Michael E. Manning, MD, PI
Dr. Michael Manning is the Principal Investigator and CEO of Medical Research of Arizona a division of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD. He has practiced in the medical field as a board-certified Allergist, Immunologist and Internist since 1987. Dr. Manning leads the research team in training on protocols, investigational product compounds, and about disease under study. Dr. Manning and his practice specialize in Asthma, Atopic Dermatitis, OIT, food allergy, Hereditary Angioedema, Chronic Urticaria, Immunotherapy replacement and other disease since 1995. He has conducted over 150 clinical trials, in research phase II, III and IV. He enjoys the challenges of research and the new opportunities clinical trials give to his patients. Dr. Manning’s PI oversight of each clinical trial is outstanding, he is invested in the care of each of his research volunteers, and confident in the education of all his research staff. Dr. Manning maintains his Good Clinical Practice certification through CITI, as well as sponsor initiated Principal Investigator training programs. He continues to advocate for his patients and uphold their rights along with executing high quality trial data.
Elise Curtin, BS, CRC
Elise Curtin graduated from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. While working towards her undergraduate degree, she also became certified as an emergency medical technician and gained valuable knowledge of physiology, medical skills, and hands-on patient experience. She additionally worked as a chiropractic assistant and a medical scribe, further cementing her passion for the medical field. She joined Medical Research of Arizona in 2022 and has been committed to ensuring all trials are carried out at the highest standard ever since. Working with patients and connecting with the people around her while working to improve the lives of others is the highlight of her current position and something she strives for in everything she does.
Briana Hernandez, CRC, Regulatory and Finance Manager
Briana Hernandez undoubtedly realized she enjoyed research when she started coordinating trials in 2017. She previously gained experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator on ophthalmology, oral, and device studies as well as previous allergy and asthma studies. Briana manages and oversees the regulatory and finances of clinical trials for Medical Research of Arizona. She is also in close correspondence with our sponsors and Institutional Review Boards throughout the duration of the studies and ensures GCP standards are adhered to.
Sydney Peterson, BS, CRC
Sydney Peterson graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Sciences. During her years in college, she developed a passion for patient care while working with the elderly population as a caregiver and as a patient advocate for a hospice organization. Prior to her Clinical Research Coordinator position at Medical Research of Arizona, she worked as a Bioanalytical Chemistry Research Analyst, conducting preclinical studies for pharmaceutical research. Sydney started working at Medical Research of Arizona in 2023 and is excited to be combining her love for science and patient care. Shifting towards the clinical side of research, she is enthusiastic about connecting with patients, striving towards medical advancements, and helping make the medical world a better place.
Ciara Thomas, CRC
Ciara Thomas realized she had a passion for research in 2021 where she was a phlebotomist/lab tech for a big research company. After getting in the door, she wanted to continue expanding her knowledge in research where she became a study coordinator. Ciara has been a medical assistant and phlebotomist for 10 years in many different clinical settings such as hospitals, clinical laboratories, emergency rooms and doctor’s offices. As a clinical research coordinator at Medical Research of Arizona, Ciara is eager to not only display her patient skills but also her determination to learn and help others.
Stephen Dietrich, AAS, CRC
Stephen Dietrich graduated from Chandler-Gilbert Community College with an Associate’s of Applied Science in Organizational Management and a CCL in Clinical Data Coordination. Prior to beginning his role as a Clinical Research Coordinator, he spent five years working as a field manager of a pest control company. He developed a strong interest in clinical research from his wife who also works in the field as a Clinical Research Associate. He started working at Medical Research of Arizona in 2024 and looks forward to working with patients to help make their lives more comfortable. He has a passion for helping people and a desire to help further research of new drugs that have the potential to improve the lives of patients.