Research Team


Our team of doctors, nurses, and support staff are dedicated to you as a patient and will go above and beyond to provide personalized care.

At Oregon Medical Research our team has extensive experience conducting clinical research and is united in one goal: to obtain accurate clinical results in a competent and caring manner that keeps patient care as our top concern.


Benjamin Ehst, M.D., Ph.D.,  Principal Investigator and President

“Clinical research combines the two aspects of medicine that I fully enjoy – patient care and the process of discovery.”

Dr. Benjamin Ehst is a board-certified dermatologist with a doctorate in immunology and microbiology. In addition to seeing study patients at Oregon Medical Research Center, he also practices clinical dermatology at Broadway Medical Clinic (503-249-8787) providing the full range of skin care, including medical and surgical procedures. Dr. Ehst earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and his medical and doctoral degrees at the University of Minnesota in a combined Medical Scientist Training Program. Residency training in Dermatology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and a period of work at the Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health studying the immune response to malaria, solidified his career choice to pursue both medical practice and clinical research.

Learn more about Dr. Ehst


Andrew Blauvelt, M.D., M.B.A., Investigator

“I thoroughly enjoy the process of helping to bring new treatments to patients. While not all investigational treatments will be effective, I’ve witnessed lives being changed with access to new medications, which is very exciting.”

Dr. Andrew Blauvelt is a board-certified dermatologist and an Investigator at Oregon Medical Research Center. He received his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering at Purdue University, his medical degree at Michigan State University, and a healthcare MBA at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Dr. Blauvelt trained in dermatology at the University of Miami and in cellular immunology under the direction of Dr. Steve Katz at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Earlier in his career, he held senior staff positions at the NIH (Senior Investigator), OHSU (Professor), and the Portland VA Medical Center (Chief) as well as being Owner and President of OMRC from 2013-2022. Dr. Blauvelt’s research and clinical expertise has been in Langerhans cell biology, T cell immunology, virology, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. He has published more than 350 papers and spoken across the country and world on these topics. Within psoriasis research, his laboratory published key papers on the role of IL-23/Th17 biology in this disease; in recent years, he has been the international lead investigator on a number of important clinical trials, including PSTELLAR, FEATURE, IXORA-R, VOYAGE 1, IMMhance, CHRONOS, ECZTEND, JADE REGIMEN, HEADS UP, and STRATUM. Dr. Blauvelt is also an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the International Psoriasis Council, the International Eczema Council, and the Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Psoriasis Foundation. In 2021 and 2022, he made the lists of Highly Cited Researchers, representing the top 1% of cited scientists in the world.

Learn more about Dr. Blauvelt


Robert Matheson, M.D., Investigator

“In addition to the new treatments I’ve helped bring to patients, what I like best about clinical research is the relationship I’ve been able to develop with the patients in the trials throughout the years. Long-term studies allow ongoing interactions with many, making each day seem like an opportunity to see friends.”

Dr. Robert Matheson is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 35 years of clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases, dermatologic surgery, and multiple cosmetic applications in dermatology. During 20 years of private practice, he also participated in numerous clinical trials. Dr. Matheson joined Oregon Medical Research in 1998 and since then has devoted his efforts exclusively to full-time clinical research in new drugs and devices in dermatology, acting as Principal or Sub-investigator in more than 450 clinical studies.

Learn more about Dr. Matheson


Thien-Huong "Therese" N., R.N., C.C.R.C., Research Nurse Manager, Clinical Research Coordinator

Therese is a registered nurse with more than 25 years of medical experience. She joined Oregon Medical Research in 2001, providing direct patient care and research coordination. She is Advance Cardiac Life Support certified, is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and is also Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certified. Therese is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and the Dermatology Nurses Association.


Anastasia M., M.S., ACRP-CP, Regulatory Manager and Clinical Research Coordinator

Anastasia received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and her Master of Science degree in Anatomy and Neurobiology from Boston University. Her previous clinical research experience included focuses on pulmonary and cardiological conditions.  Anastasia joined Oregon Medical Research in 2020. Anastasia focuses on the regulatory documentation and submissions for the full breadth of our studies.


Charlie B., B.A., C.C.R.C., Co-Lead Clinical Research Coordinator

Charlie received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Longwood University. With an interest in the medical field and more direct interaction with people, he is now using his previous experience and abilities gained from implementing new processes and systems to the medical field. Charlie joined OMRC in 2019 and in addition to his coordinator duties, he supports patients through their scheduled visits. Charlie is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.


Molly Blauvelt, B.A., Administrator/Recruiting Manager

Molly joined Oregon Medical Research in 2014 and brings more than 22 years of experience in healthcare marketing to our recruitment and outreach efforts. She helped lead the National Psoriasis Foundation’s re-branding and outreach efforts during the early 2000’s, when the first biologic therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were just being introduced to the dermatology community. The timing of her more than four years at the Psoriasis Foundation during the ‘biologic revolution’ provided a wonderful opportunity of increased activity and attention for both psoriasis patients and dermatology. In 2005 she transitioned to the Department of Dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University, expanding her marketing and communication efforts to include the full spectrum of dermatologic conditions and therapies.


Francesca M., B.S., C.C.R.C., Co-Lead Clinical Research Coordinator

Francesca received her Bachelors of Science degree in Health Sciences at Arizona State University. Francesca joined OMRC in 2019, bringing her clinical research experience from various specialties. As a clinical research coordinator, Francesca’s organization and attention to detail, in addition to a knack for asking pertinent questions, makes her especially well suited to the position. Francesca is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.


Julia F., B.S., C.C.R.C, Clinical Research Coordinator and Regulatory Associate

Julia received her Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science and Physical Activity from Portland State University. She enjoys working with people and brings experience from the health and fitness industry and the medical industry to OMRC. Julia joined OMRC in 2019 and in addition to her coordinator duties, supports patients through their scheduled visits. Julia is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.




Cindy S. M.A.,  Clinical Research Medical Assistant

Cindy joined Oregon Medical Research Center in 2021 and brought her friendly personality and many years of medical assisting experience to our clinic. As an integral part of the clinic, Cindy also provides our Spanish-speaking patients support with her bilingual abilities.


Shalyn D., Laboratory Manager and Technician

Coming Soon!