TONYA EDVALSON

Since leaving the U, I have worked in research administration. I am currently working at the University of Utah as a Clinical Research Compliance Officer. Previously, I worked at Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah as a regulatory compliance specialist. I am passionate about research that is meaningful, relevant, and conducted in an ethical and compliant manner.

The multidisciplinary [HSP] degree offered a great combination of sociology, which has always fascinated me, and the healthcare field, where I naturally belong. It was a perfect combination! I was already working in health care when I went back to school and clearly knew how much disparity existed, leaving so many people disadvantaged in so many ways. The social issues that intertwined with health care actually impact every aspect of life and prepared me well for working in the research setting. Seeking the understanding of underlying aspects of social justice really formed an optimal foundation for research ethics and the integrity for supporting sound research.   

 The degree was able to provide a great approach that allowed me to understand the perspective of the health care setting and its providers alongside the patients. At the same time, I learned to see the perspectives of other stakeholders, such as legislators and third-party payers. I have more knowledge about why the laws work the way that they do and how the system isn’t currently set up to meet the needs of the general population. My degree has given the me the voice, both professionally and personally, to advocate for our patients, research participants, and the general population. I can articulate what needs to be done and why it should be done so that research is done in a responsible way. I have grown to love speaking in the professional setting, being able to lead groups in discussing the ethical issues of research and practical ways of doing it. I am now in a position to educate researchers and staff across one of the major universities in the country where they perform world-class research. 

The best things I did while working through my degree were to get involved in student activities and get to know my professors and instructors. Take the classes that intimidate you the most, from the professors that intimidate you the most. They have the most to teach you and will guide you into places you could have imagined you would go.