Archives: Speakers

Now the founding editor of the UK & Ireland’s first ever cannabis publication, Róisín Delaney has a decade of experience in both radio and publishing. Prior to launching The CANNAVIST Magazine, Róisín worked in Dublin and on the US gulf coast for women’s health, wellbeing and lifestyle publications. Among the previous publications in which Róisín’s byline has appeared are the Belfast Telegraph, Woman’s Way, U! Magazine, Irish Tatler, Irish Tatler Man and ACCESS magazine. While studying for a master’s degree in Journalism at Dublin City University, she also contributed to current affairs programming at RTÉ Radio One, Ireland’s national radio broadcaster. Separate to her work as a writer and editor, Róisín has in the past consulted as a brand advisor for start-up wellness brands, helping to create effective marketing and public relations strategies.

David is Analytics Product Manager within Financial Services at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. His work includes setting the strategy and vision for the analytics product, enabling financial institutions to improve detection effectiveness and efficiency through the application of advanced analytics, in particular optimisation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.  David is also a hands-on senior data scientist with over 15 years’ experience developing data science solutions in the areas of financial crime, telco, cyber, defence & security. His work has resulted in several publications and international patents.

Haley is a clinical research professional with over 15 years of experience in drug development.  While currently focused on rare disease feasibility and operational strategy Haley is experienced in clinical operations, regulatory affairs and project management across a wide range of therapeutic areas.  Areas of special interest include pediatric clinical trials, gene therapy and decentralized trial implementation.

Dr. Townson heads development programs for Immuno-oncology and Cell Therapy assets at Bayer.

Dr. Townson’s current development activities include: AhR-inhibition, DGK-inhibition, and allogeneic CAR-T treatment. In the past several years Dr. Townson’s successes include the global registration and launch of hematology and cell therapy assets as well as multiple INDs and early clinical testing of novel small-molecule and anti-body check-point therapies.

Experienced pharmaceutical professional with more than 22 years in industry working in Clinical Operations and Medical Affairs, managing development programs from early phase through post marketing. His recent roles have focused on global program strategy development and oversight, partnership development, and operational quality improvement. Michael is currently head of Clinical Operations at Surrozen, focusing on department infrastructure and outsourcing strategy development to support planned clinical studies.

Kelly McKee is the Vice President of Patient Registries and Recruitment at Medidata with 20 years of experience in clinical trial operations, patient recruitment and innovation. She is a proven clinical trial leader and trailblazer in operationalizing global patient-focused solutions across organizations including innovations in clinical trial awareness, access, and improvements in patient experiences. Kelly is passionate about celebrating the role that clinical trial participants bring in making new medicines and vaccines possible and was named one of PharmaVoice’s 100 Most Inspiring Leaders in 2020, Centerwatch’s Top 20 Innovators of 2018, and PharmaTimes’ Clinical Researcher of the Year, Clinical Research Teams, in 2012.

Alicia Staley serves as vice president of Patient Engagement at Medidata. She oversees the Patient Insights Program and the Patient Insights Board. She works to infuse the patient perspective throughout the product development lifecycle and help engage patients in novel ways. She created Patient Centricity by Design (PCbD) in 2018 as a way to provide structure and governance for developing patient-centric technical solutions.

Alicia has over 20 years of experience in software design and information systems management.  She is also a three-time cancer survivor, first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease as a sophomore during college. With an extensive network of patient advocates and non-profit organizations, she collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders to help improve processes and policies that impact cancer care.

As a champion of patient advocacy and engagement, she understands the critical issues facing patients seeking to engage in clinical research.