Angela Navarrete-Opazo
Greenfield,WI
Summary
Medical Doctor (non-U.S. certified) and Ph.D. in Neuroscience (Fulbright Scholar) with expertise in pre-clinical and clinical research. Skilled in research administration as operational manager for Research Development & Support (RDS) at Advocate Health Midwest, including policy and procedure development to guide academic research. Extensive knowledge of U.S. (FDA, OHRP) and international (ICH GCP) regulatory frameworks for Human Subject Research. Proficient in building workflows in Redcap to streamline research authorization and administration. Proven track record of authorship in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Manager
Advocate Health
MILWAUKEE, WI, USA
01.2025 - Current
- Manage operations for Research Development and Support (RDS) in the Midwest, leading strategic initiatives and providing end-to-end support for researchers from concept development and study design to data collection, analysis and dissemination.
- Collaborate with the research support teams including epidemiologists, statisticians, project managers, cybersecurity, contract and legal teams to assess the operational and financial feasibility of projects, streamlining the research process and enabling quicker decision-making.
- Develop the REDCap workflow for the Research Development and Support (RDS) process from the ground up, significantly streamlining the review process for research proposals and improving turnaround times.
- Oversee the institutional ClinicalTrials.gov research portfolio to maintain compliance with federal regulations, achieving 100% compliance for AH Midwest.
- Serve as the Institute for Translational Medicine (ITM) navigator, fostering research collaboration within the academic network and industry sponsors, enhancing partnerships and research opportunities for the enterprise.
- Act as a liaison between investigators, the Research Institute, and external industry sponsors, facilitating communication and collaboration that strengthened research initiatives.
Research Project Manager
Advocate Aurora Health
Milwaukee, WI
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Oversaw the review and approval of research studies submitted to the Research Authorization and Protocol Review (RAPR), providing both administrative and scientific evaluation of academic research proposals.
- Assessed operational and financial feasibility of projects and coordinated reviews across research support areas to streamline decision-making.
- Designed and implemented a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) workflow for RAPR from the ground up, significantly improving proposal review and reducing turnaround times.
- Managed project timelines and deliverables, ensuring all research initiatives adhered to established deadlines.
- Coordinated with external partners to ensure seamless collaboration on joint research initiatives.
- Published an article in the SRAI Journal describing the RAPR model as a centralized research review approach for a healthcare organization.
Senior Research Associate
Aurora Health Care
MILWAUKEE, WI, USA
12.2018 - 12.2021
- Conducted scientific, feasibility, and administrative reviews of research proposals and grant applications, ensuring rigorous evaluation and compliance with institutional guidelines.
- Collaborated closely with researchers to refine proposals, improving the quality and success rate of authorized submissions.
- Served as an investigator for rare disease research and grant applications, contributing to advancements in the field.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive documentation for research protocols, ensuring adherence to institutional compliance standards.
Research Scientist
Medical College of Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE, WI, USA
12.2017 - 12.2018
- Conducted investigations into the effects of hypoxia and opioid-induced respiratory depression in young and adult rabbits, advancing understanding of these factors' interactions.
- Analyzed data from experiments, uncovering critical insights into pharmacological impacts on respiratory function.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to interpret findings, ensuring research informed future studies and clinical practices.
- Published research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the scientific community.
Institutional Review Board Analyst/Consultant
Children's Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE, WI, USA
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Analyzed research protocols for compliance with institutional standards, FDA regulations and international GCP in Biomedical Research.
- Reviewed protocol amendments, new submissions for expedited or full board reviews, and continuing reviews; assessed adverse events and Unanticipated Problems Involving Risks to Subjects and Others.
- Served as a scientific, affiliated, regular voting member of Children's Wisconsin IRB.
Principal Investigator
Chile Teletón Institute
SANTIAGO, CHILE
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Recipient of the Chile Fondecyt Grant, leading a multi-site clinical trial investigating the motor and memory effects of intermittent hypoxia in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury, contributing to advancements in neurorehabilitation research.
- Active member of the Research Development and Support department, providing strategic guidance to clinician-investigators to enhance the clarity, rigor, and impact of their research publications.
- Provided English language editing, academic translation, and manuscript preparation services for clinician investigators, enhancing the clarity and impact of their research publications.
