The lab has three full-time registered vascular technologists, two part-time technologists and an administrative assistant. The technologists are trained and certified in all testing procedures provided by the laboratory.

Faculty

Kim Sutton-Tyrrell, Dr PH

Dr. Sutton-Tyrrell is Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and serves as the Scientific Director of the URL. Over the past 15 years, she has participated in the evolution of ultrasound measurements of carotid atherosclerosis. These techniques are now highly reproducible and part of standard research procedures. Newer measures of subclinical atherosclerosis such as vascular stiffness and endothelial function are in the state that measures of carotid atherosclerosis were about 10 years ago. In order for these techniques to become useful in epidemiological research, they must be shown to be reproducible and associated with risk factors in a variety of populations. Dr. Tyrrell has received an AHA Established Investigator Award to develop noninvasive measurement techniques for use in epidemiological studies. This award has given her the opportunity to visit ultrasound laboratories internationally to study various techniques for measuring carotid atherosclerosis, vascular stiffness, and endothelial function.

Emma Barinas-Mitchell, PhD

Trina Thompson, Dr PH, MPH, BSN, RVT

Trina Thompson serves as Consultant to the URL and is a Research Associate in the Department of Epidemiology. For over two decades she has managed clinical and research vascular facilities and has directed local and multicenter research projects. She teaches vascular ultrasound methods for research and clinical screening. She collaborates with investigators internationally on subclinical measures by planning research projects, contributing to grants, recommending methodological changes for research equipment, and directing quality assessment and research protocol standardization.

Dr. Thompson's research focus is the advancement of computerized plaque characterization. Her dissertation topic was the use of carotid ultrasound IMT and plaque characterization in the assessment of CVD risk. Currently she is developing automated carotid plaque characterization protocols and contributing to the refinement of software specifically for ultrasound plaque assessment. Dr. Thompson's career aims are to improve and implement new primary prevention screening tools to impact public health.

Ultrasound Team

Mr. Butler has nine years vascular testing experience and has an AS degree in diagnostic medical sonography.

Ms. Marasco has over 30 years of clinical experience in Cardio/Vascular testing, including ultrasound, cardiac stress testing, holter monitoring and EKG experience.

Mr. Wagner has over 18 years of clinical experience in radiology, ultrasound and vascular testing. His BS is in Health Arts as well as certification in ultrasound and radiology technology.

Ms. D’Aurelio has 10 years of Administrative and Secretarial experience.