Meet the Non-Therapeutic Research Office Team

Heather Jim, PhD - Associate Center Director for Population Sciences; Executive Sponsor

Dr. Heather Jim is a Senior Member, Program Leader, and Moffitt Distinguished Scholar in the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior. Her research focuses on the psychological and physical effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment. She has four lines of research dedicated to: 1) documenting the prevalence, severity, and chronicity of side effects of cancer and its treatment, 2) determining which patients are at the greatest risk of developing side effects, 3) understanding underlying biological and behavioral mechanisms, and 4) developing and evaluating targeted interventions to prevent or reduce side effects. She has an active program of federally funded research and over 250 peer-reviewed publications on these topics.

Kristie Moffett, MHA - Senior Director, Human Subjects Research

Kristie Moffett's experience spans over 25 years, beginning at the Cleveland Clinic (CC) and then joining the Markey Cancer Center, working toward NCI designation and a central biorepository. She returned to the CC, where she managed the cancer portfolio and Cancer Registry and then took a broader enterprise role in the center for Clinical Research. There, she implemented a research strategy for satellites/hospitals, managed portfolios for multiple institutes and managed strategic research initiatives. In 2016, Moffett moved to Moffitt Cancer Center as a Senior Director over the Clinical Trials Office and then led the design and implementation of the new centralized Non-Therapeutic Research Office (NTRO).

Nina Naas, MPH, CPH - Director NTRO

Nina Naas is the Director of the Non-Therapeutic Research Office, which conducts studies on cancer prevention and control. She has 15 years of research experience, 13 years of management experience and holds a master’s degree in public health. She held a pivotal role in designing and implementing NTRO at Moffitt in 2021 and it's one of the few offices in the nation that specializes in this kind of research. When she's not working, she's spending time with her two young daughters, her family, and engraving items with her laser machine.

Alina Hoehn, MSHI, BS - Manager NTRO

Alina Hoehn is the Manager of Research Support, including study activation, for NTRO. She has 15 years of experience supporting diverse research modalities across both dry and wet lab environments, encompassing observational, interventional, molecular and translational study designs. Alina enjoys building strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative, agile solutions that enable timely execution of NTRO studies and to provide support for institutional and departmental initiatives.

Todd Hoffert, BS - Manager NTRO

Todd Hoffert brings nearly two decades of research experience and over a decade of leadership to his role as Manager of Clinical Research Operations. Since joining NTRO in 2022, Todd has played a key role in guiding a rapidly growing team, fostering a culture of quality, efficiency, and collaboration to support the research community. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, running and playing pickup basketball.

Natasha Francis, MPH, CPH - Manager NTRO

Natasha Francis is the Manager of the NTRO Population and Engagement Research Laboratory (PEARL). PEARL facilitates research on Precision Cancer Interception: cancer prevention, nutritional and behavioral interventions, complements to therapeutics and improved survivorship. She has 19 years of research experience - 13 years of specimen and laboratory management, along with multisite study operational experience and holds a master’s degree in public health (MPH, CPH). She became the proud steward of PEARL in 2024 and is honored to manage one of the few comprehensive precision cancer interception facilities in the nation. 

Alisa Peinhardt, MAIS, BSN, OCN - Manager NTRO

Alisa Peinhardt serves as the NTRO Manager of Research Operations for Community and Lab-based Research. Alisa's career in research operations, education and management spans over 35 years, with a decade in the intramural program at the NIH Clinical Center as an Oncology Nurse Manager and Special Assistant to the Clinical Center Associate Director. Alisa served as Director of Patient Education and Advocacy for the National CML Society and worked with the Comprehensive Cancer Center and Mycoses Study Group at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Alisa is a trained facilitator in Appreciative Inquiry (Case Western University) and Team Facilitation (NTL Institute) and has worked with dynamic teams in federal, private and academic settings. Alisa is married with seven wonderful children and enjoys living in the Tampa Bay area.

Lucia Camperlengo, MPH - Manager NTRO

Lucia Camperlengo has over 10 years of research experience and seven years in management in her role as a Manager of Clinical Research Operations. Since joining the NTRO team in 2022, she has focused on supporting investigators and streamlining processes to ensure compliance and operational excellence. Outside of work, Lucia enjoys traveling with her family and crafting – and is probably doing so with a strong cup of coffee in hand!