Amrita L. Ramanathan

Amrita L. Ramanathan

Clinical Research Professional · Translational & Patient-Oriented Research Operations

San Francisco Bay Area, CA.

About

Clinical research professional with 6+ years of experience supporting patient-facing, human-subjects, and translational research across the NIH Clinical Center, UCSF, and UC Berkeley. I bring deep expertise in end-to-end study coordination and a strong interest in pursuing advanced medical training, grounded in rigorous clinical research practice.

I have led the execution of complex clinical studies across outpatient, inpatient, and longitudinal designs, with responsibilities spanning recruitment and eligibility screening, informed consent, intensive physiology visits, biospecimen workflows, and audit-ready regulatory documentation. My work consistently prioritizes participant safety, protocol fidelity, and high-integrity data capture in compliance with ICH-GCP and institutional requirements.

Across academic and federal research environments, I am recognized for sound clinical judgment, precision under complexity, and effective collaboration with physicians, nurses, investigators, and multidisciplinary research teams. I am motivated by research that is mechanistic, translational, and clinically meaningful, and I am seeking Clinical Research Coordinator roles where I can contribute at a high level while continuing to develop toward a career integrating clinical care and research.

Work

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH Clinical Center

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NIH Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Fellow

Bethesda, Maryland, US

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Fellowship

Summary

Led day-to-day study operations for intramural clinical research in insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic disease, ensuring protocol adherence and high-integrity data capture.

Highlights

Independently executed 200+ intensive physiology visits (MMTT, OGTT, FSIVGTT, AST, DEXA), maintaining strict protocol timing, participant safety, and high-integrity clinical data capture.

Managed end-to-end biospecimen workflows, including timepoint-specific tube set preparation, post-draw processing (centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling), and chain-of-custody tracking for biobanking.

Entered and verified visit, laboratory, and imaging outputs in CRIS, CTDB, Excel, and REDCap, resolving discrepancies through structured reconciliation against source and legacy data.

Maintained monitoring-ready documentation (source, regulatory binders, SOPs, deviation logs) and prepared materials supporting internal QA review and audit readiness.

Mentored a summer undergraduate intern in study workflows, data hygiene, and scientific communication, creating onboarding documentation to strengthen continuity during transitions.

Berkeley Free Clinic

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Medic

Berkeley, CA, US

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Summary

Provided protocol-based clinical care to uninsured and unhoused patients under physician supervision, including consent, history-taking, physical exams, and venipuncture.

Highlights

Provided protocol-based clinical care to uninsured and unhoused patients under physician supervision, including consent, history-taking, physical exams, and venipuncture.

Supported STI/HIV/UTI testing workflows and follow-up documentation in Athena EMR during dermatological and genitourinary visits.

Delivered trauma-informed counseling using motivational interviewing to strengthen engagement, autonomy, and care adherence.

Facilitated referrals to specialty care and linkage to social resources (e.g., CalFresh, housing referrals) per clinic protocols.

UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations (now UCSF Action Research Center for Health), ZSFG

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Summer Research Intern

San Francisco, CA, US

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Summary

Coded and analyzed interviews using qualitative frameworks to synthesize themes regarding advance care planning for formerly homeless adults.

Highlights

Coded and analyzed interviews using COM-B and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) with strict protocol adherence.

Synthesized facilitators and barriers to advance care planning among formerly homeless adults into actionable themes for the research team.

Presented progress in weekly lab meetings and delivered structured outputs supporting R01 grant development.

California Right Care Initiative, UC Berkeley School of Public Health

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

Berkeley, CA, US

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Summary

Analyzed cardiovascular risk data among diasporic South Asians and presented clinical recommendations to 100+ physicians to inform clinician education and advocacy.

Highlights

Analyzed excess cardiovascular risk, morbidity, and mortality among diasporic South Asians using state- and county-level data and targeted evidence synthesis.

Presented clinical recommendations and findings to 100+ physicians and scientists at the CME-accredited University of Best Practices (UBP) as the first undergraduate presenter (since 2007).

Developed provider-facing briefs on South Asian cardiometabolic disparities to inform clinician education and advocacy.

Youth and Allies Against Homelessness (YAAH), Innovations for Youth (i4Y), UC Berkeley School of Public Health

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

Berkeley, CA, US

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Summary

Co-designed and piloted a course on homelessness, co-developed and analyzed surveys on COVID-19 impacts, and presented findings at a symposium.

Highlights

Co-designed and piloted 'Seeing People: Understanding Homelessness’ Roots, Stigmas & Solutions' (Berkeley Changemaker Course), integrating interdisciplinary frameworks.

Co-developed and analyzed English/Spanish surveys on COVID-19 impacts on access to health and basic needs among youth experiencing homelessness in the Bay Area.

