Meet Our Team
Ahna L. Pai, PhD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Pai’s areas of research focus include medication adherence in children with chronic illness, development of behavioral interventions, randomized clinical trial methodology and measure development.
Sarah Drake, MS, CCRP
Clinical Research Project Manager
Sarah Drake, MS, graduated Northern Kentucky University in January 2012 with her bachelor's degree in psychology and minor in honors. Following graduation, she began work for Dr. Pai in her research lab at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a clinical research coordinator. In August 2022 she graduated from Xavier University with her master's of science in health economics and clinical outcomes research. Her master's thesis evaluated the cost effectiveness of adherence promoting interventions in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Sarah started volunteering in Dr. Pai’s lab in August 2010 and now leads lab operations as a clinical research project manager.
Lydia Wisne, BS
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Lydia Wisne is a 2024 graduate from The Ohio State University where she earned her bachelor's of science in medical anthropology. During her undergraduate studies, she developed skills and passion for data analysis, scientific writing and a social and historical understanding of the medical field. After graduation, Lydia gained valuable experience in data collection and research design at The PAST Foundation. Currently, Lydia is applying her skills in the Center for Biobehavioral Health and continues to learn about pediatric oncology and how best to help patients and their families. In the future, Lydia plans to attend graduate school in public health or a related field.
Blake Hardin, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Blake joined the Pai lab as a clinical research coordinator in mid-2025. She also works closely with Dr. H. Gerry Taylor and Dr. Adrien Winning. Blake graduated from Colgate University in 2024 with a degree in psychological science and education. She has a strong interest in prevention and intervention programs for higher risk populations across a wide spectrum of conditions.