About Us
Okanagan Clinical Trials is a research centre located in British Columbia that specializes in conducting research studies for the pharmaceutical industry. We have longstanding staff that have been with and grown with us, and we've got a great reputation locally with over 500 trials conducted over our history.
Our Staff
Eugene Okorie, MD, FRCPC
Principal Investigator
Dr. Okorie is a Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator at OCT. As a practiced psychiatrist, he understands the inherent limitations of available options to help people struggling with mental health issues, hence his passion in trials of investigational products that would help his patients.
Dr. Mallory Myers, MD, CCFP
Principal Investigator
Dr. Mallory Myers is a Principle Investigator and Sub Investigator at OCT. She brings with her extensive knowledge in medicine and the healthcare field from her work as a family physician. Motivated by a desire to address gaps in care for her patients, Dr. Myers became involved in clinical trials to help bring new treatment options to the community. Her work focuses on improving access to innovative therapies while still maintaining a strong commitment to patient-centered care.
Dr. Pieter Strauss | MBChB, MMed (Psych), FRCPC, Psychiatrist
Principal Investigator
Dr. Strauss is a Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator at OCT. A seasoned psychiatrist and former Head of Psychiatry at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, he brings decades of experience in both hospital and community practice. His dedication to clinical research reflects a commitment to expanding therapeutic options for patients with complex mental health and neurological challenges. Combining rigorous scientific inquiry with a holistic approach to wellness, Dr. Strauss is passionate about advancing innovative treatments that foster recovery, resilience, and overall well-being.
Julia Walker, NP(F), MScN
Sub-Investigator
Julia Walker is a Sub-investigator at OCT. She is a nurse practitioner with many years of experience working in hospital, urgent care, and primary care settings. Julia’s main focus has always been comprehensive, patient-centered care, while at the same time continuing to develop her knowledge in medicine and research.
Michelle Majury, BSc, CCRP
Clinical Research Coordinator II/ Start Up Specialist
Michelle graduated from University of Guelph with a degree in Nutrition and Nutraceutical Science. Her experience in Regulatory Affairs helps with preparing study start-up documents and associated regulatory documents for on-going clinical trials.
Kailee Siewert, B.Sc., MSc.
Clinical Research Coordinator II
Kailee holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. In addition, she holds a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. Her experience is extended to facilitating general medicine clinical trials and team member training. She enjoys establishing rapport with patients and finding eligible patients through recruitment.
Garett Jackson, B.Sc., MSc.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Garett holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics, a Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science, and is currently a PhD Candidate in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. His training focuses on human physiology, exercise immunology, and translational research, with experience in clinical research coordination, data analysis, and patient-focused studies.
Naaz Dhillon, B.Sc.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Naaz graduated from the University of British Columbia Okanagan where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Her academic background supports her role in clinical research, where she assists with study drug preparation, facilitating clinical trials, and patient coordination.
Amy Fowler, B.Sc., CCRP
Site Director
Amy graduated from the University of British Columbia Okanagan with a degree in Biology. She started as a Research Assistant and has grown into her current role as Site Director. She now oversees the day-to-day operations of the site while continuing to support studies. She is passionate about advancing treatment options for patients through clinical research.
Mel Rostamabadi
Regulatory & HR Officer
Mel’s dedication ensures strong quality assurance and consistency. Her skills, knowledge, and experience with Health Canada inspections, along with her role in Human Resources, extend beyond our Kelowna site to support Richmond Clinical Trials.
Cait Dixon, MLA, BNRS
Laboratory Manager
Cait is a certified Medical Laboratory Assistant. Her experience assisting BC Cancer – Kelowna with clinical trials made her keenly interested in clinical trial research. As an experienced phlebotomist, she collects and processes lab specimens, vitals, and ECGs.
Marcus Isa, BAAMC, CCPE
Medical Practice Liaison
Marcus Isa is our medical practice liaison who is growing awareness in the medical community by helping healthcare professionals identify suited patients for OCT current studies. Marcus brings extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry in multiple therapeutic areas while always putting the patient first.
Kathleen Lengert
Research Assistant
Kathleen's previous experience in practical nursing has fueled her passion for medical research. As a laboratory assistant, she utilizes her skill set to collect vital signs, ECGs, and lab specimens.
Anthony Polisi, B.Sc. (Hons.)
Research Assistant
Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. His training focuses on statistical analysis, clinically based methodologies, and active engagement patient-led interventions.
Daniella de Vries, B.Sc.
Research Assistant
Daniella is a neuroscience-focused clinical research assistant with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Her experience spans clinical neurophysiology, sleep medicine, and academic research, combining electrophysiological data analysis with patient-centred research to support ethical, high-quality neuroscience and clinical trials.
Emily Bogusz, B.Sc.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Her previous academic experience and passion for improving patient care supports her work as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She specializes in Alzheimer’s studies and supports our memory clinic.