Meet the team of experts
Jennifer Windred
Senior Clinical Research Consultant
Q&A
What first drew you to clinical research?
It actually happened by accident! After finishing my university degree, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. I started temping in various short-term roles, and one of those placements was at a large pharmaceutical company as a Clinical Trial Assistant. That role led to a full-time position, and one thing led to another. Clinical research and the broader industry tick a lot of boxes for me; it’s a field that continues to challenge and inspire me.
What does your role as a consultant at M2M involve?
Pretty much everything and anything related to clinical development; that’s one of the best things about working at M2M. The scope of our work is broad, which allows us to draw on our extensive experience. My main focus is project management for clinical trials, but I’m often involved across multiple aspects of development, depending on the client’s needs.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
Knowing that the research we support could change someone’s life is incredibly motivating. I also love the diversity of our work; it’s both our biggest challenge and our greatest reward. Above all, I enjoy building strong, collaborative relationships with study teams and sites, because that partnership is what truly drives each trial’s success.
Can you share a trial you’re particularly proud of and why?
I’m proud of different trials for different reasons, every study brings unique challenges. Overcoming those challenges to achieve a successful outcome is what makes me proud. One of my recent studies involved a lot of change and noise, but our team stayed focused on the deliverables and kept the study on track, which ultimately led to a positive outcome. That sense of collective focus and problem-solving is what stands out most to me.
What’s the toughest challenge you’ve helped a sponsor overcome?
One of the toughest challenges I’ve helped a sponsor overcome was balancing aggressive recruitment timelines with the need for thorough safety reviews and protocol adjustments. We had to maintain momentum without over-screening or compromising participant wellbeing. It required tight coordination among multiple stakeholders, meticulous planning, and consistent communication to keep every stage on track. It was demanding, but the level of collaboration and precision it called for made the outcome especially rewarding.
What’s a common mistake you’ve seen in clinical research?
Inadequate feasibility and planning at the start of a study are common pitfalls. Too often, this phase is rushed, and red flags are ignored in the urgency to begin a trial. Poor recruitment planning and unrealistic protocol timelines can lead to costly amendments and delays, frustrating sites and reducing study momentum. Another frequent issue, especially among global sponsors, is overlooking local expertise and failing to adapt the approach to reflect local diversity, both of which can significantly impact study success.