Selected as an i4Y Youth Equity Scholar and presented findings at the 2021 Youth Equity Scholars Symposium.

Health Research for Action, UC Berkeley School of Public Health

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

Berkeley, CA, US

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Summary

Evaluated a culturally tailored mental health prevention program for Hmong elders, conducting mixed-methods tasks and collaborating with faculty and community stakeholders.

Highlights

Evaluated a culturally tailored, community-based mental health prevention/intervention program addressing social isolation and psychological/spiritual well-being among Hmong elders.

Conducted mixed-methods evaluation tasks (interview/survey coding, literature review, community data synthesis) to produce tables, figures, fact sheets, and annual evaluation materials.

Co-designed a culturally sensitive narrative booklet featuring participant stories to strengthen social connection and community engagement.

Bustamante Single Molecule Biophysics Lab, UC Berkeley

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

Berkeley, CA, US

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Summary

Supported single-molecule biophysics research on *M. tuberculosis* transcription dynamics through molecular biology and single-molecule methods.

Highlights

Performed molecular biology workflows including colony/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, plasmid DNA purification, restriction digestion, and protein expression/purification.

Supported optical trap and smFRET experiments to assess conformational changes and molecular interactions in real time.

Participated in journal clubs and formal training through the QB3 Summer Program (2019).

UCSF Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital & Trauma Center (ZSFG)

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Summer Research Intern

San Francisco, CA, US

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Summary

Analyzed nutrition, exercise, and biomarker data in a South Asian cohort to characterize cardiometabolic risk patterns and support health dissemination products.

Highlights

Analyzed nutrition, exercise, and biomarker data in a South Asian cohort to characterize cardiometabolic risk patterns and support dissemination products.

Developed culturally tailored educational materials and supported community town halls in South Asian languages, improving health literacy and promoting lifestyle interventions.

Supported participant-facing communication and study engagement within a longitudinal UCSF-affiliated cohort setting.

Saijo Lab, Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, UC Berkeley

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

Berkeley, CA, US

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Summary

Supported translational neuroimmune workflows, including microglia isolation optimization, sterile technique, and primary cell handling.

Highlights

Performed rodent handling, brain dissection, and primary cell harvesting using sterile neurosurgical techniques.

Maintained and passaged multiple cell lines using advanced cell and tissue culture protocols.

Applied molecular biology techniques (PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extraction, plasmid preparation) and participated in literature discussion via journal clubs.

Outer Cape Health Services

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Primary Care Intern

Harwich, MA, US

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Summary

Scribed patient encounters in eClinicalWorks, documenting histories, exams, and assessment/plan details across multiple specialties, and supported routine clinic procedures.

Highlights

Scribed encounters in eClinicalWorks, documenting histories, exams, and assessment/plan details across multiple specialties.

Supported supervised physical exams, vitals collection, and routine clinic procedures (e.g., urinalysis).

Assisted with intake, scheduling, and referrals to support efficient patient flow and strengthen interdisciplinary care understanding.

Aasha Pediatrics

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Medical Scribe & Clinical Intern

San Jose, CA, US

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Summary

Documented pediatric outpatient visits in HealthFusion (EHR) and conducted retrospective reviews of 300+ patient profiles to identify cardiometabolic risk patterns.

Highlights

Documented pediatric outpatient visits in HealthFusion (EHR), supporting accurate histories, exams, and assessment/plan documentation.

Conducted retrospective review of 300+ patient profiles to identify cardiometabolic risk patterns among South Asian pediatric patients, informing earlier prevention education.

Supported procedure-room workflow during circumcisions, urinary catheterizations, and surgical stapling under supervision, maintaining sterile technique and patient comfort.

Volunteer

Chairperson

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Mental Health Commission, Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC)

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Directed commission operations, programming, and strategic planning, overseeing 35 members and advising 30+ student-led mental health initiatives.

Highlights

Directed commission operations, programming, and strategic planning, overseeing 35 members across multiple departments through weekly meetings and structured execution.

Advised 30+ student-led mental health initiatives and coordinated collaborations with faculty, administrators, and campus organizations to align and amplify efforts.

Co-led undergraduate research on COVID-19 impacts on student mental health in partnership with Dr. Dacher Keltner, translating findings into data-informed advocacy.

Co-sponsored the “Addressing Mental Health at UC Berkeley” ASUC Senate resolution, securing increased commission funding and advocating for mental health resources on all course syllabi.

Clinic Director, Youth & LGBTQ+ (YQT+) Clinic

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Suitcase Clinic

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Directed weekly drop-in clinic operations for street- and LGBTQ+-identified youth, coordinating integrated services and managing 20+ officers and caseworkers.

Highlights

Directed weekly drop-in clinic operations, coordinating integrated services (meals, medical care, optometry, housing/legal support, hygiene services, health education).

