Kristin Castorino, DO, BC-ADM, has been promoted to Vice President, Clinical Research and Senior Research Physician. Dr. Castorino’s deep clinical experience and research acumen will be invaluable as she continues to lead our efforts to develop innovative treatments and interventions for those living with diabetes. Her leadership encompasses oversight of landmark studies and collaborations aimed at improving treatment outcomes and advancing diabetes care. Dr. Castorino has authored numerous papers, presented at national and international conferences, and is a sought-after collaborator in the field of maternal/fetal health. As a research physician who believes in elevating the health of people who live and work in our community, she also spends half-day a week working to provide care to vulnerable, at-risk patients.

Kara Hornbuckle, MS, has been promoted to Vice President, Development and Public Affairs. For seven years, Kara has been an integral part of building and repositioning SDRI. Her strategic role in the highly successful $20 million campaign, Innovative Research, Inspiring Hope, combined with her leadership across the organization in elevating SDRI’s development, marketing, educational, and engagement activities, position her well for an even more dynamic external role. Her focus will be overseeing development, marketing and communication strategies, educational programming, and managing SDRI’s public outreach initiatives.

Kristen Nelson, MSN, FNP, has been promoted to Director, Clinical Research Operations, a newly created role at SDRI. Kristen, a veteran nurse practitioner, has served as a senior member of the research team on countless studies. In her tenure, she has served as a teacher, trainer and mentor for the research assistants, research coordinators, nurses, and other nurse practitioners who implement the clinical trials that aim to change health span and health outcomes for people living with diabetes. Her new position will oversee the operational aspects of clinical research, including trial management, regulatory compliance, and patient engagement/patient safety.

Christian Farfan has been promoted to Director, Clinical Research Business Development. Over the last seven years, Christian learned and then managed a team that designed and delivered every facet of a clinical trial, from contract negotiation to patient recruitment to FDA review.  His ability to see the big picture while managing a myriad of details, meant that under his leadership, our team delivered results for our partners. He has demonstrated exceptional skill in forging strategic partnerships and expanding SDRI’s research portfolio. In this newly created role, Christian will focus on developing business strategies, securing research funding, and fostering collaborations with industry and academic partners.