From Literary Studies to Research Compliance
Ariana Memishi succeeds in connection and curiosity as a regulatory coordinator at NUCATS
If you asked Ariana Memishi in college where her English degree might take her, scientific research would not have been on the list.
“If future me was able to tell undergraduate me that I was going to enter the vast world of science and research, I wouldn’t believe it,” Memishi says. “As someone who graduated from DePaul University with a BA in English and Literary Studies, research never crossed my mind as something I could have a full-blown career in. Nor would I have believed that I would be able to use my degree within it.”
As a regulatory coordinator at the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute, Memishi completes an essential role in study startups and maintenance. She is responsible for ensuring compliance with both local and federal regulations and much of her day-to-day work is detail-oriented, reviewing study documents to help guarantee success.
I wish more people knew how much networking can be achieved in our role. We’re able to work and collaborate with different departments and help them achieve what we all want in research: health equity and compliance.”
“My tasks involve editing and updating all study documents and materials, like a consent form or site-specific ads, as well as submitting and maintaining clinical trial studies for IRB approval,” Memishi says. “We also work with the IRB to ensure all necessary language is reflected throughout each submitted material.”
While the administrative side of the role can be challenging, Memishi says it’s the people that make the job a rewarding experience: “What I enjoy most is meeting and connecting with everyone! Our team has the privilege to work with numerous departments and study teams, as well as working with industry, federal, and investigator-initiated studies.”
Her advice to anyone entering the field of regulatory compliance is simple: do not assume. “Just like life, research is constantly changing. Always ask questions,” she says.
For Memishi, professional growth is achieved through the ability to adapt. “Although ensuring compliance may sound easy enough, it can be difficult,” she says. “Sometimes, I receive pushback regarding specific language that the sponsor may want in study documents, but the IRB won’t allow it due to local laws in place that we must follow.”
Her work is also often much more dynamic than people may originally think: “I wish more people knew how much networking can be achieved in our role. It’s more than sitting at a desk. We’re able to work and collaborate with different departments and help them achieve what we all want in research: health equity and compliance.”
A proud first-generation Albanian-American, Memishi recalls her Chicago roots fondly. “I grew up on the South Side of Chicago but later moved to the suburbs for middle and high school. However, I moved back to Chicago when I was an undergrad and haven’t left since. Once a city girl, always a city girl,” Memishi says.
“All Chicagoians can agree on how amazing the food is here, and I also love the architecture of the city. It’s truly something. Summer is here, so I highly recommend taking the architecture boat tour.”
Outside of work, Memishi channels her creative versatility. “I play the ukulele and love all things astrology!”
From her collegiate career to success in the regulatory space, Memishi’s personal and professional journey is an important reminder that unexpected paths often lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
Written by Alex Miranda
