Jha Lab Team
Elizabeth "Beth" Dedrick
Supervisor Clinical Research
Beth received her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a double major in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas. With over 10 years of clinical research experience, Beth has built deep expertise in the full lifecycle of clinical trials from IRB submission and regulatory startup to day-to-day operations including data management and compliance auditing. In her current role, she oversees clinical trial operations across investigator initiated and industry sponsored studies as well as supervising research coordinators and assistants. She serves as the primary liaison to industry sponsors and CROs. Her direct patient facing experience spans mood disorder research in both adult and adolescent populations, including studies involving esketamine/ketamine, rTMS, neuroimaging, EEGs and neurocognitive assessments.
Virgilio Garza
Clinical Research Assistant Lead
Virgilio is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where he received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. He has worked with Dr. Jha for over two years, supporting clinical research in depression and substance use disorders. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington to further his ability to provide direct patient care and strengthen his foundation in clinical practice.
Amrita Ghose
Clinical Research Assistant II
Amrita graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2024 with a Bachelor's in Psychology and Computer Science. She has been working with Dr. Jha since July 2024 after initially starting in a summer internship before taking on a full-time role as a clinical research assistant. She currently works on multiple clinical trials and projects dealing with addiction, mood disorders and trauma with specific focus in neuroimaging.
Annsley Martin
Clinical Research Assistant II
Annsley graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BS in Psychology and minors in Cognitive Science and Corporate Communication & Public Affairs. Prior to her time at Jha Lab, she worked at the UT Dallas Center for Vital Longevity in the Wig Neuroimaging Lab, conducting research on brain network organization across aging and Alzheimer's disease. She plans to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Snoben Kuruvila, D.M.S., M.S.P.A.S., PA-C
Physician Assistant
Snoben is a board-certified Physician Assistant in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and Doctor of Medical Science from Shenandoah University. Snoben's work focuses on addiction and mood disorders in both research and clinical care, with an emphasis on improving treatment and understanding these conditions in real-world settings.
Teresa Slettebo
Clinical Research Assistant Lead
Teresa graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology and minor in English from Texas Tech University and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Counseling. Prior to joining UT Southwestern, Teresa worked as a Recovery Advocate at Nexus Recovery Center in Dallas, TX, honing her skills and gaining valuable experience in supporting those with substance abuse issues. In her current role as a clinical research assistant lead, Teresa focuses on participant recruitment and retention, data management, regulatory documentation and study coordination across several clinical trials while still encompassing her passion to make a difference in the lives of those afflicted with mental health illness and addiction.
Gerald Strickland
Clinical Research Assistant Lead
Gerald is originally from Chicago, IL and attended school at Illinois State University. He began work with HIV and substance abuse populations in 1989 as a Community Health Worker and has continued for over the past 37 years to share his passion and joy in his work. He is also a certified phlebotomist and has been working at UT Southwestern as a research assistant for the past 14 years.
Shavonna Williams
Clinical Research Assistant I
Shavonna has worked in research for the past 3 years and has been with UTSW for 10 years. Prior to transitioning into research, she worked as a medical assistant where she developed a strong passion for patient care and healthcare services.