Karen Brooks has 18 years of clinical research experience.  She is currently the Director of Clinical Projects at sanofi-aventis where she is responsible for ensuring overall implementation and study conduct of clinical trials in the US Clinical Research Unit (US_CRU) across all therapeutic areas.  Her team, Project Management and Study Start Up, is responsible for all study implementation and execution from start-up activities through study closure within the US_CRU.  She also serves as a board member for Trinity Research Consultants, a specialty SMO focused on novice minority investigators. Her extensive years of experience have afforded her the opportunity to work with many investigators, study teams, and sponsor companies with the initiative to improve the inclusion of minorities and women in clinical trials.  Mrs. Brooks holds a BS in Biology from East Carolina University, Masters in Health Administration from Central Michigan University, and is currently pursing her PhD in International Health Practitioner from TUI University.