Meet the Senior Team
Our senior team has decades of market research expertise and deep healthcare industry experience to deliver the highest quality insights
Associate Research Director
Biographies
Erik Coats, Ph.D.
Founding Partner
Market Research since 2000
Healthcare since 2002
Fulcrum since 2010
Research Interest & Expertise
Applying principles of psychology and behavioral sciences to improve the market research toolkit.
Most Rewarding Projects
Uncovering the nuances of rational and non-rational decision-making across a broad range of therapeutic areas. I love helping clients align promotional activity with how decisions are made.
Outside of work
Trying to see (and eat and drink) as much of the world as possible with my family.
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts
MA, University of Massachusetts
BA, University of Texas
Kelly Marino
Founding Partner
Market Research since 1999
Healthcare since 1999
Fulcrum since 2010
Research Interest & Expertise
Vaccines, infectious disease, women’s health, allergies, research with Payers understanding complex systems (e.g., integrated delivery networks, clinical care networks), research that integrates multiple audiences.
Most Rewarding Projects
Research that integrates the clinical and practical elements of medicine with the goal of making the right treatments accessible to the right patients.
Outside of work: I am an avid traveler, a strong gluten-free baker, and enjoy being involved in philanthropy in my community.
BA, Colgate University
Lucy Robin
Founding Partner
Market Research since 2001
Healthcare since 2008
Fulcrum since 2010
Research Interest & Expertise
Design and methodology – I like to nerd out on the details! I enjoy drawing on my background in psychology to optimize design and insights in both quantitative and qualitative engagements.
Most Rewarding Projects
True partnerships with clients, especially on their trickiest research questions – the ones where the client comes out feeling like a rock star.
Outside of work: Mom, dog lover, crossword puzzle enthusiast.
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst
BA, Cornell University
Rebecca Gould
Executive Vice President
Market Research since 2005
Healthcare since 2006
Fulcrum since 2012
Research Interest & Expertise
Rare diseases (patient journey, diagnostic landscape, market development)
Most Rewarding Projects
Research that helps understand and improve misdiagnosis. It’s a win-win for everyone when our projects inform customer targeting and educational campaigns that lead to more effective diagnosis.
Outside of work: You’ll find me planning my next trip (ask me about the Azores), or at home baking (recently trying to perfect Popovers).
BA, Wesleyan University
Tom Alesi
Executive Vice President
Market Research since 2004
Healthcare since 2005
Fulcrum since 2011
Research Interest & Expertise
Pre-launch strategic research that informs the development of the overall brand strategy.
Most Rewarding Projects
Research that incorporates findings from multiple stakeholders within the healthcare system: physicians, nurses, patients, caregivers, pharmacists, payers.
Outside of work: You’ll find me chasing my young daughter around, trying new restaurants, and occasionally hitting the links.
BS, St. Joseph’s University
Andrew Doerr
Vice President
Market Research since 2013
Healthcare since 2013
Fulcrum since 2013
Research Interest & Expertise
Rare diseases (lysosomal storage disorders, rare renal diseases).
Most Rewarding Projects
Research in areas that haven’t had treatment available before. There’s so much to learn, and patients and doctors dealing with these diseases are especially open to sharing their experiences.
Outside of work, I’ve always been an avid home cook. The first real meal I learned to make was spaghetti Bolognese at age 8, and I’m still tweaking the same recipe.
BA, Georgetown University
John Burns Ph.D.
Sr. Research Director
Market Research since 2009
Healthcare since 1999
Fulcrum since 2019
Research Interest & Expertise
Diagnostic landscape, rare disease, patient journeys, segmentation.
Most Rewarding Projects
Interviewing physicians and patients about the path to diagnosis, particularly in rare disease. It helps patients get the best care available as fast as possible.
Outside of work: Enjoy sports of all kinds in all seasons
Ph.D., University of Connecticut
BA, Keene State College
Ric Dube Ph.D.
Sr. Research Director
Market Research since 2003
Healthcare since 2000
Fulcrum since 2019
Research Interest & Expertise
Competitive intelligence; learning most important needs, perceptions of current products, and using both to develop a brand.
Most Rewarding Projects
I’m inspired when data provides explicit answers to my clients’ most urgent questions—with clear implications for action.
Outside of work: I see a lot of movies at home, joined by my dogs.
Ph.D., University of Washington
MA, University of Connecticut
BA, University of New Hampshire
Sarah Ehsani
Sr. Research Director
Market Research since 2005
Healthcare since 2005
Fulcrum since 2011
Research Interest & Expertise
Trackers, market landscape, positioning and messaging, patient insights.
Most Rewarding Projects
Being able to connect with patients and physicians on an emotional level to understand their thinking beyond the logical.
Office reputation: I’ve been known to be pretty competitive in board games, and currently hold the office title as the Connect 4 champ.
BS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Jackie Gilmore
Sr. Research Director
Market Research since 2010
Healthcare since 2010
Fulcrum since 2021
Research Interest & Expertise
Leadership, Innovation, and Psychology
Research: Drivers and Barriers, Emotional Journey, Behavioral Economics | Qualitative research, moderation, strategy Therapy areas: Women’s Health and Vaccines
Most Rewarding Projects
Drivers and barriers and journey work to understand what drives people and the decisions they make.
