2026 Introduction to Clinical Trials Seminar Series

The Introduction to Clinical Trials Seminar Series provides a practical foundation in the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials. Through expert-led sessions and panel discussions, the series covers key topics including trial phases and endpoints, protocol development, regulatory and committee oversight, data collection and analysis, investigator responsibilities, and the integration of correlative science. This series will benefit trainees, research coordinators and staff, investigators, and others seeking a clearer understanding of how clinical trials are developed and implemented within an academic medical center.

Hosted by: Wilmot Cancer Institute — Office for Cancer Research Training and Education

Location: Formicola Conference Room (Wilmot Cancer Institute Room 2-0727)

Please contact Nicole O’Dell for the Zoom link if you would like to attend virtually.

Session Overview

Friday, April 10, 2026

Session 1: Clinical Phases and Endpoints: From Phase I to Phase III – 2 PM

Presenter: Jathin Bandari, MD, Associate Professor of Urology

Session 2: Research Oversight in Clinical Trials: The Role of PRMC, RSRB, and DSMC  – 3 PM

Panel Discussion: 
Richard Dunne, MD, MS (PRMC)
Kelley O’Donoghue, MPH & Sarah Mumford, MBA (RSRB)
Jane Liesveld, MD & Megan Baumgart, MD (DSMC)

Friday, April 17, 2026

Session 3: Designing a Clinical Study: Working with a Statistician and Testing Hypotheses – 2 PM

Presenter: Andrea Baran, MS, Senior Associate, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

Session 4: Data Collection and Analysis in Clinical Trials: Methods and Tools  – 3 PM

Presenter: Myla Strawderman, MS, Senior Associate, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

Friday, April 24, 2026

Session 5: Survival Analysis in Clinical Trials: Core Concepts and Common Pitfalls – 2 PM

Presenter: Myla Strawderman, MS, Senior Associate, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

Session 6: The Role of the Clinical Investigator: Responsibilities and Real-World Challenges  – 3 PM

Panel Discussion: 
Paul Barr, MD, Director, Wilmot Cancer Institute, Clinical Trials Office
Brendan Guercio, MD, Clinical Trialist
Kristen O'Dwyer, MD, Clinical Trialist
Eric Cebula, MD, Clinical Trialist

Friday, May 8, 2026

Session 7: Clinical Trial Protocol Writing: Structure, Content, and Best Practices – 2 PM

Presenter: Jathin Bandari, MD, Associate Professor of Urology

Session 8: Informed Consent, Enrollment and Accrual in Clinical Trials  – 3 PM

Presenters: 
Carla Casula, MD, Professor of Medicine
Rick Bangs, Cancer Research Advocate

Friday, May 15, 2026

Session 9: Launching an Investigator-Initiated Trial: Development, Parnerships, and Pathways – 2 PM

Presenters:
Kyle Richards, PharmD, BCPPS, Manager of UR Investigational Drug Service
Danielle Wallace, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine

Session 10: Integrating Correlative Science into Early-Phase Clinical Trials  – 3 PM

Presenter: Michelle Janelsins, PhD, MPH, Professor of Surgery