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Abbie Paxman

Abbie Paxman, MS

Director of Research Administration

Abbie joined the University of Utah in 2003 after receiving her MS in Quantitative Economics from the University of Colorado.   She has extensive experience overseeing operations and strategic planning, generating new research revenue, and providing financial management for the research enterprise. She is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment and enjoys expanding her knowledge of PM&R research.

abbie.paxman@hsc.utah.edu

David Aldridge

David Aldridge

Research Accounting and Finance Manager

David has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare revenue cycle. David joined the University in 2008 as a billing specialist with University Medical Billing. Through his years of working for the University he has been able to utilize his skillsets in coding, billing and financials to help advance division and department goals. David joined our team after serving as the FDA specialist for Compliance Services Clinical Research Compliance & Education department. When not working, Dave enjoys cheering on the Utah Utes football team and spending time outdoors with his wife, daughter and grandchildren.

David.aldridge@hsc.utah.edu

Erin Granger, MPH

Erin Granger, MPH

Research Operations Manager

Erin joined the University of Utah in 2012 as a clinical research coordinator in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. From there she started working for Revenue Cycle Support Services learning project management and leading institutional and department projects including customer service, finance, and IT. Later she was able to rejoin clinical research with Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine and then the Clinical and Translation Science Institute. Erin has experience working on all varieties and sizes of projects including multi-contract industry partnerships, FDA IND's, design and start-up for investigator initiated trials, software implementations and more. Erin grew up in Indiana and obtained her bachelors from Purdue University and Masters of Public Health from Ohio State University before relocating to Utah. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and hiking all over the west with her dog Gracie. 

erin.granger@hsc.utah.edu

Picture of Amanda Cooper

Amanda Cooper, PhD

Research Associate

Cooper joined the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2023 after receiving her PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology from the University of Utah. Her background in basic and translational musculoskeletal science has provided more than a decade of hands-on experience with every aspect of the research process, including study design and implementation, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings. She is excited to bring her scientific expertise to her current role as a Research Associate, working with Dr. Zachary McCormick and the PM&R research team to advance the treatment of spine and musculoskeletal pain conditions through clinical outcomes research.

amanda.cooper@utah.edu

Marta Iversen

Marta Iversen, PhD

Research Associate

Marta received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. She has extensive experience with electrophysiology in both small animal and large animal models and she was an Assistant Professor in Neuroscience at Westminster College before joining the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2022. Dr. Iversen is leading collaborative grants and overseeing numerous graduate and undergraduate projects. Outside of the lab, Dr. Iversen enjoys hiking in the fall, skiing in the winter, biking in the spring, and gardening in the summer.

marta.iversen@utah.edu

Jamie Egbert

Jamie Egbert, MPH

Research Associate

Jamie joined the University of Utah in 2024 after receiving an MPH with an emphasis in Epidemiology from Loyola University Chicago and a BS in Statistics from BYU. Her previous experience includes research on health disparities and mental health. In her current role as a Research Associate, she collaborates with providers in PM&R and Orthopaedics, conducting research related to sports epidemiology and sports injury prevention and intervention. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys hiking, art, spending time with family and friends, and going on walks with her dog.
 

jamie.egbert@utah.edu

Madelaine Littel

Madelaine Littell

Senior Clinical Research Coordinator

Madelaine is the senior clinical research coordinator for spine and musculoskeletal research within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department. She oversees clinical research operations and the team of study coordinators at the University Orthopaedic Center, the U of U Farmington Health Center, and the U of U South Jordan Health Center. She graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. She enjoys charcoal drawing, ballet, and MMA training in her spare time.

madelaine.littell@hsc.utah.edu

Heidi Hansen

Heidi Hansen

Senior Clinical Research Coordinator

Heidi is a certified Clinical Research Coordinator for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of the University of Utah. Heidi assists and coordinates the implementation, quality control and completion of research studies while assisting the Principal Investigator in determining and accomplishing study objectives. Oversees research studies in an administrative and operational capacity while maintaining compliance with guidelines set by governing agencies. Currently working with Principle Investigators in the following areas: Amputee Rehabilitation, Stroke Rehabilitation, Muscle Spasticity, Traumatic Brain Injury, Rehabilitation Psychology, Sports Medicine & Sports Sciences, Musculoskeletal/Spine Rehabilitation and Cancer Rehabilitation & Wellness. In her spare time she likes to run, bike, hike and make delicious meals, entertain and spend time with family.

