Staff Highlight - Quinn Hlava

Get to know the Penn FTD Center staff! Learn more this month from Penn FTD Center Senior Clinical Research Coordinator Quinn Hlava, MRA in the responses below!

What is your role at the Penn FTD Center and how long have you been working at the center?

I started working at the Penn FTD Center 4 years ago as a clinical research coordinator working on observational research, specifically on the ALLFTD study and various imaging studies. A little over 2 years ago, I transitioned to the clinical trials team, where I am currently working as the lead clinical trials coordinator! I want to give a shoutout to all the amazing participants that I’ve gotten to work with over the past 4+ years because getting to meet them and hear their stories has made this job a truly special experience!

How do you hope to use this work in future opportunities?

Anyone who has worked with me, including participants and their families, knows that I am someone who enjoys cracking jokes and sharing a laugh. While this may seem out of place at an FTD Center, I have learned from my work how essential this comedic attitude is when dealing with such a difficult disease. It’s been such an honor to bring joy and laughter to people who are dealing with something as heartbreaking as FTD. Coming in for research visits isn’t an overtly exciting or fun experience, but I have found ways to make it enjoyable for patients and their families, and that is something that I want to bring to all my future opportunities. 

What is your favorite thing to do in Philly?

I love the Mütter Museum! When I first moved to Philly, I was a volunteer docent and got to go to the Museum every weekend, and I just love it so much! My favorite part is either the wall of skulls or the world’s largest colon (it was 40lbs!!!), but the gift shop is pretty neat too!