Gail Runnells, RN, a clinical research nurse manager at the UAMS Translational Research Institute, recently received the 2024 Bonny Hope Wallace Award for Excellence in Human Subject Research for her outstanding work as a research coordinator, mentor and manager.
The Bonny Hope Wallace Award goes to a UAMS certified research specialist selected by their peers. Wallace worked in research at UAMS for more than 30 years before her death in 2004. The award in her name was presented at the conclusion of the Dec. 11 Certified Research Specialist (CRS) Awards Ceremony, sponsored by the UAMS Office of Research Compliance.
Runnells, who joined the Translational Research Institute in 2017, was nominated by her colleagues.
Her passion for research and work ethic are an inspiration to those who work with Runnells, said Anja Rassmann, BSN, RN, CCRP, a clinical research nurse manager at the Translational Research Institute.
“Gail truly embodies what it means to be an outstanding clinical research professional,” Rassmann said. “She has a true passion for research and our research patients. She displays respect, integrity and professionalism in all aspects of the clinical trial.”
Rory McCoy, BSN, RN, CRS, a clinical research coordinator at the Translational Research Institute, said Runnells’ mentorship has had a profound impact on him.
“Gail’s unwavering support and mentorship have shaped my pursuit of knowledge and inspired my dedication to research,” McCoy said.
Erin Hatcher, a clinical research coordinator, also praised Runnells’ dedication to research participants as well as her less experienced colleagues.
“She always ensures that the participants understand the research process and that they feel comfortable and cared for during the process,” Hatcher said. “She takes on several studies and yet always is available to mentor and teach others. She is patient, nurturing and supportive when teaching others.”
Among Runnells’ significant contributions was her vital role recruiting participants for the breast cancer research project known as “Spit for the Cure.” The groundbreaking initiative, launched in 2007, recruited nearly 26,000 women from all 75 Arkansas counties to participate in breast cancer research through DNA collection. Gail’s recruiting efforts helped establish the robust cohort of volunteers, which continues to impact cancer research today.
“Receiving the Bonny Hope Wallace Award is truly an honor,” Runnells said. “Bonny set a high standard for research professionalism and integrity, and I’m humbled to be recognized in her name. I share this award with my incredible colleagues and mentors, who inspire and support me every day. Most of all, I’m grateful for the research participants who trust us with their care and make our work possible.”
Wallace was an instructor in surgery and laboratory director for surgical research at the Department of Surgery at UAMS as well as clinical coordinator of research at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) Burn Unit. She was instrumental in pioneering ACH’s Burn Unit. Her efforts were focused on cutting-edge research to promote women’s health. She is remembered for her respectful treatment of research participants and her commitment to research integrity.