Health equity starts with inclusive research.

In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Ren speaks with Dr. Camille Campbell, Biogen’s Lead for Health Equity and Clinical Innovation, about the critical work of making clinical research inclusive and representative. Dr. Campbell shares her experiences bridging the gap between pharmaceutical research and historically marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are and building trust.

She also dives into practical strategies for increasing diversity in clinical trials, including leveraging technology and engaging community sites.

Tune in for a compelling conversation on inclusion, trust, and the long-term work required to advance health equity in clinical research.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Assumptions vs. Reality: Simply having a trial site in a city does not guarantee participation from the target population; community satellite sites and protocol flexibility are key.
• Technology with Intention: Digital tools can expand reach, but strategies must consider generational and cultural differences in technology use.
• Representation Builds Trust: Seeing people with shared backgrounds in research and pharma strengthens community engagement and participation.
• Patient Empowerment: Communities should feel confident asking questions, seeking expert guidance, and making informed healthcare decisions.
• Persistence is Key: Change in health equity and clinical research is incremental, requiring ongoing effort and resilience.

About Dr. Campbell

Camille Campbell, PharmD, RPh is a healthcare leader with 18+ years’ experience in biopharma, health-tech, community engagement, and clinical care. She is Lead for Health Equity & Clinical Innovation at Biogen, previously serving as Senior Director of Health Equity at Acclinate and holding Medical Affairs roles at AstraZeneca and Abbvie.

Dr. Campbell champions workforce representation and inclusive research, creating programs for HBCU students and sharing expertise through presentations, publications, and podcasts. She earned her PharmD from Florida A&M University, completed a Post-Doctoral Medical Strategy Fellowship with Bristol-Myers Squibb/Rutgers, and holds a graduate certificate in Health Disparities Research from the University of Illinois Chicago. She is Principal Owner of Bella Peek Consulting, LLC.

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We Want to Hear Your Voice!

Your insights on how inclusive research impacts your life and community are invaluable. Share your experiences and thoughts on how we can bridge the gap between research and real-world needs. Your stories drive our mission and inspire the future of inclusive research!

In this inspiring episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Ren Jones is joined by Zachariah Martinez, the first young guest to ever appear on the podcast. Zachariah shares his personal experience participating in pediatric clinical studies and explains how getting involved not only benefited science but also improved his mood, routines, and overall well-being.

Dr. Ren and Zachariah discuss what it’s really like for kids inside clinical studies: the procedures, the compensation, the support from research staff, and the importance of feeling safe and heard. They highlight why pediatric participation is essential for advancing science and ensuring treatments are safe and effective for younger populations.

Zachariah also speaks directly to other kids who may be curious about research, offering encouragement, honesty about the process, and advice for researchers on how to better support young participants from all backgrounds.

🎧 Tune in for a rare conversation that elevates youth voices in research and reminds us why representation, from childhood onward, matters for the future of science.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Why Pediatric Research Matters: Children help answer critical scientific questions that can’t be solved through adult studies alone.
• Real Benefits of Participation: From compensation to personal growth, Zach shares how being in a study improved his routine and happiness.
• Safety & Comfort: The importance of kind, attentive research staff—especially when procedures involve needles or overnight stays.
• Representation from a Young Voice: Zach highlights why kids need to feel respected, listened to, and supported throughout the research process.
• Advice for Future Studies: Simple, powerful suggestions from a participant’s perspective on improving pediatric research experiences.

About Zachariah

Zachariah Martinez is a 13-year-old from Southern California who loves science, health, and helping others. At just 11 years old, he participated in the NIH-funded MoTrPAC study at UC Irvine.

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We Want to Hear Your Voice!

Your insights on how inclusive research impacts your life and community are invaluable. Share your experiences and thoughts on how we can bridge the gap between research and real-world needs. Your stories drive our mission and inspire the future of inclusive research!

In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Renarda Jones speaks with Tony Wafford, founder of I Choose Life Health Foundation, about the importance of culturally grounded approaches to health education and research.

Tony shares how his work blends social entrepreneurship and social justice. He uses creative strategies such as leveraging entertainment to increase HIV testing and research participation in Black communities as he emphasizes the need for Black voices and leadership in public health spaces, explaining that those who understand the culture are best positioned to guide solutions.

They dive deep into challenges navigating systems dominated by those outside of Black communities. He stresses the importance of standing firm in cultural identity and explains why collaboration between community leaders and institutional partners is essential to creating meaningful impact.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on authenticity, cultural pride, and actionable strategies for advancing health equity.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Community-Centered Research: Understanding local health needs is key to expanding study opportunities in diverse populations.
• Beyond Standard Care: Clinical trials as an option for physicians to offer patients, complementing traditional treatments.
• Challenging the Status Quo: Advocating for flexibility and customization in site strategies and SOPs.
• Cultural Competence in Teams: Building staff who can communicate effectively and connect with the community.
• Word of Mouth Matters: Positive participant experiences drive recruitment and trust.
• Scaling Impact: Leveraging initiatives like Latinos in Clinical Research and Save Our Sites to educate, diversify, and connect the industry.

About Tony

Tony Wafford is the President and CEO of I Choose Life Health and Wellness Center (ICL), an organization dedicated to addressing health inequities in Black communities across the United States. With over 20 years of experience, Tony partners with community-based organizations to increase health literacy, expand access to healthcare services, and provide education and testing for HIV, STIs, and other health concerns.

He has been instrumental in designing culturally competent public health campaigns, and for the past ten years, he has collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative. Tony has successfully launched over 30 I Choose Life chapters nationwide, all focused on promoting the health and wellness of Black communities.

Through his work, Tony is passionate about empowering communities, advancing health equity, and creating programs that combine social entrepreneurship, cultural understanding, and practical action to improve public health outcomes.

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We Want to Hear Your Voice!

Your insights on how inclusive research impacts your life and community are invaluable. Share your experiences and thoughts on how we can bridge the gap between research and real-world needs. Your stories drive our mission and inspire the future of inclusive research!