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LaToya M. Hinton-Howery, MPH
CEO/Research Director
Next Innovative Clinical Research
LaToya Hinton-Howery, MPH serves as CEO and Research Director of Next Innovative Clinical Research, overseeing multi-specialty research sites in Houston and Chicago. Under her leadership, these facilities have become pioneers in expanding clinical trial access to underrepresented minority populations.
With 13 years of pharmaceutical research experience, including positions at prestigious institutions like Northwestern University, Rush University, and The University of Chicago…LaToya brings extensive expertise across multiple therapeutic areas, including:
– Women’s Health
– Dermatology
– Gastrointestinal
– Cardiovascular
– Respiratory
– Oncology
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration from Governors State University and a Master’s in Public Health from Benedictine University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Public Health at American College of Education, building upon her foundation as a Medical Assistant.
LaToya is passionate about mentoring healthcare professionals in clinical research, sharing her insights on both entering the field and managing successful research sites. Her mission is to bridge the gap between clinical research opportunities and medical professionals eager to advance scientific discovery.
Why Choose Us
Clinical research is at the heart of medical advancement, yet its success depends heavily on active participation from both physicians and patients. As breakthrough drugs, therapies, and medical devices emerge at an unprecedented rate, the demand for high-quality clinical trials has never been greater.
Next Innovative Clinical Research streamlines the complex clinical trial process through our comprehensive site management services. We handle everything from trial identification and budget preparation to IRB submissions and staff training, allowing healthcare providers to focus on what matters most: patient care.
With state-of-the-art research facilities in Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta, we’re ready to partner with pharmaceutical companies and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to advance medical science. Reach out today to discover how we can support your next clinical trial.
NICR Provides Solutions
We find appropriate studies by using
- Extensive portfolios of active clinical trials
- Strong relationships with sponsors
- Utilizing vendor support
We streamline the study start up process
- Extensive portfolios of active clinical trials
- Strong relationships with sponsors
- Utilizing vendor support
Core Strategic Offerings
NICR provides successful recruiting strategies by utilizing
- Vendor support
- Recruiting campaigns
- Advertising
We make clinical trials more efficient by
- Evaluating patients for rapid study startup and gathering data
- Maintaining a dedicated network of healthcare providers
Our efficient approach delivers multiple benefits: improved patient health outcomes, enhanced quality of care, faster study completion times, and increased revenue opportunities for our research partners.
Team Members
Ebone Jenkins
Operations Manager
Ebone Jenkins, MPH is currently the Operations Manager for Next Innovative Clinical Research. She works with our dynamic team to plan, coordinate, and ensure that day to day operations are running smoothly in all of our research studies. She has been with NICR for 6 years, starting as an intern. She is also currently a member of Black Women in Clinical Research. Ebone has bachelors in Healthcare Management with a minor in Business Administration, and a Masters in Health Policy management.
Jakeema Richards
Research Coordinator Houston
Jakeema is detailed oriented, with 15 years of Health care experience 5 of which she has devoted into Clinical Research. Managing clinical trials, ensuring compliance with protocols, and coordinating with cross-functional teams. Skilled in data management, patient recruitment, and regulatory documentation Jakeema has been working at Next Innovative Clinical Research for the last 2 years and truly has a passion for what she does.
Reagan Scott
Research Coordinator Houston
Reagan Scott is a Texas native and proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University. She is an aspiring physician, dedicated to advancing health equity and improving community health outcomes with a passion for understanding and addressing the social determinants of health that impact underserved communities.
Edith Ruiz
Research Coordinator Chicago
Edith Ruiz recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University Chicago. She is passionate about healthcare and making a difference in people’s lives. Over the years, she has gained hands-on experience in phlebotomy, patient care, and clinical research, while balancing roles in customer service and caregiving. She loves working with people, whether it's helping patients feel comfortable or collaborating with a team to solve problems. Being bilingual and adaptable has been a huge asset in connecting with others and navigating different environments. She is ambitious, eager to learn, and plan to continue her education to open more doors and grow in her career.
Imani Gardner
Research Coordinator Chicago
Imani has been in the medical field for 8 years, starting as a medical assistant, then transitioning to a phlebotomist . Over the years, she has worked in a hospital setting working with both geriatric and pediatric patients and even spent time as an ICU phlebotomist. She has recently advanced into the field of clinical research bringing her experience with empathy and passion to help educate research participants. She loves working with patients and always strive to make their experience as positive as possible. Whether it’s drawing blood or explaining a study, she's passionate about making a difference.