About Us and Leadership Team

More than 20 Years of research and innovation

Since 2006, the OhioHealth Research Institute has developed a reputation as a national leader in facilitating medical breakthroughs, evaluating new procedures and exploring innovations in patient care to meet the needs of our community.

Our top research areas

OhioHealth Research Institute aims to increase access to emerging therapies that otherwise would not be available to our patients.

Our institute continues to diversify our research portfolio to support:

Oncology research through industry trials, trials supported by the National Cancer Institute.
Heart and vascular, through new industry device trials in various sub-specialties including structural heart disease, endovascular, electrophysiology and general cardiology.
Neuroscience research focused on multiple sclerosis and stroke with expansion to other therapeutic areas.

How we support clinical research

Clinical trials are carried out by a team of over 80 healthcare experts who are dedicated to connecting patients with the latest advances in care. We partner with OhioHealth clinicians and associates to allow them to:

Conduct their own clinical research by providing guidance and support services to plan, write, submit, conduct, analyze and publish research.
Facilitate grants and conduct industry or externally-sponsored clinical research at OhioHealth.
Ensure that the rights and welfare of human research participants are protected by the OhioHealth Institutional Review Board.
Provide the highest-quality, operational and regulatory support through a comprehensive centralized research infrastructure.

Meet the leadership team

Through guidance, support and expertise, our leaders foster research and make a way for health innovation.

Dr. Kimlyn Queen-Weis, DHA, MS, MBA, CRA, FAHRA

Senior Director, Research Operations & Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)
Kimlyn.Queen-Weis@OhioHealth.com

Dr. Kimlyn Queen‑Weis is a senior healthcare executive with more than two decades of experience driving operational excellence, innovation, and strategic growth across complex hospital systems. She is recognized for leading high‑performing teams and advancing technology-driven improvements that strengthen patient care, elevate quality, and enhance organizational performance.

Her work reflects a commitment to collaborative leadership, professional integrity, and impactful, mission‑centered results. Guided by a philosophy of lifelong learning and service, Dr. Queen‑Weis fosters environments where people feel empowered to grow, innovate, and deliver exceptional care.

Jennifer Sexton, MHA

Director, Research Operations
Jennifer.Sexton@OhioHealth.com

Jennifer has nearly two decades of experience working in medical research as a laboratory assistant, research coordinator and operations leader. Prior to joining OhioHealth Research Institute in 2017, she worked in oncology research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Jennifer received a Master’s of Health Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Ohio State. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, camping, watching college sports and taking beach vacations.

Chris Belcher, BSN RN

Director, Research Operations
Christina.Belcher@OhioHealth.com

Christina joined OhioHealth Research Institute (OHRI) in 2012 as a clinical research coordinator and currently oversees clinical research operations for the OHRI. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Otterbein College. Prior to working in clinical research, she worked as a bedside nurse providing care to cardiovascular patients. She is a twenty- year associate with OhioHealth. In her free time, she enjoys outside activities, cooking, reading, decorating and spending time with family.

Maria Valentin Guevara

Administrative Assistant II
Maria.ValentinGuevara@OhioHealth.com

Maria has been in the medical field for over 10 years, starting as an STNA and working her way into the medical office world—so she has seen a little bit of everything!

Outside of work, Maria loves to bake, its her happy place, and spending time with her granddaughters who are her absolute world.