Leading Process Improvement to Inform Strategy and Data Insights

Mary Beth Blocher is a clinical research project manager for the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute. Blocher previously studied Healthcare Management and Policy at Indiana University. Now at NUCATS, she uses her skills to optimize data management for clinical research. 

Where is your hometown? 

I was born and raised in Munster, Indiana, which is a town located in Northwest Indiana about 25 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. 

What led you to Northwestern? 

After graduating from Indiana University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in healthcare management and policy, I was looking for a career that aligned with my studies and would have a meaningful impact in the healthcare space. I applied to be a program assistant for NUCATS and have been with the same department ever since. 

What are you currently working on?  

As a clinical research project manager, I lead initiatives focused on streamlining data workflows for the Center for Clinical Research. Over the past year, my primary focus has been process improvement. More specifically, optimizing how we collect, organize and visualize study intake data. I’ve been leveraging tools like Smartsheet to centralize our metrics, enabling more efficient tracking and decision-making across teams. 

How does your work support the research enterprise at Feinberg? 

My role directly supports the operational backbone of clinical research at Feinberg. By automating and managing key data related to study intake, I help ensure that our leadership has timely, accurate insights for strategic planning and reporting. These efficiencies not only save time, but also empower NUCATS to make data-informed decisions that enhance the overall effectiveness of our research infrastructure. This past year, I also worked to establish a partnership with Acutrans, a translation and interpretation service that supports clinical trial subjects who may not speak English as a primary language. This effort was meant to make it easier for individuals across the Chicagoland area to participate in clinical trials by reducing language-related barriers during study visits. This initiative has helped broaden community engagement and improve the overall accessibility of our research efforts. 

Why do you enjoy working at Northwestern? 

The people are truly what make my experience at Northwestern exceptional. Over the past six years, I’ve had the chance to work with mentors who have helped me navigate big decisions, both professional and academic. I’ve also created lifelong friendships with coworkers, which has been the most rewarding part of my time at NU. These people make work feel less like a job and more like a community. Beyond that, I really connect with Northwestern’s values, especially the focus on innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement, which aligns closely with my own approach to work and professional development.