05/27/2026
In May, we join the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in recognizing National Cancer Research Month.
Clinical trials deliver lifesaving cancer therapies to patients. At the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Clinical Trials Office (CTO) is behind the scenes to seamlessly bring trials to patients.
Meet Holly Figueroa, who is a Sponsored/IIT Regulatory Start-Up Lead on the CTO's Research Support Services team. Holly helps ensure everything is compliant, thorough, and ready to move forward efficiently by providing training, guidance, and ongoing support to our regulatory coordinators throughout the study start-up process.
🔬 What is your favorite part of your job?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job is knowing that something I helped support can reach patients. Seeing an investigational product move forward and eventually be approved is an incredible feeling. It is a reminder that even behind the scenes, our work matters and contributes to improving lives.
Equally rewarding is watching our Regulatory Coordinators grow. Seeing their confidence build, their knowledge expand, and their skills sharpen over time is so fulfilling. Being able to support their development is something I genuinely enjoy.
🔬 What does cancer research mean to you?
Cancer research has become deeply personal for me. I recently lost my father to a rare form of blood cancer, and that experience changed my perspective in a profound way.
To me, cancer research represents time—more time for families, more memories, more moments that might not otherwise be possible. It’s the hope that others will get the chance that my family didn’t have, and that drives home just how meaningful this work truly is.
🔬 What motivates you on tough days?
On tougher days, I try to stay grounded by celebrating the small wins, whether it’s a submission completed, a question resolved, or a teammate gaining clarity. Those little victories add up.
At the same time, I keep my focus on the bigger picture, which is the impact of what we’re working toward. Remembering the “why” behind the work helps me push through challenges and stay motivated.
🔬 If you could describe your job in three words, what would they be?
Chaos, Caffeine, Compliance. Somehow it all just works.
Chaos reflects the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of study start-up. No two days look the same. Caffeine: The not-so-secret fuel that keeps me going! Compliance: the heart of it all and keeps us all on track. Put together, it’s a little hectic, a lot of responsibility, and incredibly meaningful. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