Outside of work: I’m a mom of two small kids, so that takes up most of my time! I love keeping them busy outside and seeing the word through their eyes by going on adventures and introducing them to new experiences
Brad Tebbets, Ph.D.
Sr. Research Director
Research since 2005
Market Research since 2012
Fulcrum since 2013
Research Interest & Expertise
Patient journey, commercial strategy, infectious disease, vaccines, trackers.
Most Rewarding Projects
When I can apply my scientific and research expertise to deliver actionable insights.
Outside of work: My family and I love a good walk, especially if it’s to one of our favorite restaurants or parks.
Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
BS, Rochester Institute of Technology
Ken Wikler Ph.D.
Sr. Research Director
Market Research since 2003
Healthcare since 2003
Fulcrum since 2017
Research Interest & Expertise
Oncology & Rare diseases: diagnostic landscape and market insights.
Most Rewarding Projects
Patient journey research interviewing patients with inherited rare diseases that give patients a voice.
Outside of work: Father of twin daughters who live in British Columbia, love hiking, biking, and craft beer (not necessarily in that order).
Ph.D., Biopsychology, Cornell University
MS, Experimental Psychology, Bucknell University
BS, Psychobiology, Albright College
Tasha Parry
Sr. Director, Research Operations
Market Research since 1998
Healthcare since 2004
Fulcrum since 2021
Research Interest & Expertise
Patient research. Being part of a team that specializes in bringing a patient’s journey to the forefront so others can learn from their experience.
Most Rewarding Projects
Patient research. Giving patients the opportunity to share their journey to help educate others; seeing their stories portrayed in real-life (online and tv commercials).
Outside of work:
I enjoy spending time with family and friends – hiking, trying new restaurants and traveling!
Jennifer Sullivan
Sr. Director, Compliance
Market Research since 2005
Healthcare since 2003
Fulcrum since 2014
Most Rewarding Projects
Research that helps to give a voice to patients. When we hear from patients who are excited to participate and share their experience with us, it makes me feel really good about the work that we do.
Outside of work: Huge fan of true crime, dogs, trying new restaurants, and the Instant Pot (everyone needs one!)
Office reputation: I’m the employee who has a hundred different dietary restrictions and always has to place a special order. You also don’t want to leave dirty dishes in the office sink or you will hear from me…
BS, Penn State University
Julie Woznac
Exec. Director, Research Operations
Market Research since 2005
Healthcare since 2016
Fulcrum since 2021
Research Interest & Expertise
Qual research, Patient journeys and Campaign/concept testing | Problem solving and finding better solutions
Most Rewarding Projects
Patient journey work – knowing that our work will help aid early detection and future treatment decisions makes it very rewarding
Outside of work: In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, cooking, spending time with my family and walking my dog.
Shashank Settipalli
Research Director
Market Research since 2014
Healthcare since 2014
Fulcrum since 2017
Research Interest & Expertise
My interests include Gene Therapy, Rare Diseases, Targeted Therapies in Oncology, Neurology, Medical Devices.
Most Rewarding Projects
Patient qual in rare diseases. Very impactful to hear directly from patients who suffer from rare conditions.
Outside of work:
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, photography, cooking, lifting, kayaking, pub trivia, watching and discussing films.
BS, University of Connecticut
MS, University of Michigan
Belinda Hanlon
Associate Research Director
Market Research since 2005
Healthcare since 2010
Fulcrum since 2021
Research Interest & Expertise
Trackers, data exploration, challenging data management | Quantitative research
Most Rewarding Projects
Any project that makes a client say, “Oh, that’s interesting.”
Outside of work: In my spare time, I enjoy home design, carpentry, crafts, family game nights, and walking my dog.
Heidi Schwartz
Research Director
Market Research since 1999
Healthcare since 1999
Fulcrum since 2021
Research Interest & Expertise
Patient and physician qualitative research; communications testing; neurology and rare diseases
Most Rewarding Projects
Every qualitative interview has the potential to be an eye-opening conversation for the client, the respondent, and me.
Outside of work: My family and I love hiking, and we’re working our way through the 48 highest peaks in New Hampshire.
Ph.D., University of Miami
BA, Dartmouth College
Melissa DiPalma
Exec. Creative Director
Market Research since 2021
Healthcare since 2019
Fulcrum since 2021
Research Interest & Expertise
Visual storytelling in science, healthcare and research, data visualization, information design
Most Rewarding Projects
Finding ways to make data and information more meaningful through design
Outside of work: Running, food, traveling – preferably done together!
MFA, Basel School of Design, Switzerland
BFA, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Melissa Janssen
Associate Research Director
Market Research since 2014
Healthcare since 2014
Fulcrum since 2023
Research Interest & Expertise
Rare diseases, patient journey, concept testing, qualitative research
Most Rewarding Projects
Patient rare disease work: I am grateful to play a part in furthering future treatment research and development.
Outside of work: I love spending time with my daughter, husband, and cat. I also enjoy taking and teaching ballet classes.
MBA, Saint Joseph’s University
BS and BA, DeSales University
