Patsy Foley, BS
Patsy Foley serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Mississippi Center for Advanced Medicine. In this role, she works to provide research support, coordination and administrative support for MCAM’s clinical research team. Ms. Foley holds an Associate of Arts in Medical Laboratory Technology from Meridian Junior College and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Patsy has over thirty years of experience in laboratory and clinical pathology settings. Patsy is excited about contributing to new health care therapies through MCAM's research initiatives. In her spare time, Patsy enjoys baking, reading, sewing, and solving puzzles.
Frieda McKenzie, BS, MT (ASCP)
Frieda McKenzie serves as the Research Coordinator at the Mississippi Center for Advanced Medicine. Her responsibilities include providing the primary research and administrative record keeping support in connection with Dr. Sullivan’s gene therapy research program. Frieda is also leading the development of laboratory services at MCAM. Frieda has over 35 years of experience in a variety of lab settings including physician offices, hospitals and reference labs. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Mississippi State University and her Medical Technology degree and Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. Frieda enjoys traveling with her husband, including cruises and beach trips. She also likes spending time with her daughters and grandchildren.
Jesus Monico, PhD, MPH
Dr. Jesus Monico serves as the Director of Pediatric Clinical Research at MCAM. In this role, Dr. Monico will oversee all research functions in support of ongoing pediatric clinical research studies at MCAM as well as develop a strategy to grow pediatric clinical research opportunities in Mississippi. Jesus holds a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the University of New Orleans, a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University in Microbiology, a Master of Public Health from Tulane University, a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Health Sciences from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Monico possesses extensive experience in academic medical center settings with histotechnology, biobanking, clinical research design and protocols, and the regulatory process of research studies. He is an active member of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. In his spare time, Jesus enjoys spending time with his wife Lara, and three daughters, Isabella, Sofia and Natalia. He enjoys coaching soccer and is an avid LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints fan.
Wendy Thomson, BS, CHS
Wendy Thomson serves as a Lead Clinical Research Coordinator at the Mississippi Center for Advanced Medicine. Clinical research helps us to find better ways to prevent, understand, and treat diseases. In this role Ms. Thompson assists principal investigators (PIs) and supports study participants who volunteer to enroll in clinical research trials at MCAM. Her responsibilities include coordinating study visits and data collection, supporting research safety, study protocol adherence and research compliance, and communicating frequently with study participants. Wendy holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University and is a Certified Histocompatibility Specialist. She has over twenty years of laboratory experience at academic medical centers including Ochsner Clinic Foundation and is an active member of the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics . In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Oliver, and two sons, Josh and Conner and cheering on her hometown New Orleans Saints.