Managed 20+ officers and caseworkers, leading onboarding, scheduling, and operational quality control to maintain a safe, trauma-informed clinic environment.

Led COVID-era service adaptations (low-contact models, symptom screening, PPE protocols) and supported restoration to full in-person operations by August 2021.

Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (medical professionals/students, legal advocates, community partners) to deliver holistic, client-centered services grounded in public health equity principles.

Diversity Committee Director

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Suitcase Clinic

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Led 28 members across three subcommittees to strengthen equity, inclusion, and retention in a student-run health clinic.

Highlights

Led 28 members across three subcommittees (Recruitment & Retention, Conversations & Training, Transformative Justice) to strengthen equity, inclusion, and retention.

Collected and analyzed caseworker demographic data to inform targeted, inclusive recruitment and retention strategies.

Advanced a stipend-based support model to reduce participation barriers for underrepresented students and promote sustained engagement.

Food Pantry Volunteer

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UC Berkeley Basic Needs Center

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Revived and operated the pantry during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting continuity of access and managing donation inventory and weekly distributions.

Highlights

Revived and operated the pantry during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting continuity of access despite widespread closures of local food banks and programs.

Managed donation inventory and facilities and supported weekly distributions serving hundreds and delivery of essential supplies within a 2-mile campus radius.

Communications Director

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Mental Health Commission, Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC)

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Led communications strategy and managed a team of 7 Communications Associates, creating and launching UC Berkeley’s inaugural Mental Health Week.

Highlights

Led communications strategy and managed a team of 7 Communications Associates across digital and in-person outreach channels.

Created and launched UC Berkeley’s inaugural, now annual Mental Health Week (2020), convening 30+ organizations and 800+ students.

Developed and executed campus-wide campaigns each semester, producing infographics, flyers, recruitment materials, and promotional content for broad distribution.

Designed and launched the commission’s first website and produced monthly newsletters and web content to support sustained engagement.

Health Education Coordinator, YQT+ Clinic

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Suitcase Clinic

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Managed weekly distribution of 50+ health and hygiene supplies and coordinated monthly donation drives, partnering with UCSF students to develop seven educational infographics.

Highlights

Managed weekly distribution of 50+ health and hygiene supplies and coordinated monthly donation drives with local partners.

Partnered with UCSF Joint Medical Program (JMP) students to develop and disseminate seven client-facing educational infographics tailored to houseless youth.

Introduced and implemented weekly blood pressure screening and hypertension counseling, procuring monitors and delivering one-on-one education on heart health and cardiovascular prevention.

Integrated trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and trans-affirming best practices into clinic education following UCSF Trans Health Elective and UC Davis Harm Reduction Conference.

Basic Needs Center Volunteer

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UC Berkeley Basic Needs Center

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Assessed food and housing needs on-site and coordinated emergency housing referrals, connecting students, staff, and community members with critical food assistance.

Highlights

Assessed food and housing needs on-site and coordinated emergency housing referrals, connecting students, staff, and community members with critical food assistance.

Supported economic, food, and housing justice by expanding access to basic resources through student-led mutual aid efforts.

Education

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Bethesda, MD, United States of America
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Fellowship Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Fellowship

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA, United States of America
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B.A. Molecular & Cell Biology (Medical Biology & Physiology)

Courses

Global Public Health (Minor)

South & Southeast Asian Studies (Minor)

Awards

Innovations for Youth (i4Y) Youth Equity Scholar (YES) Program

UC Berkeley

Recognized for contributions to youth equity initiatives and research through the i4Y program.

Global Public Health Summer Minor Scholarship

UC Berkeley

Awarded for academic excellence and commitment to global public health studies.

Publications

Diagnostic Tests to Discriminate Selective and Global Insulin Resistance. (Abstract)

J Endocr Soc.

Published abstract presented as a poster at NIH Postbac Poster Day (Apr 2023) and as an oral presentation at ENDO 2024 (Jun 2024).

Paraplegic Patient with Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Radioactive Iodine Therapy Safety and Efficacy Strategy.

J Nucl Med.

GlycA as a Novel Biomarker of Systemic Inflammation: Determinants and Implications in South Asians. (Abstract)

J Endocr Soc.

Published abstract presented as a poster at ENDO 2024 (Jun 2024).

Ethnic Differences in Hepatic Insulin Clearance: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing South Asians and Non-Hispanic Whites. (Abstract)

J Endocr Soc.

Published abstract presented as a poster at NIDDK Scientific Conference (Apr 2023) and ENDO 2023 (Jun 2023).

Opportunities, challenges, and future directions for simulation modeling the effects of structural racism on cancer mortality in the United States: a scoping review.

J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr.

Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Index: A Simple, Accurate Method for Assessing Insulin Resistance in South Asians.

J Endocr Soc.

Elevated Risk for Cardiovascular Disease in Diasporic South Asians.

J Asian Health.