Heidi.Hansen@hsc.utah.edu

Heather Littell

Heather Littell

Regulatory Coordinator

Heather is the Regulatory Coordinator of Dr. Zachary McCormick’s INSPIRE team in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation division. INSPIRE’s focus is researching alternative treatments for spine, shoulder and knee pain.Heather has worked in the medical field for over 30 years, starting as a Medical Assistant before moving into clinical research. As a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator, she has worked in the clinical research field for 15 years. Previous pharmaceutical trial experience includes treatments for osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypertension, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, women’s health, men’s health and various vaccine trials including anthrax, dengue, chikungunya and COVID-19.Heather has an associate degree in Multimedia and Graphic Design. She enjoys making cold-process soap, reading, drawing, coding and playing with her grandkids.

Heather.Littell@hsc.utah.edu

Luke Johnson

Luke Johnson

Orthopaedic Clinical Research Coordinator

Luke joined our team in June 2022. Luke grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and graduated from the University of Utah in the spring of 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, minoring in nutrition. Luke has held multiple roles within the University of Utah Health systems, previously working as an HCA in the Emergency Department and also as a Patient Relations Specialist at the Snowbird Medical Clinic. Luke currently works with providers in both PM&R and Orthopaedics, including Dr. Cushman, Dr. Petron, Dr. Provance, and Dr. Willick. Some of his work includes studying innovative arthritis treatments, sports epidemiology and sports injury prevention. In his free time Luke loves skiing, sending time on the lake, and camping. 

Luke.a.johnson@hsc.utah.edu

Tou Xiong

Tou Xiong

Study Coordinator

Tou Xiong graduated from Brigham Young University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health.  He plans to continue his education and achieve a Master's Degree in public health. He worked as a phlebotomist at the University of Utah before transitioning over to become a study coordinator in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department.  He works with Dr. Taylor Burnham in the Farmington Clinic. When he has free time, Tou enjoys the outdoors, such as fishing, hiking, and walking. He loves playing volleyball. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and son.

u6041732@utah.edu

Kathryn Bee

Kathryn Bee

Study Coordinator

Kathryn joined the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation research team after graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Kinesiology in 2022. Kathryn worked in a physical therapy clinic for over 4 years before transitioning to research at the University and is excited to work with our providers and patients to further research. She enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her husband and family.

u0914759@utah.edu

Holiann Clinger

Holiann Clinger

Study Coordinator

Holiann graduated with her bachelors in social work in 2020 from Brigham Young Univeristy in Idaho. She worked as an ABA Behavioral Technician before joining the team in 2023. Her goals are to pursue a Masters in a related field in the near future. 

Holiann.Clinger@hsc.utah.edu

Jacob Wilson

Jacob Wilson

Study Coordinator

Jacob joined the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department research team in April 2023.  After working the previous two year as a medical assistant with the department at the University of Utah Orthopaedic Center, Jacob transitioned into his current role as a study coordinator.  Jacob grew up in Wyoming and later graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology in the spring of 2020.  He is excited to work together with our providers, patients, and the rest of the research team on our interesting and innovative projects.  In his free time Jacob enjoys time in the outdoors, playing sports, watching movies, learning about animals and nature, and spending time with family and friends.

Jacob.Wilson@hsc.utah.edu

Ella Gaskin Cook

Ella Gaskin Cook

Study Coordinator

Ella graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health: Epidemiology in 2023, and hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Health in the future. After working in Clinical Data Management, Ella came to work as a Clinical Study Coordinator at the University of Utah. She is passionate about using evidence based research to pursue treatments for difficult diagnoses, and is excited to work with the patients and talented providers in PM&R. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, crocheting, and camping.

ella.gaskin@utah.edu