Women's Cancer Research Foundation

Carlina Thomas ~ WCRF Executive Director

Carlina Thomas came to the WCRF with a proven track record in nonprofit leadership. She has served as president of the California Waste Association, the City of Huntington Beach Neighborhood Watch Program, and the Dr. Ralph E. Hawes Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Carlina also chaired several education related and community-wide committees, ran for school board, and in her free time serves as a dedicated volunteer for both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis from California State University, Long Beach. Since that time her professional background includes years of successful environmental consulting sales management and national account development experience with Fortune 500 Companies generating annual sales in the millions.

Bram Goldstein, PhD ~ Senior Fellow

Since January 2004, Bram H. Goldstein, PhD, has been a postdoctoral fellow at Gynecologic Oncology Associates (GOA) and the Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) in Newport Beach, California. Before joining GOA/WCRF, his studies emphasized the relationship between neurologic functioning and severe reading disorders. However, after obtaining his PhD from the University of Arizona and working as a Neurology Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Bram developed a significant interest in neuropsychological functioning in patients treated for brain tumors. He went on to receive a more diverse cancer research background while studying as a postdoctoral fellow in Clinical Oncology at UCLA. He continues to expand his research through the clinical trials in which he is involved with the WCRF. Amidst every research study conducted by the WCRF, there is a tremendous amount of important information collected. Bram analyzes the data, evaluates the results, and writes up the findings for publication in major peer-reviewed medical journals. Since 1996, Bram has published over 80 research articles, primarily in the field of cancer.

Katrina Lopez ~ Research Director

Since 2003, Katrina Lopez has been an integral part of the WCRF research team. Certified as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) and Medical Assistant, Katrina has worked in pediatrics as a medical assistant, in optometry as a doctor’s assistant, and in pulmonary and critical care as an office manager. It was during her work in critical care that Katrina realized that her passion was to work in the area of oncology. She began in the front office and as a medical assistant for Gynecologic Oncology Associates (GOA) – the medical practice begun by Dr. Micha who also founded the WCRF – and soon after was hired by the WCRF as a research coordinator. Katrina has since been elevated to the position of Research Director where she oversees all clinical trials, serves as liaison with pharmaceutical reps, and assists with proposing and writing all the investigator initiated studies, among other responsibilities. Katrina is honored to work closely with the newly diagnosed patients and says the trust and friendship you build with them is everlasting.

Marie Wabe ~ WCRF Clinical Research Coordinator

Marie Wabe is the newest member to join the dedicated research team at the WCRF. As early as six years old, Marie knew she’d someday work in the medical field. With her mom a nurse and numerous aunts and uncles as doctors, she was surrounded by powerful role models. After earning certifications from the National Institute of Health and the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Health and Medical Services, Marie went on to receive a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Science from California State University, Fullerton. She has since worked as a clinical research assistant in a hematology/oncology office and interned as a physical therapy aide. She also proudly volunteered for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and as a peer educator for the Peer Health Education Program, and is now working towards a certification as a health educator. Marie is especially passionate about helping people and working towards better treatments and the cure for cancer.

May 2011