u201cI really loved reading and interpreting clinical trial regulations \u2013 it appealed to my talents and interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, there\u2019s an even larger motivation fueling Aryn\u2019s long-term passion for clinical research: its power to change lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s very satisfying to do this work. We\u2019re improving the quality of people\u2019s lives by helping to make cutting-edge advancements available to those who need them.\u201d<\/p>\n-Aryn Knight<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The role of education and networking in advancing the profession<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aryn reflected on her experience in clinical research when she started in the industry two decades ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople used to look at clinical research as a steppingstone to nursing or medical school \u2013 not necessarily as a viable career. I thank SOCRA for its contribution to changing and evolving the profession into a respected and rewarding path.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aryn\u2019s was nominated for Clinical Trials Day by Maria Ines Nunez who recognized her as a positive force for clinical research education because of the crucial support she provides for current and aspiring professionals. Aryn said, \u201cThere weren\u2019t many opportunities for us to learn, connect, and support each other when I entered the industry, so, I made education my mission when I came to Houston \u2013 I knew that is what I wanted to focus on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond supporting education opportunities to help clinical research professionals learn and grow, Aryn believes that advancing the industry depends on networking. Social media platforms like Facebook groups and LinkedIn have helped Aryn connect with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI am very active on social media, answering questions and sharing insights so that I can be a resource for others. It\u2019s my privilege to share knowledge and advice to help fellow professionals succeed and pave the way for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n– Aryn Knight<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Ways to celebrate Clinical Trials Day This Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We asked Aryn how she plans to celebrate Clinical Trials Day this year and she shared a few simple ideas that can spread much-needed awareness about the clinical research industry and community, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n