Admin Core Team
ClinTrUSC’s Administrative Core operates through a shared-leadership model that unites scientific, administrative, and strategic expertise.
Dr. Francis Spinale is a Distinguished Professor of Personalized Medicine at the University of South Carolina, where he also serves as Professor of Cell Biology, Anatomy, and Surgery at the Floyd School of Medicine and as a Staff Physician at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center. A physician-scientist and leader in translational cardiovascular research, Dr. Spinale has spent more than three decades advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for heart failure.
Dr. Hébert is a Health Sciences Distinguished Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at USC’s Arnold School of Public Health and Director of the South Carolina Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program (SC-CPCP). His research focuses on the influence of diet and inflammation on cancer and chronic diseases, with an emphasis on reducing health disparities. He is the developer of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), a globally used tool that quantifies the inflammatory potential of diet.
Ms. Howard oversees daily operations, strategic planning, evaluation, and cross-core coordination of ClinTrUSC. She manages institutional and partner engagement, directs communication and program implementation, and ensures that ClinTrUSC’s research infrastructure is responsive and aligned with the ClinTrUSC’s mission. Ms. Howard has nearly two decades of experience in research management, program development, and multi-institutional collaboration. Her background includes leadership in research development, and initiatives aimed at expanding clinical research capacity.
Ms. Burchett is the Grant Operations Manger for the USC Floyd School of Medicine Office of Research and serves as the grant manager for ClinTrUSC. She has over 18 years of experience in grant development and administration and is integral to the fiscal management of ClinTrUSC.
Ms. Hitch serves as the Compliance Coordinator for ClinTrUSC, bringing more than a decade of experience coordinating NIH-funded projects, including STTR awards, and prior service as an IRB Coordinator. In this role, she works closely with ClinTrUSC leadership to monitor, track, and document compliance activities for pilot, developmental, and supplemental projects across the ClinTrUSC network.
Governance and Coordination
The Administrative Core coordinates the work of ClinTrUSC’s advisory and leadership committees to ensure strong governance and accountability across the Center. This collaborative governance model provides multiple layers of input, engaging community and professional partners, institutional leaders, and research experts to ensure that ClinTrUSC’s research remains innovative and responsive to the needs of South Carolinians.
ClinTrUSC Advisory Boards & Committees
The Administrative Core convenes the following boards and committees:
The External Advisory Committee provides independent advice on critical scientific priorities and administrative decisions; members include experts from outside the state.
The Executive Committee (EC) assists in administering and managing the CTR-D award; members include all SC members, Core Leaders, and a representative from the IAB.
The Steering Committee (SC) ensures ClinTrUSC stays aligned with its mission and secures organizational support for participation in ClinTrUSC activities; members include the ClinTrUSC PD(s)/PI(s) and senior institutional leaders from lead and partner organizations.
The Internal Advisory Board (IAB) meets biannually to evaluate CLINTRUSC’s progress and the growth of synergy between its activities and community/clinical partners; members are leaders and experts from health-relevant units across USC.