Research Staff Spotlight: Dana Fine, CCRP

“I love interacting with the babies and meeting the moms,” says Dana Fine, CCRP. “It brings me a lot of joy.”

Dana is the Senior Manager of the Infant Neuromotor Control Laboratory at CHLA. The lab, which is led by Beth Smith, PhD, DPT, is using wearable technology—including Fitbit-like sensors for babies’ wrists and ankles, eye gaze tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) headcaps—to analyze how babies learn arm-reaching and other movements.

In her role, Dana manages a team of research assistants and associates who help to recruit patients and conduct visits with families. When needed, she also assists with those visits, which often take place in families’ homes.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she says. “I enjoy collaborating with my team to ensure that the studies are running smoothly.”

This is Dana’s second stint at CHLA. Previously, she spent a year as a Clinical Research Coordinator II for the Division of Neonatology before leaving to work in regulatory affairs for Providence St. Joseph in Burbank. She then rejoined CHLA nearly three years ago to work with Dr. Smith.

After hours, you’ll find her hanging out with her husband and their “spoiled” black Labrador retriever, Sophie. Another thing that brings her joy? Playing tennis and handball with her 10-year-old grandson.