The Coalition for National Trauma Research (CNTR) is proud to announce two important leadership appointments: Lizette Villarreal, MA, PhD(c), has been promoted to Director of Applied Research, and Serina Zorrilla, MSN, RN, ACRP-PM®, joins CNTR as the first Director of Clinical Research. Together, they will lead ambitious efforts to advance trauma research across the nation, strengthening CNTR’s mission to save lives and reduce disability from traumatic injury.

Lizette Villarreal: From Program Manager to Research Leader

For the past decade, Villarreal has served as a program manager at CNTR, shepherding complex projects such as MIMIC, a study of prehospital deaths in six states, and CLOTT 3, a multi-center implementation study of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients. Her promotion to Director of Applied Research reflects both her record of success and her vision for expanding the reach and impact of CNTR’s applied research program.

“Over the next year, we will focus on the true essence of ‘applied’ research—translating our foundational knowledge about the causes and effects of trauma into tangible, real-world solutions that can directly benefit individuals and communities,” Villarreal said. She emphasized her commitment to preventing knowledge silos, ensuring that CNTR’s findings are shared widely.

Villarreal, whose academic background is in applied demography, brings a population-level lens to trauma research. “I plan to utilize demographic principles and data to understand the population-level dynamics of trauma beyond the individual patient,” she explained, adding that her personal experience growing up in rural South Texas has made her especially passionate about ensuring that research is accessible to vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by trauma.

In her new role, Villarreal will provide strategic oversight for applied research initiatives, lead and mentor a growing team, and represent CNTR at national forums. “Lizette has consistently exceeded expectations,” said CNTR Executive Director Michelle Price, PhD. “Her ability to manage studies, support innovation, and contribute meaningfully to grant development has positioned her as a vital asset to CNTR’s mission.”

Serina Zorrilla: Building CNTR’s Clinical Research Program

Joining Villarreal in CNTR’s expanding research leadership is Serina Zorrilla, who has been appointed as the organization’s first Director of Clinical Research. A master’s-prepared nurse and ACRP-certified project manager, Zorrilla brings more than a decade of experience in clinical trials, research operations, and patient-centered program development.

Most recently, she served as Senior Consultant in Ernst & Young’s Research & Development practice, advising universities and medical centers on clinical research infrastructure and strategy. Before that, she spent nearly a decade at Inova Health System, where she managed pediatric research operations, oversaw a portfolio of more than 130 clinical projects, and expanded studies into more than 40 subspecialties.

In her new role, Zorrilla will oversee multi-site clinical trials, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead efforts to grow CNTR’s robust clinical research portfolio. Her priorities include expanding into sponsored clinical trials, leveraging decentralized and hybrid models, and enhancing diversity in study populations.

“I bring a servant leadership philosophy that centers on integrity, empathy, and shared purpose—I never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” Zorrilla said. She also underscored the importance of patient voices: “Our patients are our true north, and every decision we make should reflect a commitment to improving their lives.”

Looking ahead, Zorrilla envisions a clinical research program where excellence and empathy are inseparable. “I see significant growth opportunities for CNTR in leveraging real-world evidence, digital health tools, and strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation in trauma research nationwide,” she said.

A Strong Future for Trauma Research

Together, Villarreal and Zorrilla will shape the future of applied and clinical research at CNTR, strengthening the infrastructure for multi-center investigations, diversifying funding, and ensuring trauma research findings translate into meaningful improvements in care.

Their appointments mark a pivotal moment for CNTR, as the organization continues to elevate trauma research on a national scale. With Villarreal’s decade of institutional experience and Zorrilla’s fresh expertise from clinical operations and consulting, CNTR is poised to expand its impact—driving innovation, equity, and collaboration in trauma research.