Rachel Wall
Bend,OR
Summary
Dynamic Program Manager with extensive experience at Veterans Affairs, driving strategic health research initiatives. Proven expertise in regulatory oversight and cross-functional team leadership, successfully enhancing rural Veteran health outcomes. Adept at data analysis and stakeholder collaboration, recognized for exceptional recruitment strategies that significantly improved participant engagement in tech-based studies.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager/Health Services Researcher
Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System
07.2021 - Current
- Strategic oversight of a congressionally mandated Resource Center funding a national portfolio of research to improve rural Veteran health outcomes.
- Program management of research initiatives from proposal through execution, providing leadership on regulatory, operational, budgetary, and technical dimensions.
- Advanced policy development through data-driven collaboration with national stakeholders.
- Led continuous process improvement to foster transparency, accountability, and high-performing teams.
Data Analyst
OHSU Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
09.2017 - Current
- Processed and analyzed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics to evaluate brain changes.
- Contributed to method development for identifying perivascular spaces using MRI.
Project Manager - Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART Study)
Veterans Affairs + NIH
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Led operations for the first-ever dual-funded NIH and VA study using continuous in-home tech to monitor aging.
- Successfully enrolled a hard-to-reach population-older rural Veterans-recognized as top recruiter nationwide.
- Consulted nationally on recruitment strategies for tech-based research.
- Managed regulatory processes, IRB submissions, and database coordination across agencies.
Research Associate - Neurocognitive and Neuroimaging Studies
Indiana University Department of Psychiatry
09.2015 - 10.2018
- Conducted research on mild TBI using neuroimaging and cognitive assessments.
- Led data analysis and quality control using MATLAB, FSL, AFNI, and SPM.
- Co-authored research publications and grant proposals.
Project Manager - CARE Consortium (NCAA-DOD Study)
Indiana University Department of Psychiatry
09.2015 - 10.2018
- Oversaw administration for the 31-site national concussion study.
- Ensured protocol compliance, coordinated audits and scientific reviews.
- Collaborated with national experts on a systematic review published in BJSM.
- Selected for leadership due to strong early-career performance and scientific contribution.
Research Assistant - IU Center for Neuroimaging
Indiana University
09.2014 - 09.2015
- Studied pediatric brain health using MRI and cognitive assessments.
- Maintained data integrity through rigorous quality control protocols.
Neuroscience Researcher - Stark Neuroscience Research Institute
Indiana University
09.2014 - 09.2015
- Executed in vivo and ex vivo studies on anxiety-related neuronal circuits.
- Applied behavioral assays, optogenetics, and histological analysis.
Public Health Volunteer
Galapagos ICE (NGO)
, Ecuador
07.2011 - 09.2011
- Created and implemented the organization's first volunteer onboarding guide, including roles, ethics, and processes.
- Supported school nutrition and preventive health clinics addressing chronic disease.
- Researched and synthesized best practices into standardized systems adopted organization-wide.
Biochemical Research Assistant - Clemmer Lab
Indiana University
08.2009 - 05.2010
- Investigated peptide aggregation linked to neurodegenerative disease.
- Synthesized peptides and analyzed results using IMS-MS and TOF techniques.
Education
M.S. - Biology
Purdue School of Science, IUPUI
Indianapolis, IN05.2011
B.A. - Chemistry
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN05.2010
Skills
- Program & Portfolio Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Clinical & Health Technology Research
- Regulatory Oversight & Compliance
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Stakeholder & Partner Collaboration
- Recruitment & Community Engagement
- Data Analysis & Scientific Writing
Websites
Affiliations
- Adaptability: Extensive travel and living abroad in multiple countries, demonstrating adaptability and comfort in diverse environments.
- Outgoing Nature: Highly outgoing and social, with a strong ability to connect with diverse individuals.
- Academic Excellence: Consistently an honor's student with a longstanding history of being at the top of the class and testing out of classes. Also, a black belt in karate and competed in the Junior Olympics.
Achievements and Interests
- Black Belt in Karate: Achieved a black belt in karate and competed in the Junior Olympics.
Interests: Enjoy hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
Timeline
Program Manager/Health Services Researcher
Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System
07.2021 - Current
Data Analyst
OHSU Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
09.2017 - Current
Project Manager - Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART Study)
Veterans Affairs + NIH
01.2017 - 01.2022
Research Associate - Neurocognitive and Neuroimaging Studies
Indiana University Department of Psychiatry
09.2015 - 10.2018
Project Manager - CARE Consortium (NCAA-DOD Study)
Indiana University Department of Psychiatry
09.2015 - 10.2018
Research Assistant - IU Center for Neuroimaging
Indiana University
09.2014 - 09.2015
Neuroscience Researcher - Stark Neuroscience Research Institute
Indiana University
09.2014 - 09.2015
Public Health Volunteer
Galapagos ICE (NGO)
07.2011 - 09.2011
Biochemical Research Assistant - Clemmer Lab
Indiana University
08.2009 - 05.2010
M.S. - Biology
Purdue School of Science, IUPUI
B.A. - Chemistry
Indiana University
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