About Us

Angela R. Cook, PhD, MNHP, RN, OCN, CCRP

Interim Senior Associate Dean, Research

Angela.Cook@utrgv.edu

Angela R. Cook, PhD, MNHP, RN, OCN, CCRP

---

Angela R. Cook, PhD, MNHP, RN, OCN, CCRP
Interim Senior Associate Dean, Research
School of Medicine Research
Email: Angela.Cook@utrgv.edu

---

Dr. Angela R. Cook joined the UTRGV School of Medicine in 2021 as the Associate Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research.

Dr. Cook earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa, her Master's in Nursing and Healthcare Practice at the University of Iowa, and her Doctorate in Nursing and Healthcare Practice at The University of Texas at Austin.

Before joining UTRGV, Dr. Cook served as executive director of research at The University of Kansas Health System, director of shared research services for the UT System, and director for clinical research at the UT Medical Branch in Galveston.

Dr. Cook utilizes her years of experience to help guide strategic efforts for clinical and translational research. Her work improves studies in areas such as neuroscience, cancer, and diabetes.

Dr. Cook works with faculty and the community through a clinical trials program that translates knowledge gained from the laboratory into new diagnostic tests and treatments for improving patient outcomes in the Rio Grande Valley - and beyond.

Close

Jennifer Cahn, PhD

Director of Research Administration

(956) 296-1707

Jennifer.Cahn@utrgv.edu

Jennifer Cahn, PhD

---

Jennifer Cahn, PhD
Director of Research Administration
School of Medicine Research
HCEBL 3.116E
Email: Jennifer.Cahn@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1707

---

As the Grant Research Office for the SOM, Dr. Jennifer Cahn assists SOM researchers in their search for funding and as a resource on both internal and external guidelines. She served as grant writer at our legacy institution in Brownsville under the School of Science, Mathematics and Technology and prior to that as assistant to the Director of Institutional Advancement. Dr. Cahn can be reached at her Harlingen office and is happy to travel to any of the UTRGV sites to discuss your ongoing research and ways to help find funding for individual research, interdepartmental programs, clinical research and related projects. The Office of the Associate Dean of Research, which determines priorities in grant writing support, particularly encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary projects.

Close

Jorge Teniente

Director of Special Programs

(956) 296-1764

Jorge.Teniente@utrgv.edu

Jorge Teniente

---

Jorge Teniente
Director of Special Programs
School of Medicine Research
MBMRF 1.306
Email: Jorge.Teniente@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1764

---

Mr. Jorge L. Teniente provides management expertise in support of major projects for the Office of the Associate Dean of Research. These projects include the SOM Research Symposium, Student Research Colloquium, Seminar Speaker Series, among others, and also provides administrative support to the Health Affairs IRB and New Program Development for the Health Affairs Division.

Jorge holds a BBA in Management and a Master's in Public Administration both from the The University of Texas-Pan American. He brings over 20 years of experience managing different programs and departments both at UTRGV and UTPA.

Close

Veronica Vera

Grants and Contracts Program Manager

(956) 296-1542

Veronica.Vera@utrgv.edu

Veronica Vera

---

Veronica Vera
Grants and Contracts Program Manager
School of Medicine Research
HCEBL 3.144.29
Email: Veronica.Vera@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1542

---

Ms. Veronica Vera is the Program Manager for pre and post award activities at the School of Medicine under the Department of the Associate Dean of Research. Ms. Vera has 14 years experience in the area of finance and grants and contracts administration. During her time at UTRGV and the legacy institution, Ms. Vera has been responsible for providing guidance on interpreting federal and institutional policies for PI's and research personnel. Ms. Vera earned both her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and an Associate’s in Arts in Business Administration from University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College.

Close

Edith Ramos Kolahdouz, MBA

Program Coordinator

(956) 296-1765

Edith.Ramos01@utrgv.edu

Edith Ramos Kolahdouz, MBA

---

Edith Ramos Kolahdouz, MBA
Program Coordinator
School of Medicine Research
MBMRF 1.307
Email: Edith.Ramos01@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1765

---

Mrs. Edith Ramos Kolahdouz assists SOM researchers to find research funding opportunities, provide administrative support to the McAllen Biomedical Research Facility, and facilitate funding for SOM medical student research.

In past roles, she has provided support to the Institutional Review Board, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and Institutional Biosafety Committee at both the University of Texas at San Antonio and UTRGV. She has experience in administrative matters related to research compliance areas including human subjects protection, responsible conduct of research, and export controls.

As part of the Office of the Assistant Dean of Research, she enjoys working closely with faculty and medical students to help find funding for a wide variety of projects.

Edith holds a BBA in Management from The University of Texas Pan-American and an MBA from Texas A&M University Kingsville.

Close

Aniella Olivarez Perez, MBA

Administrative Associate

(956) 296-1705

Aniella.Perez01@utrgv.edu

Aniella Olivarez Perez, MBA

---

Aniella Olivarez Perez, MBA
Administrative Associate
School of Medicine Research
MBMRF 1.401
Email: Aniella.Perez01@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1705

---

Mrs. Aniella Olivarez Perez assists both the Associate Dean of Research Office as well as the Molecular Science Department with administrative needs, manages multiple fund accounts, and provides administrative support for the McAllen Biomedical Research Facility in partnership with several other SOM departments.

In past roles, she has been a Nutrition Coordinator for a food service company and has assisted with various Nutrition Research projects at the University of Texas at Austin campus. She has experience in compliance, managing multiple fund accounts, inventory management, and supervising a team of employees.

Aniella holds a BS in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from UTRGV.

Close