Research Team

At Oregon Medical Research our team has extensive experience conducting clinical research and is united in one goal: to obtain accurate clinical results in a competent and caring manner that keeps patient care as our top concern.

Dr. Benjamin Ehst is a board-certified dermatologist, with an accompanying doctorate in immunology and microbiology. His current research and patient care areas of expertise include psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin disease. Dr. Ehst earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in a combined Medical Scientist Training Program. He completed residency training in Dermatology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and completed a period of work at the Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health studying the immune response to malaria. These experiences solidified his career choice to pursue both medical practice and clinical research. In addition to seeing study patients at OMRC, Dr. Ehst practices clinical dermatology at Broadway Medical Clinic.

Learn more about Dr. Ehst

Dr. Hawkes is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He completed his undergraduate degree and medical school training in Utah.

He then completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Washington/Boise VA Medical Center followed by a dermatology residency at the University of Utah. After residency, he earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Investigation at Rockefeller University in New York City, where he was Chief Clinical Scholar and Principal Investigator on multiple human research protocols in the Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology. His primary clinical and research interests include novel immune therapies for inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and urticaria.

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Dr. Robert Matheson is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 35 years of clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases, dermatologic surgery, and multiple cosmetic applications in dermatology. During 20 years of private practice, he also participated in numerous clinical trials. Dr. Matheson joined Oregon Medical Research in 1998 and since then has devoted his efforts exclusively to full-time clinical research in new drugs and devices in dermatology, acting as Principal or Sub-investigator in more than 450 clinical studies.

Learn more about Dr. Matheson

Timothy is a board-certified Physician’s Associate with over 20 years of Dermatology experience. With a desire to find new ways to help patients, Timothy joined OMRC as a Sub-Investigator in 2023 and is an integral part of OMRC’s clinic. In his free time, Timothy is either mountain biking, fly fishing, golfing, or playing music with his friends.

Therese is a registered nurse with more than 25 years of medical experience. She joined Oregon Medical Research in 2001, providing direct patient care and research coordination. She is Advance Cardiac Life Support certified, is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and is also Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certified. Therese is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and the Dermatology Nurses Association.

Anastasia received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and her Master of Science degree in Anatomy and Neurobiology from Boston University. With previous research experience in cardiology, pulmonary, and neuropsychology, Anastasia joined the OMRC team in 2020 as a Clinical Research Coordinator and continued on to manage OMRC’s Regulatory efforts until transitioning to her current role as Operations Manager. Outside of the office Anastasia can be found browsing local plant nurseries or spoiling her pug.

Charlie received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Longwood University. With an interest in the medical field and more direct interaction with people, Charlie joined OMRC in 2019 as a Clinical Research Assistant and then took on additional responsibilities as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Today, you can still find Charlie helping out in the clinic when he’s not crunching numbers in his office. In his free time Charlie can be found practicing a number of sports or tending to his garden.

Julia received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Physical Activity from Portland State University. She enjoys working with people and brings experience from the health and fitness industry to OMRC. Julia joined OMRC in 2019 as a Clinical Research Assistant, transitioned to a Clinical Research Coordinator role, and now manages OMRC’s Regulatory efforts. During her time off Julia can be found summiting mountains or beating her own marathon records!

Francesca received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences at Arizona State University. Francesca joined OMRC in 2019, bringing along her clinical research experience from various specialties. Her organization and attention to detail, in addition to a knack for asking pertinent questions, makes her especially well-suited to her new position as a Project Manager. In her free time Francesca can be found joining efforts with her friends to provide aid to the Portland community.

Olivia received her Bachelor of Art degree in Biology from Mount Holyoke College and her Master of Public Administration with a focus in Health Administration from Suffolk University. Bringing a well-rounded breadth of experience and knowledge about clinical research from several specialties, Olivia joined OMRC in 2023 as a Project Manager. When she’s not supporting patients in clinic or lending a hand to our team members, Olivia can be found training for local half-marathons, enjoying her garden and snapping photos of wildlife to share with the office!

Bringing over 15 years of laboratory experience to OMRC, Shalyn joined the team in 2021 and her keen attention to detail and curiosity has also led her to learning from and supporting the Regulatory team. Shalyn keeps busy both in and out of the office, cheering on her children at their competitions and devoting the rest of her time to her bernadoodle puppy.

With about 20 years of experience as a Medical Assistant, Misty joined OMRC in 2024 with an interest in learning about clinical research. Most of Misty’s previous experience focused on Dermatology, and she’s now proud to use her skills in a new setting. In her free time Misty can be found relaxing in her garden with her best four-legged friend.

Mohammadreza received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Montana State University, and minored in both Biology and Math. Moving from Iran, to Montana, to Oregon, he brings both his previous research and CNA experience to OMRC as a Clinical Research Coordinator. In his free time Mohammadreza can be found engrossed in a book or practicing his artistic skills.

Shelbie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and Biology at James Madison University and her Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology from Oregon Health & Science University. Before joining OMRC in 2024, she worked in preclinical research for rare genetic conditions and is passionate about driving clinical trials to success and improving patient outcomes. On the weekends, Shelbie enjoys exploring the PNW with her family and pup.

Katie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Portland State University and brings her previous CNA and clinical research experience to OMRC as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Regulatory Associate. Outside of the office Katie is likely checking off books from her reading list and adding new recommendations.

Susan joined the OMRC team as an Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Specialist in 2024, bringing over a decade of bookkeeping experience with her. When she’s not in the office, Susan cares for her farm and animals and stays busy with various fun hobbies!

Sophia earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a minor in Public Health from The George Washington University, where she contributed to rehabilitation medicine research at the Advanced Metrics Lab. Her work focused on relationship-centered care for patients that lack the cognitive capacity to communicate their wishes. Passionate about improving patient outcomes and health equity, Sophia brings a patient-centered approach to her role. Outside of work, she enjoys thrifting and cooking meals for friends and family.