Languages

English

Spanish

Tamil

Certificates

CITI Certification: Biomedical Research

CITI Program

CITI Certification: Human Subjects Research

CITI Program

CITI Certification: Social/Behavioral Research

CITI Program

HIPAA Compliance Training

Implicit, e.g., NIH/UC Berkeley

Clinical Research Safety Training

Implicit, e.g., NIH/UC Berkeley

NIH Safety Training

NIH

Laser Safety Training

Implicit, e.g., NIH/UC Berkeley

Skills

Clinical Research Operations

Study Administration, Protocol Coordination, Visit Logistics, Participant Scheduling, Cross-functional Coordination, SOP Development, Workflow Design, End-to-End Study Management.

Quality Management & Documentation

Source Documentation, Regulatory Binders, SOP Adherence, Deviation Tracking, Issue Tracking, Data Reconciliation, Monitoring Readiness, Internal QA Preparation, Audit Readiness.

Participant Engagement

Eligibility Screening, Informed Consent, Patient Communication, Patient Education, Adherence Support, Trauma-Informed Communication, Culturally Sensitive Communication, Motivational Interviewing.

Research Procedures

MMTT (Mixed Meal Tolerance Test), OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test), FSIVGTT (Frequently Sampled Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test), AST (Arginine Stimulation Test), DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), Protocol-Driven Visit Execution, Imaging Workflow Coordination.

Biospecimen Management

Timepoint-Specific Tube Preparation, Temperature-Controlled Storage, Post-Draw Processing, Centrifugation, Aliquoting, Pipetting, Chain-of-Custody Tracking, Specimen Transport, Biobanking Workflows.

Data Management & Integrity

CRIS (Clinical Research Information System), CTDB (Clinical Trials Database), REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), Excel, Qualtrics, Accurate Data Entry, Data Verification, Longitudinal QC/Cleaning, Discrepancy Resolution, Legacy Data Remediation.

Scientific Communication

Literature Review, Evidence Synthesis, Data Interpretation, Figures/Tables Creation, Abstract Writing, Poster Presentations, Manuscript Support, NIH-Wide Presentations, National Presentations, COM-B Framework, TDF (Theoretical Domains Framework).

Leadership & Training

Intern Onboarding, Workflow Documentation, Team Leadership (20+ officers/caseworkers, 35-member commissions), Accountability Systems, Operational Coordination, Mentorship.

Clinical Systems

AthenaHealth, eClinicalWorks, HealthFusion, EMR/EHR Documentation, Follow-up Tracking.

Certifications

CITI Biomedical Research, CITI Human Subjects Research, CITI Social/Behavioral Research, HIPAA Compliance, Clinical Research Safety, NIH Safety, Laser Safety.

Laboratory Techniques

Molecular Biology, qPCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Plasmid DNA Purification, Restriction Digestion, Protein Expression/Purification, Enzymatic Activity Assays, Optical Trap, smFRET, Microglia Isolation, Sterile Technique, Primary Cell Handling, Rodent Handling, Brain Dissection, Cell Line Maintenance, Tissue Culture.

Public Health & Advocacy

Cardiometabolic Risk Analysis, Culturally Tailored Education, Health Literacy, Lifestyle Interventions, Qualitative Data Analysis, Grant Development Support, Community Engagement, Health Disparities, Health Equity, Patient Advocacy, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction.

Projects

GlycA as a Novel Biomarker of Systemic Inflammation: Determinants and Implications in South Asians

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Summary

Research exploring GlycA as a novel biomarker for systemic inflammation, with a focus on its determinants and implications within South Asian populations.

Diagnostic Tests to Discriminate Selective and Global Insulin Resistance

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Summary

Research project focusing on diagnostic tests to differentiate types of insulin resistance, leading to presentations at national and institutional forums.

Improving Disparities in Diabetes Detection (Invited Talk)

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Summary

Invited talk presented at NIH SciBites, focusing on strategies and research to improve disparities in diabetes detection.

Ethnic Differences in Hepatic Insulin Clearance: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing South Asians and Non-Hispanic Whites

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Summary

Cross-sectional study investigating ethnic disparities in hepatic insulin clearance between South Asians and Non-Hispanic Whites.

Ethnic Disparities in Adipocyte Insulin Sensitivity: Understanding Insulin Resistance in South Asians

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Summary

Research project focusing on understanding ethnic disparities in adipocyte insulin sensitivity as a factor in insulin resistance among South Asian populations.

Addressing Youth Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Summary

Oral presentation delivered at the i4Y Youth Equity Scholars Symposium, addressing the challenges and impacts of youth homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mitigating Early Heart Attack Among South Asians (Invited Talk)

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Summary

Invited talk presented at the Right Care Initiative University of Best Practices, offering clinical recommendations to mitigate early heart attack among South Asian populations.