Clinical Trials Talks

Philip J. Mease, MD

Philip J. Mease, MD, is a Clinical Professor at the University of Washington and Director of Rheumatology Research at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. Practicing at Seattle Rheumatology Associates, he earned his degrees from Stanford University and completed his residency at the University of Washington. Dr. Mease leads clinical trials on rheumatic disease therapies and researches disease metrics. He co-chairs three OMERACT working groups, is a founding organizer and President of GRAPPA, and has published nearly 400 journal articles and 18 book chapters.

Susan Jara

With over two decades of experience in both digital and print media, Susan Jara is a passionate editor and writer dedicated to empowering patients through accessible, engaging health content. As the Director of Patient Education at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, she creates patient-centered educational materials, including articles, newsletters, podcasts, and audio guides.

Saira Z. Sheikh, MD

Dr. Saira Sheikh is the Linda Coley Sewell Distinguished Professor of Medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill and Director of the Clinical Trials Program at the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center. Triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, and Allergy/Immunology, she is a nationally recognized physician, researcher, and educator. Dr. Sheikh leads national initiatives to improve diversity in lupus clinical trials and serves as Vice-Chair (Incoming Chair) of the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN). She is also a member of the Medical & Scientific Advisory Council for the Lupus Foundation of America and the ACR Board of Directors.

Petra Schuberth, BSc, MSc, PhD

Petra is currently Senior Director of Worldwide Medical Affairs Cellular Therapies at BMS, specializing in Autoimmune Diseases. With over 10 years of experience in biotech and pharma, she has been at the forefront of launching CAR T cell therapies for lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Her expertise spans a remarkable 12 years in CAR T cell therapy, beginning with her PhD research in the field. Now, she is dedicated to exploring how this transformative therapy can benefit patients with autoimmune diseases.

Juana Mata

Juana Mata is a Children’s Social Worker with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), where she has worked for 29 years, supporting families through separation, reunification, and adoption. She is a lupus advocate and has shared her story with Telemundo, the California Chronic Care Coalition, and My Patient Rights. Juana has been a National Ambassador for the NIH All of Us Research Program and a member of the Virtual Advisor Team for both All of Us and the Scripps Research Digital Trials Center. She has contributed to lupus awareness through her work with Lupus LA, the Lupus Research Alliance, and Washington DC advocacy efforts.
Juana co-founded Looms for Lupus, a nonprofit supporting lupus, fibromyalgia, and mental health awareness. She resides in Los Angeles County with her family, including her husband, two sons, and two grandchildren.

Estela Mata

Estela Mata is the President and Co-founder of Looms for Lupus, a non-profit organization that provides lupus, fibromyalgia and mental health awareness, advocacy, and support to those living with these conditions, their loved ones, and caregivers.
Estela has worked in health care for over 30 years. As a community leader and health care advocate, she partners and works on initiatives in collaboration with local, national, and global organizations, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Minority Health and Health to increase awareness on the need for diversity in lupus clinical trials.
She is a Virtual Advisor Team member for both the All of us Research Program and the Scripps Research Digital Trials Center and participant in the Congresswoman Grace Napolitano’s Mental Health Consortium. Estela is an exceptional community engagement liaison for both English and Spanish speakers.