How does your role contribute to the overall vision of the company?
My role as the project lead at Acumen for the ALTITUDE-AD study contributes to the overall vision of Acumen by working together with my teammates to move our Phase II study along as quickly and efficiently as possible while maintaining data quality, so we can move on to the next phase of study.
Which of Acumen’s four values (People, Integrity, Innovation, and Perseverance) resonates most with your work and role?
I am very much a “people” person, but I think of the four Acumen values that resonates most with my work and role is perseverance. There is so much that goes into running a successful trial, including the sites, patients, vendors, the clinical trial team, and countless hours. It takes hard work, the ability to be a “juggler” (many balls in the air), and the ability to be a “firefighter” (putting out daily fires), that I have to persevere so the study and company can be successful.
From your perspective, what sets our company apart in the field of Alzheimer’s research?
We are developing an alternative Alzheimer’s treatment targeting amyloid beta oligomers. Every new approach could bring scientific/medical success, hope, dignity, or time to patients and families going through this disease.
Who or what inspires you the most in your life and career?
My commitment to this field is not just professional—it’s deeply personal. I was once the patient and I do not know what my outcome would have been if I did not receive a very specific drug very quickly; a rare drug that existed only because volunteers were willing to participate in clinical trials, and because dedicated people across our industry poured their expertise, their passion, and their hearts into bringing safe, effective treatments to patients who need them.
Clinical trials work. Because someone, somewhere, cared enough to run a study – like us at Acumen. And because patients said “yes” when they didn’t have to.
Clinical trials give patients another chance. This is why the people, the science, and our everyday work matters to me beyond presentations or deadlines. Every clinical trial holds the possibility of rewriting someone’s future. That is the purpose I carry with me.
Meet Piper
What is one topic you could talk about for hours?
The topic I could talk about for hours is Italian food and recipes. In my Italian family, we are talking about planning the next meal or the next holiday menu, before you even finish your current one.
What is a quote that is meaningful to you and why?
This is a quote from Ferdinand Foch, “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul, on fire.” My reason is because we only get one life, so live with passion.
