Evan Sander knows firsthand that clinical research is never just about processes or paperwork—it’s about people. As associate director of client success at Advarra, Evan works closely with academic medical centers to ensure research teams feel supported every step of the way. But his connection to research runs deeper than his role. Through a powerful personal experience involving his sister’s participation in a clinical trial, Evan has seen the real-world impact of ethical, well-run research. In this Q&A, he shares how that experience shaped his career, why Advarra’s approach stood out to him, and what excites him most about supporting customers—and patients—through Advarra’s technology.
What firsthand experiences shaped how you see clinical research today?
I didn’t always have a personal connection to research and the work we do, but that changed when I realized my sister had participated in a clinical trial supported by Advarra. She has cystic fibrosis, and the trial was for Trikafta—a drug that truly changed her life. Growing up, she had to do multiple treatments every day just to manage her condition. Now, she lives a mostly normal life, has a family, and doesn’t need those daily treatments anymore. Seeing Advarra’s name on her consent form was a full-circle moment for me. It made everything we do feel incredibly real. It reminded me that behind every protocol and document is a person hoping for a better outcome.
Why did Advarra feel like the right place to build your career?
When I first entered the clinical research space, I honestly didn’t even know what an IRB was. But once I started, I quickly fell in love with the work—a feeling that only deepened after my sister’s experience. I came back to Advarra after some time away because I truly believe in our role in the research ecosystem. We’re a critical safeguard for participants, and we help research teams do their work the right way. Knowing that our reviews and processes can directly impact someone’s life is motivating. Advarra doesn’t just talk about doing meaningful work—you feel it every day in how seriously we take our responsibility.
How do you and your team go above and beyond for customers?
One thing I’m really proud of is our “white glove” approach to service. Customers aren’t just submitting requests into a system—they have real people they can call, email, or message. If a site needs something reviewed quickly because a participant’s care depends on it, we do everything we can to help. I always think about what it’s like on the other side. Maybe it’s a Friday afternoon and getting something done means a site can actually enjoy their weekend. Those moments matter. Our team is deeply collaborative, well-trained, and genuinely invested in helping customers succeed, because that ultimately supports participants too.
What excites you most about Advarra’s eIRB software platform?
I’ve loved working in CIRBI from day one because it’s so user-friendly and transparent. The audit history, communication tools, and document access make a huge difference for both our teams and our customers. Upcoming changes to CIRBI are going to take all of that to the next level. I’m excited to help customers navigate it and see how it makes their work even smoother. It’s another way we’re breaking down barriers and supporting better research outcomes.
Want to learn more? Check out this overview of Advarra’s review services or contact us to ask an expert a specific question.
