Over 25 Years of Excellence in Clinical Research

Dedicated to advancing medical science and improving lives in Central Pennsylvania.

About Us

At CARE Research, we’ve been at the forefront of clinical trials for over 25 years, led by the expertise of Dr. Venkatesh Nadar. Our mission is simple: to advance medical treatments while providing exceptional care and education to our patients. With a dedicated team of experienced professionals, we’ve conducted more than 200 studies across diverse therapeutic areas, offering participants access to cutting-edge treatments and personalized attention.
Volunteering with CARE means more than just participating in research - it’s about being part of a journey that improves lives, including your own. From complimentary exams and medications to direct connections with our clinicians, we ensure every step of the process is comfortable, transparent, and rewarding.
Join us in shaping the future of healthcare, one study at a time.

Areas of Clinical Research

Since 1998, CARE has conducted more than 200 trials in the following areas:

Your Research Team

Dr. Venkatesh Nadar has served as the Principal Investigator (PI) at CARE since its founding more than 25 years ago. Board-certified in both Cardiology and Internal Medicine, he remains actively involved in patient care while also leading clinical research initiatives. Driven by a strong passion for advancing medicine, Dr. Nadar oversees a dedicated team of sub-investigators and research professionals who have conducted more than 150 clinical studies. Under his leadership, CARE continues to play an important role in bringing innovative therapies and medical advancements to patients. Dr. Nadar is deeply committed to the clinical research process and values the opportunity it provides to improve patient care. Through research, he strives to offer participants enhanced individualized attention, access to state-of-the-art treatments, and comprehensive education about their health and treatment options.

Dr. Venkatesh Nadar
Principle Investigator

Jillian graduated in 2013 from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She began her nursing career as an operating room nurse specializing in cardiothoracic surgery, where she developed a strong foundation in complex cardiac care. In 2019, she earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Penn State University and became a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in family practice. During her time in family practice, Jillian expanded her clinical expertise and also served as a Sub-Investigator at CARE. After six years in family practice, Jillian chose to return to her passion for cardiovascular medicine. In June 2025, she joined Capital Area Cardiovascular Associates, working alongside Dr. Nadar, where she now specializes in cardiology and continues to help as a Sub investigator in many aspects of the clinical trials conducted at CARE.

Jillian Sterner, CRNP
Sub Investigator

Johnathan graduated from Thiel College in 2025 with a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant, he obtained his license as a Physical Therapist Assistant, where he gained experience in musculoskeletal and functional patient care. After graduation, he began his career in cardiology with Capital Area Cardiovascular Associates, working alongside Dr. Nadar to care for patients with a variety of cardiovascular conditions. Johnathan also serves as a Sub-Investigator at Capital Area Research and is involved in clinical trials focused on advancing treatments for cardiovascular disease.

Johnathan Rabon, PA-C
Sub Investigator

Camp Hill Team

Kimberly graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She began her career at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she conducted research related to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for seven years. In 1999, she was presented with the opportunity to help establish a clinical research department alongside Venkatesh K. Nadar, MD. Since then, Capital Area Research, LLC (CARE) has grown into a highly reputable research clinic supported by skilled and experienced research staff. CARE has successfully conducted over 150 clinical trials across a diverse range of therapeutic areas. Kimberly plays an integral role in the operational and financial management of CARE, overseeing study start-up activities, regulatory coordination, and revenue management. She works closely with the sponsors and study teams to ensure trials are initiated efficiently and managed in compliance with applicable guidelines.

Kimberly Darrow

Vice President of Clinical Operations and Development

Megan graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences. She has worked at Capital Area Research as a research coordinator since 2011. She received her certification in clinical research through The Society of Clinical Research Associates in 2013, in which she is a current member. She has done clinical trials involving medications, imaging, and vaccines. Some areas of research Megan has directly worked in include cholesterol, diabetes, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, DVT/PE, weight loss, influenza, and Clostridioides difficile.

Megan Johnson

Alison earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Imaging from Bloomsburg University, along with a Cardiovascular Invasive Specialty certificate. Since 2014, she has served as a Research Coordinator at Capital Area Research. In 2024, Alison obtained her Clinical Research Certification through The Society of Clinical Research Associates, of which she is an active member. Her clinical research experience includes trials in heart failure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, influenza, urinary tract infections, cardiac imaging, and weight loss.

Alison Singh

Dipalee completed her Bachelor of Science degree with major in Microbiology from Gujarat University (India) in 2007, where she worked as Clinical Research Coordinator at CIMS Hospital for over 7 years. She joined Capital Area Research in 2015. She has been a clinical research coordinator/regulatory coordinator for Phase II, III and IV trials at Capital Area Research.

Dipalee Patel

Elias graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and in 2022 with a Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology. He has worked with CARE since 2022 as a research coordinator and exercise physiologist. Research trials he has worked on include heart failure, Lipoprotein (a), weight loss, peripheral artery disease, and vaccine trials for both RSV and influenza. Along with this he conducts treadmill exercise stress tests and cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) for the cardiology office. Outside of work, Elias enjoys training for marathons, reflecting his commitment to endurance performance and cardiovascular health.

Elias Dimitrakopoulos

Audrey graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Since starting at CARE as a Research Assistant in 2025, she has helped in clinical trials involving multiple indications including, heart failure, Lp(a), weight loss, and vaccines. Audrey also focuses on managing our lab and processing the bloodwork and samples for select trials.

Audrey Edwards

John completed his Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. He spent four years working in outpatient cardiology before joining the CARE team in 2023. His dual role includes working as a research coordinator on clinical trials involving high cholesterol, cardiac imaging, COPD, RSV and atrial fibrillation along with conducting treadmill exercise stress tests for the cardiology office as an Exercise Physiologist.

John King

Newport Team

Madison graduated in 2024 from Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She started with CARE as a Clinical Research Coordinator in 2025. She has worked in clinical trials involving atrial fibrillation, weight loss, cholesterol, LP(a), diabetes, and heart failure.

Madison McDonald

Amanda graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology. She began working for CARE in 2008 as a research coordinator and received her certification in clinical research through The Society of Clinical Research Associates in 2013 of which she is a current member. While working at CARE, she has worked on numerous research trials involving investigational medications and medical devices. Her areas of interest are Congestive Heart Failure & Cardiac Arrhythmia.

Amanda Radle

Samantha graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biobehavioral Health. She started with CARE as a Clinical Research Coordinator in 2023. She has worked in clinical trials involving, UTIs, Atrial fibrillation, Diabetes, Weight Loss, Cholesterol, Heart Failure and LP(a).

Samantha Girard

Our Commitment to the Future of Healthcare

Founded in 1998, Capital Area Research was built on the belief that local communities should have access to global medical breakthroughs. We bridge the gap between pharmaceutical innovation and patient care.

Expert Oversight You Can Trust

Our team of board-certified physicians and experienced clinical coordinators ensure every study is conducted with the highest ethical standards.
With over 20 years of internal medicine experience, Dr. Sterling oversees all clinical protocols to ensure participant safety and data integrity.
Dr. Alana Sterling, MD, FACP
Principal Investigator & Medical Director
Marcus is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator who manages the daily workflow of our facility, from sponsor relations to site recruitment strategies.
Marcus Thorne, CCRC
Director of Clinical Operations
Sarah ensures that every study conducted at CARE remains in strict 100% compliance with FDA guidelines and Institutional Review Board (IRB) standards.
Sarah Jenkins, MPH
Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance Manager
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