Department of Research Operations

Rhonda joined BMC in October, 2023, as executive assistant to the vice president & chief scientific officer, Office of Research, and the executive director, Research Operations. Before joining BMC, she held the position of director, medical staff office, and has 25-plus years as an executive assistant. She look forward to many years at BMC.

Email: rhonda.champagnie@bmc.org

Asa Lopatin joined BMC in October 2023. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Research Operations, having negotiated research contracts and advised faculty on industry engagements for over seven years at the University of Virginia.

Email: asa.lopatin@bmc.org 

Kaye is heartened to serve BMC study teams, patients, and communities in their drive toward transformative healthcare and is moved by BMC's trailblazing spirit, exemplifying since 1864 the meaning of public health service. Before 2005, Kaye won recognition as newspaper reporter and editor and then university instructor. In 2007 and 2014, she was tapped to build out inaugural research compliance programs at the University of Utah and the seventh largest health system in the US, respectively, where she honed her commitment to program development through system and procedural innovation and communications.  Because teaching is learning, she volunteers as a tutor for sixth graders in a STEM program for low-income communities. 

Email: kaye.mottola@bmc.org

Doug joined BMC’s Research Operations team as the Director of Support Services in early 2024. He plays an integral role in the evolution of BMC’s research program, focusing on research cores and shared services. Doug provides strategic input, operational oversight, and fiscal responsibility for BMC's research cores and platforms, including research shared services.

Doug brings a unique perspective and deep understanding from his work in the Department of Pediatrics since 2003. He joined BMC in 2003 as the Financial Administrator in Pediatrics and progressively advanced to more responsible positions, including Director of Research and Extramurally Sponsored Programs; he held the position of Senior Research Director before joining Research Operations.

Email:  douglas.rockwell@bmc.org 

Alexandra Zhang joined Research Operations in November 2022 as a senior project manager. She is responsible for and involved in many project management efforts aimed at supporting the strategic plan and implementation for the future of research at BMC. Prior to BMC, Alexandra has worked for other hospitals and government agencies, leading and managing projects related to operational improvement, scheduling optimization, HIV/AIDS services, and patient safety.

Email: alexandra.zhang@bmc.org 

Johanna Chesley is honored to serve BMC clinical research, its patients and communities, and the future of healthcare. Johanna and teams'  primarily responsibilities include: 1. building Industry and Principal Investigator partnerships around clinical trial financial activities, 2. building clinical research operations infrastructure with senior leaders at BMC and Boston University, and 3. cultivating an environment that includes all voices in discovery and medical advancements. Johanna is skilled at complex process analysis and derives great satisfaction from collaborating with others to develop and implement solutions. She is a proud mama of three girls and enjoys exploring the great outdoors – throughout all four seasons – with her husband and children. These days, skiing, tennis, and coaching soccer are Johanna’s preferred ways to build strength, remain centered, and engage with her community.

Email: johanna.chesley@bmc.org
Phone: 617-414-2861

Tyler leads the SPF team and is responsible for the financial management of BMC’s sponsored programs. His duties also include leading the single audit for the institution and negotiating BMC’s indirect and fringe rates with the federal government. Tyler has been with BMC since April, 2016.

Email: tyler.flack@bmc.org 
Phone: 617-414-2864

Jennifer leads a dynamic team with a focus on sponsored programs (SP) pre-award support and oversight. Her expertise spans the entire spectrum of SP management, from the meticulous review and endorsement of funding proposals to award negotiation and compliance with federal and sponsor guidelines. With a distinguished leadership history at Ivy League and top-funded R1 research institutions, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience to her role. Based in New England with her family, she not only excels professionally but also finds joy in coaching youth soccer, gardening, sailing, and fostering an appreciation for nature and outdoor activities with her German Shepherd. 

Email: jennifer.kennedy@bmc.org