Emily Campbell
Clinical Trials Information Specialist, Study Collaboration & Opportunities Team (SCOT)
Learn More About SCOT
The Utah CTSI had the privilege of talking to Emily Campbell from the Study Collaboration and Opportunities Team (SCOT). We thank her for taking the time to answer our questions about her work with SCOT and expertise in American Sign Language.
What do you do for the CTSI?
Being on the Study Collaboration and Opportunities Team, I manage clinical trial intake both with central organization and improved startup. I work closely with principal investigators, departmental research contacts, sponsors and network contacts. This involves connecting local PIs with new trial opportunities from both industry sponsors or network collaborative trials or by providing resources to PIs for investigator-initiated trials. This could include our CTSI Design Studio services which I also co-manage with Rebekah Hendon, or helping PIs submit to our national Trial Innovation Network for multicenter trial support.
What is your favorite part about working for the CTSI?
Without a doubt my colleagues are my favorite. I am so fortunate to work with the most amazing team. Overall, I love that we contribute to patients and communities that otherwise would not have the options and treatments available to them without clinical research.
What inspired you to learn sign language?
I knew how to fingerspell from a young age but wanted to learn more! I took an ASL college course with my dad on the weekends while in elementary school and fell in love with the language.
How is it different from learning a language like Spanish or French?
Each sign you learn has five different parameters: handshape, movement, location, palm orientation and non-manual signals. Changing just one of those parameters can completely change the meaning, or the word. Something many don’t realize is like other languages, American Sign Language has its own grammar.
Which situations have you used sign language the most?
I used ASL most when I interned at a Deaf elementary school in college, interpreted for friends at events and was active within the Deaf Community in Sacramento. I have met wonderful Deaf people while traveling also. It’s an instant connection when someone sees you signing.
What is something you’d like everybody to know about it?
Learning even a few signs can go a long way in helping communicate with Deaf individuals and making someone feel included!
Do you have a story about the benefits of having this skill in your back pocket?
A fun benefit has been communicating with my children from a distance or at times where you couldn’t otherwise hear a conversation. Some of our favorites have been across a football field, through a house or car window, at a concert, or while one is on a roller coaster.