RESEARCH TEAM

Research Team

​​​​​​​​​​​Douglas Corley, MD PhD, Principal Investigator, FORTE Study Chief Scientific Officer
I am a Gastroenterologist, the Chief Research Officer at the Division of Research, and the Chief Scientific Officer for the FORTE study.​ As the Chief Research Officer at the Division of Research, I am dedicated to integrating high quality research into clinical care. I have created the FORTE Study to eliminate gaps in clinical knowledge and to provide the best possible outcomes for patients receiving colonoscopies.

Dan Li, MD, Co-Investigator
I am a Gastroenterologist and an Adjunct Investigator with the Division of Research. My research focuses on the screening and prevention of gastrointestinal cancers with an emphasis on colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. I ensure that the FORTE study is the right fit for every participant that joins.

Eden Adafre, BS, Research Specialist III
I joined the Division of Research in 2024 after working in recruitment for substance use research. My previous recruitment experience translates well to my current role as a recruiter for the FORTE study. I am passionate about advancing colorectal cancer research, particularly because I have personal connections to this cause after seeing my grandfather and uncle face this cancer. I feel fortunate to interact with our participants and learn about what motivates them to contribute to colon cancer research. I’m grateful to be part of this important work and to support participants throughout their research journey.

Laura B Amsden, MSW MPH, Research Project Manager
I have worked in health care research for 15+ years in project management at Northwestern University and KPNC. As a Project Manager, I am responsible for the day-to-day activities of the study and ensuring that participant needs are met while adhering to study protocol and compliance regulations. I look forward to the interesting findings to be discovered and sincerely thank all of our KPNC Forte participants for their time and interest.

Carolyn Beebe, RN, CTRN, CT Research Nurse II
As the nurse for FORTE, I provide clinical expertise for the team and update medical records to let care providers know ​who is participating in this study. I have been a clinical nurse specialist in oncology for most of my career and started working in research in 2018. I am delighted to be part of a research team that studies ways of improving cancer prevention and detection for all patients.

Jossi Briar, BS, Research Associate I
As a research associate I, I assist participants with the FORTE study tasks as well as coordinating other study components. I am always eager to provide support to participants or answer any questions or concerns they may have. I love being a part of such an incredible team that is dedicated to improving cancer prevention care.

Jasmine Deras, MSBH, Research Associate II
Hello! I have been with the Division of Research since 2018. As a research associate with the FORTE Study, I work directly with participants from initial recruitment and beyond. My goal is to support our study mission by ensuring that our participants feel informed, accommodated, and valued for their efforts. I am honored to be a part of this project and look forward to seeing the impact.

Rachel Frankel, BSc, CCRP, Research Associate III
Afer completing my undergraduate degree at Chico State, I began my career in clinical research at a biomedical laboratory that bred mice. After falling in love with the Bay Area, I decided to accept a research role at UCSF, and more recently, have been working at Kaiser Permanente on the FORTE study. It is an honor and privilege to work on the FORTE study alongside such brilliant and passionate professionals, and I appreciate the wonderful conversations I have with patients who might find themselves wanting to hear more about this trial.

Mayra Jacinto-Mann, BA, Research Associate II
As a research associate II, I am responsible for recruiting participants into the study. As a colorectal cancer survivor myself I am excited to be part of a study that is finding new ways to prevent, detect, and treat colorectal cancer to help future patients.

Katie Jennette, MFT, Research Behavioral Clinician
I reach out to potential participants of the FORTE study, determine their eligibility, and review the details of what the study entails and their participation responsibilities. ​

Heather Jones, MPH, Research Project Manager
As a research project manager at Kaiser Permanente, I coordinate multiple study activities from study launch to completion. For the FORTE study, I provide expertise on the workflows and tracking systems required to run a study. I am excited to be part of the FORTE study and to help transform the future of healthcare.

Jacob Sievers, BS,  Research Specialist II
I joined the Division of Research in the summer of 2025. Before joining Kaiser Permanente, I worked in a clinical exercise physiology laboratory in San José, where I conducted research on cardiovascular function and autonomic nervous system regulation in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Through this work, I gained valuable experience and strengthened my interest in advancing healthcare through clinical research. I am very passionate about all aspects of clinical research and am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the FORTE study.​