When you meet Adriana Delgado, Associate Clinical Research Coordinator, you quickly realize two things: she’s incredibly hardworking, and she has a quiet determination that has shaped both her career and her life.
Adriana’s path to UNC Radiology began while she was still a student at Durham Tech, working toward her associate’s degree in clinical research. As part of her program, she completed an internship with the department. “Terry, our manager at the time, interviewed me and was already talking about offering me a position after graduation because I was bilingual. He really wanted to promote diversity in clinical research,” Adriana recalls. “I finished my internship on a Friday, and by Monday, I was here working full-time.”
“When Adriana joined our team as an intern, it was clear from the start that she had tremendous potential,” says Terry Hartman, MPH, MS, CCRC, Director of Research Operations at NC TraCS Institute and former Director of Research at UNC Radiology, Adriana’s former supervisor. “She approached every task with curiosity, dedication, and a strong desire to learn. As her internship came to a close, I recognized not only the value she brought to our team but also an opportunity to grow our group. I asked about her post-graduation plans and was thrilled to learn she was interested in continuing with us. We were fortunate to have her apply—and even more fortunate when she officially joined our team.”
That was four years ago, and since then, Adriana has become an essential member of the clinical research team. Her days are a mix of patient screenings, regulatory work, data entry, specimen collection, IRB applications, and scheduling. “My favorite part of the job is that it’s always different,” she says. “I never get bored—different studies, different tasks. Every day brings something new.”
“Adriana brings a rare blend of quiet determination, unwavering work ethic, and genuine warmth to everything she does,” says Markeela Lipscomb, CCRC, UNC Radiology Associate Director, Clinical Research Operations. “I have been fortunate enough to witness Adriana’s growth over the years and from day one, it was clear she is not only incredibly capable but also deeply committed to our patients, our team, and the mission of clinical research. Always ready to lend a hand, she approaches each day with positivity and purpose, making her not only an essential part of our team, but also a joy to work with.”
A Career Sparked by Chance
Interestingly, clinical research wasn’t always on Adriana’s radar. She originally pursued a career in business management to support her husband’s remodeling business, which she still helps manage on the side. However, her interest in clinical research was sparked years earlier while she was working as a nanny. “The woman I worked for was in clinical research, and I started hearing about it through her. I didn’t even know it existed before,” she says. That small introduction set her on a completely different—and fulfilling—career path.
“Adriana is an invaluable member of our team,” says Demsa Jones, BS, CCRC, Administrative Director, Clinical Research. “She is consistently one of our top enrollers which speaks volumes about her dedication and efficiency. She is always ahead of the game when it comes to getting tasks completed, setting a high standard for others. On top of that, she has a great sense of humor—always ready with a joke and a smile. We are very lucky to have her!”
Life Beyond Work
Outside of work, Adriana’s world revolves around her family. She and her husband have been together for 13 years and are raising four kids, ages 18, 17, 10, and 7. Soccer is practically a way of life in their household. “We’re usually at a game or out on the field,” she says with a smile. “If not, I’m probably cooking or cleaning—typical mom life.”
Though she describes herself as shy, Adriana admits that once she feels comfortable with people, her personality shines. “At first, I’m quiet, but once you get to know me, I can’t stop talking. I’ll joke and be really outgoing.” Her best friends would call her funny, strong, and dependable—traits that her colleagues would no doubt agree with.
A Determined Spirit
When asked what she likes most about herself, Adriana doesn’t hesitate: determination. That drive has carried her through a winding journey—from growing up in Los Angeles and Mexico before settling in Durham, to navigating an early career shift, to balancing work, family, and school. “If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to focus more. I lost track early on, but once I got older, I started doing things the right way.”
And if she could choose a superpower? Time manipulation tops the list. “I could have enough time to do everything and not be rushing all the time,” she says, laughing. Until then, she’s more than content balancing her busy days in research and her family’s full calendar.
For Adriana, life has indeed shown how quickly it can change. Or, as she imagines the title of her autobiography: How Life Can Change.
