Roberta Aham, MPA, BS
Research Data Coordinator III
Neuroscience and Oncology Research programs
Question: How long have you been with HonorHealth?
Answer: I have been with HonorHealth since 2019, and this year marks my fifth anniversary. My first year anniversary was marked with COVID pandemic.
Q: At what point in your early life did you decide you wanted to go into a career in research?
A: My journey in clinical research started in Ghana, which is my homeland. I was exposed to clinical environment from birth as my mother and my first aunty were UK trained midwives who owned and operated the only maternity home that served the town l was born in. My childhood memories from year 1 to 6 is filled with clinic days, women in labor and firewood burning under a huge pot of boiling water 24/7 for 365 days nonstop.
Q: What is a work-related accomplishment you are proud of?
A: In my previous company, I started working in clinical research in 2017 as a Research Data Coordinator and back-up Clinical Research Coordinator for the Pediatric Oncology team. When I was hired, data accuracy scores were in the low 80th percentile. I was able to raise and maintain 100% data accuracy over a period of four years, while helping to ensure our audits were deemed flawless. In early 2021, I transitioned into the Regulatory Coordinator role and proceeded to win a $10,000 award for our department opening four COG pediatric oncology clinical trials within 3 months.
After college l worked in animal farming for a short period and moved to on to work in marketing and communications, health and social research projects. During this period, l was privileged to work on some international projects sponsored by WHO, UNICEF, DANIDA, USAID and Family Health international among others. l traveled to many urban and rural areas and l found purpose in helping promote good health and better living for those in need. The joy and happiness that radiates from people when we listen, communicate and offer simple solutions to daily problems is the best reward one can achieve. Research helps me be the ambassador for those who do not have a voice to be heard.
Q: Why is it so important to encourage younger and diverse groups to pursue a career in research?
A: I chose to join HonorHealth because of its values and mission to do more in helping our communities. Research offers the opportunity to go deeper into the root of the problem in order to offer best solutions. HonorHealth is the leader in this arena of people-oriented healthcare provision in Arizona. Today our world is evolving so fast in new technology and developments that most of the under privileged and divers groups are being left behind. That massive bulk of population that make up a good portion of society needs education and inclusion. Research makes it possible to include one and all in this journey to providing better health, education and improvement in overall social life and environment.
