What Makes a Dream Team? The People Behind the Work at the University Hospitals Health Services Research Center

Transforming research into real-world care lies at the heart of University Hospitals’ mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.

The University Hospitals Health Services Research Center (HSRC) advances that mission by accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice. Through healthcare delivery science research, education and mentorship, the Center improves patient and family outcomes across Northeast Ohio and beyond while cultivating the next generation of health services researchers.

Behind every successful research program is a network of talented individuals who contribute in different but equally important ways. At HSRC, scientific discovery, education and innovation are supported by a collaborative team of professionals whose expertise helps advance the Center’s mission.

Through academic support, digital engagement, project management, research administration and scientific communications, a small but mighty team at HSRC helps ensure that programs run smoothly, initiatives move forward and important discoveries reach the audiences who can benefit from them. In doing so, they help connect researchers, clinicians, healthcare leaders and community stakeholders across the health system, nationally and internationally.

This team, which includes Abigail Zona-Patel, Lisa Hackle, Nicole Bollinger, Raquel Santiago and Yi Fritz, brings expertise in academic affairs, digital strategy, project management, scientific communications and research administration. Together, they provide the administrative, operational and communications support that helps ensure HSRC's work is effectively executed, disseminated and positioned for impact.

“It’s an incredibly talented and hard-working team with diverse skills,” says Samudragupta Bora, PhD, Founding Director of HSRC. “Their dedication, professionalism and commitment help make everything we do possible.”

The Team:

Abigail Zona-Patel, MPH, Academic Affairs Coordinator

Abigail Zona-Patel, MPH

Abigail Zona-Patel leads academic affairs, specializing in educational programs, faculty development and social media engagement for research communications. Her work helps strengthen collaboration and educational initiatives that advance the Center’s academic mission.

 

“Supporting faculty and fostering collaboration helps turn innovative ideas into meaningful academic and research outcomes.”

Lisa Hackle, BS, Senior Academic Digital Strategist

LIsa Hackle, BS

Lisa Hackle leads digital strategy, specializing in web initiatives and user experience. Her work helps translate complex research into clear, effective digital content that broadens awareness of the Center's programs and accomplishments.

 

“Effective digital experiences do more than deliver information. They create meaningful connections.”

Nicole Bollinger, MBA, PMP, Project Manager

Nicole Bollinger, MBA, PMP

Nicole Bollinger leads project management, specializing in aligning priorities and guiding complex initiatives from planning through implementation. Her work helps ensure that HSRC programs are executed efficiently and achieve meaningful results.

 

“Successful research initiatives depend on strong collaboration, thoughtful planning and effective execution.”

Raquel Santiago, MBA, Scientific Content Writer

Raquel Santiago, MBA

Raquel Santiago leads scientific communications, specializing in transforming complex ideas into compelling stories that highlight scholarship, clinical innovation and academic achievement. Her work helps communicate the significance of HSRC’s research and showcase the people and programs driving progress across the Center.

 

“Scientific discoveries have the greatest impact when they are shared and understood.”

Yi Fritz, MBBS, MS, MBA, PMP, Director of Research Strategy and Administration

Fritz, MBBS, MS, MBA, PMP

Yi Fritz leads research strategy and administration, specializing in advancing academic and research priorities through strategic planning, program development and institutional partnerships. Her work helps bridge the gap between scientific innovation and organizational strategy.

 

“Advancing research depends on strong partnerships, thoughtful strategy and the infrastructure that enables innovation to thrive.”

Supporting Impact Across University Hospitals

Together, this team helps ensure that HSRC’s research, education and outreach efforts are not only operationally strong but also clearly communicated and widely accessible.

By enhancing how scientific discoveries are shared and understood, they help connect researchers, clinicians and healthcare leaders, support collaboration, inform best practices and extend the reach of innovation across University Hospitals and beyond.

Their work may often take place behind the scenes, but its impact is visible throughout the Center’s accomplishments. By providing the structure, coordination and communication that support HSRC’s mission, they help create an environment where research, education and innovation can thrive, ultimately helping improve individual and population health and well-being.

“Their contributions extend far beyond operational support,” Bora says. “It’s truly a pleasure to work with this team every day. Their expertise, dedication and collaborative spirit help make our mission of improving health and healthcare through research, education and innovation possible.”

Together, Abigail, Lisa, Nicole, Raquel and Yi exemplify what makes a dream team: diverse expertise, collaboration, reliability and a shared commitment to helping others succeed in advancing the mission of HSRC and University Hospitals.