Affiliate Members

University of Arizona employees or Banner Health professionals not meeting Member criteria. 

VFCE Affiliate

Christine Butkiewicz, DVM, MPH, MLIS
Associate Research Scientist

I work with the Shubitz lab on mouse models of coccidioidomycosis. I have a particular interest in research that will broaden our understanding of Valley fever in community animals. As a veterinarian, I see small animal patients with Valley fever in practice.  
Dakota Darby
Clinical Research Coordinator

In my role as a Clinical Research Coordinator, I work alongside a diverse group of researchers, including clinicians and scientists at the Valley Fever Center of Excellence. My primary responsibilities involve overseeing the recruitment & retention of participants for human subjects research projects which can include both investigator initiated and sponsored trials. To accomplish this, I am responsible for various tasks such as obtaining informed consent, collecting & processing samples, and following up with participants.
Malisa Grantham
Program Manager, Valley Fever Collaborative

I started with the Valley Fever Center for Excellence in May of 2022 as the Program Manager for the newly formed Valley Fever Collaborative. I work 20 hours a week while finishing my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Science, Technology, Health, and Society.  
Lisa Higgins, MPH
Associate Director, Valley Fever Initiatives

It has been my pleasure to have served the Valley Fever Center for Excellence since 2007. As Associate Director, I have assisted managing and supporting all Center infrastructure under the leadership of our Distinguished Director, Dr. Galgiani. 
Lourdes Lewis
Research Specialist, Senior

I am the lab manager of the BSL3 lab for the VFCE department. I have worked for this department for 33 years which includes participating in research projects in search of the Valley fever vaccine.
Tao Peng
Research Specialist, Senior

I collaborate and participate in various research about Valley fever including anti-fungal drug and vaccine development, new diagnostics, and genetic studies.

 
Brigette Rubi
Administrative Support Assistant

I provide support and ensure the efficient operation of the center by assisting in all administrative processes. I maintain a comprehensive donor database to facilitate efficient fundraising initiatives and assist in designing and implementing surveys in REDCap, a research data management tool.
Hien Trinh, MS
Research Specialist, Senior

I conduct experiments to further our understanding of Valley fever biology, its ability to cause disease, and how to prevent it.
Alexandria Woods
Clinical Research Coordinator

As a Clinical Research Coordinator, I collaborate with researchers in a variety of disciplines, including the clinicians and scientists at the Valley Fever Center of Excellence.  I primarily handle recruitment and retention for the human subjects research projects funded through the center, both investigator-initiated and sponsored trials. Some of my responsibilities include informed consent, sample collection and processing, study drug dispensation/monitoring, and participant follow-up.