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician
Chile Teletón Institute
TALCA, CHILE
01.2007 - 02.2010
- Cared for children and young adults with physical and mental disabilities, focusing on therapeutic areas such as neurology, rare diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Led a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive management and treatment plans for patients and their families, ensuring coordinated care throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Neuroscience
University of Wisconsin-Madison
02-2014
Residency Program - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Universidad de Chile
12-2006
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) - Medicine
Universidad de Concepción
12-2000
Skills
- Research Management
- Research Liaison
- Research Administration
- Feasibility Assessment
- FDA Regulations
- Good Clinical Practice
- Clinical Research
- Project Management
- Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap)
- Ethics compliance
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Research Manager
Advocate Health
01.2025 - Current
Research Project Manager
Advocate Aurora Health
01.2022 - 12.2024
Senior Research Associate
Aurora Health Care
12.2018 - 12.2021
Research Scientist
Medical College of Wisconsin
12.2017 - 12.2018
Institutional Review Board Analyst/Consultant
Children's Wisconsin
01.2016 - 12.2018
Principal Investigator
Chile Teletón Institute
01.2014 - 12.2015
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician
Chile Teletón Institute
01.2007 - 02.2010
Residency Program - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Universidad de Chile
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) - Medicine
Universidad de Concepción
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Neuroscience
University of Wisconsin-Madison
AWARDS
- Recipient of the Chile Fondecyt Grant (2015)
- Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (2013)
- Inducted into The Golden Key International Honor Society (2012)
- Fulbright Program: Awarded a full scholarship to pursue a doctorate in the United States (2010)
- Teleton Program: Granted full scholarship to pursue a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency (2004)
PUBLICATIONS
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Lefaiver C, Robaina M, Wrona L, Kram J, Vizgirda V. Research Authorization and Protocol Review (RAPR): A Centralized Research Review Model for Advocate Health Midwest. Journal of Research Administration. 56.2 (2025): 160-181.
- Navarrete-Opazo, A.A., Singh, M., Tisdale, A. et al. Can you hear us now? The impact of health-care utilization by rare disease patients in the United States. Genet Med 23, 2194–2201 (2021).
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Garrison S, Waite M. Molecular Biomarkers for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review. Neurology. Neurol Clin Pract. May 29, 2020, 10.1212.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Cook-Snyder D, Miller J, Callison J, McCarthy N, Palkovic B, Stuth E, Zuperku E, Stucke A. Endogenous glutamatergic inputs to the Parabrachial Nucleus/ Kölliker-Fuse Complex determine respiratory rate. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2020 Feb 6:103401.
- Cook-Snyder D, Miller J, Navarrete-Opazo A, Callison J, Peterson R, Hopp F, Stuth E, Zuperku E, Stucke A. The contribution of endogenous glutamatergic input to the ventral respiratory column to respiratory rhythm. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2019 Feb; 260:37-52.
- Navarrete-Opazo A. Analysis of disability using WHODAS 2.0 among patients from Santiago Teletón Institute two years after discharge. Rehabil Integral 2018; 13 (1): 22-31.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Alcayaga J, Sepúlveda O, Gonzalo V. Intermittent hypoxia and locomotor training enhances dynamic but not standing balance in incomplete spinal cord injury patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Mar;98(3):415-424.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Cuitiño P, Salas I. Effectiveness of dietary supplements in health-related conditions associated with spinal cord injuries. Disabil Health J. 2017 Apr;10(2):183-197.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Alcayaga J, Sepúlveda O, Rojas E, Astudillo C. Intermittent hypoxia and locomotor training enhances walking function in incomplete spinal cord injury subjects: a randomized, triple-blind clinical trial. J Neurotrauma. 2017 May 1;34(9):1803-1812.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Dougherty B, and Mitchell GS. Enhanced recovery of breathing capacity from combined adenosine 2A receptor inhibition and daily acute intermittent hypoxia after chronic cervical spinal injury. Exp Neurol. 2017 Jan;287(Pt 2):93-101.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Alcayaga J, Testa D, Quinteros AL. Intermittent hypoxia does not elicit memory impairment in spinal cord injury patients. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2016 Jun; 31(4):332- 42.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, González W, Nahuelhual P. Effectiveness of Oral Baclofen in the Treatment of Spasticity in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2016 Apr; 97(4):604-18.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Vinit S., Dougherty BJ, Mitchel GS. Daily acute intermittent hypoxia elicits functional recovery of diaphragm and inspiratory intercostal muscle activity after acute cervical spinal injury. Exp Neurol. 2015 Apr; 266:1-10.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, and Mitchell GS. Therapeutic potential of intermittent hypoxia: a matter of dose. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2014 Nov 15; 307(10): R1181-R1197.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Vinit, S., Mitchell, G.S. (2014). Adenosine 2A receptor inhibition enhances intermittent hypoxia-induced diaphragm but not intercostal long-term facilitation. J Neurotrauma. 2014 Dec; 31(24):1975-84.
- Navarrete-Opazo A, Mitchell, G.S. Recruitment and plasticity in diaphragm, intercostal, and abdominal muscles in unanesthetized rats. J Appl Physiol. 2014 Jul; 117(2):180-8.
- Navarrete A, Peters D, Ruz, S. Functional result of multilevel botulinum toxin in lower limbs and comprehensive therapy in children suffering from cerebral palsy. Rehabil. 2010 Mar; 44, 236-243.