In the CTSI Spotlight: Christine Capper

Christine Capper, Clinical Staff Leader in the Clinical Research Center

Christine Capper, RN, has been a nurse for 33 years, most of which have been spent at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She has worked as a staff nurse, clinical research coordinator, and in the Penn State Cancer Institute’s infusion room.

Within the CTSI, Christine is the clinical staff leader in the Clinical Research Center (CRC) which provides space and clinical support to investigators who conduct research with human subjects. She works with study teams to coordinate the clinical piece of their studies. This may include infusion of an investigational drug, assisting with medical procedures or drawing precisely-timed bloodwork specific to each study.  She says that she enjoys “being surrounded by people who are committed to turning ideas into reality.  It takes a lot of hands to bring a research project into the world, and I think CTSI is full of people who help make it happen.”

Christine Capper, Clinical Staff Leader in the Clinical Research Center

When asked what her favorite part of her work day is, Christine says, “I love meeting new research participants. I appreciate their willingness to participate in a study, and I want to make them feel at ease.  Most people are not familiar with research, and it can be intimidating. I want the experience to be a positive one, and I think most often we are able to achieve that.”

Fun facts about Christine:

Who inspires you, and why?

I am inspired by my sister Kathy. She has faced every challenge in her life head-on, always maintaining her optimism. Each time life has thrown her a curveball (and there have been many) she has navigated it with grace. She is full of compassion and free of judgment, and I am grateful to have her in my life.

What’s one thing — either professional or personal — you learned in the last month?

I have been learning to paint with watercolors. It has been a lot of fun to try something I’ve never done before. My husband is hanging my work on the fridge so it must be good!

What’s something about you that not many people know?

I just finished raising my first puppy with Susquehanna Service Dogs. I loved it! I learned so much about the great work this program does, met terrific people who are incredibly knowledgeable and generous with their time, and raised a sweet pup for two years. He just went off to live with his partner, Dave. He is making a difference in Dave’s life, and it is a great feeling to know my family helped make it happen. I can’t wait to do it again!

What’s the last book you read — and would you recommend it?

I just finished Code Gray, by Farzon Nahvi. I am a sucker for a memoir, and this did not disappoint. The author is an emergency medicine physician whose writing drew me in from the very beginning. Highly recommend!

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

As long as it came with a good loaf of bread, I don’t think I would care what the rest of the meal consisted of.

What’s one item you can’t live without?

I couldn’t live without my family, but also kitchen shears. I use them for everything.

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