Fenwick Institute | Research Studies | Overview
The purpose of the Sandra L. Fenwick Institute’s research program is to improve health outcomes for all children.
This focus area of the Fenwick Institute is led by Ravi R. Thiagarajan, MBBS, MPH, Associate Director for Research at the Sandra L. Fenwick Institute.
Our research team also includes Patrice Melvin, MPH, Senior Health Data Analyst and Mia Umali, BA, Clinical Research Assistant.
Research initiatives
Fenwick Research Scholars Program
The Fenwick Institute Research Scholars Program develops academic research expertise by supporting opportunities for scholars of all backgrounds to conduct and lead research. Scholars include members of the Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) faculty, alumni of the Fenwick Institute Leadership Development Fellows Program, and scholars who join through collaborations.
Children's Hospital Association (CHA)-Fenwick Research Scholar Academy
The Boston Children’s Sandra L. Fenwick Institute is thrilled to announce that Anna C. Fisk PhD, RN, CCRN has been selected as the inaugural 2025 scholar in the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA)-Fenwick Research Scholar Academy. The objective of this new and exciting collaboration between the CHA and Boston Children's Fenwick Institute is to advance health services research led by graduate level nurse researchers of all backgrounds at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Fisk, who has 37 years of experience in pediatric cardiac intensive care, will focus her health services research study on addressing inequities and improving the hospital length of stay for children with congenital heart disease.
Also, in this inaugural role, Dr. Fisk will receive access to research and educational resources, and collaborative research-focused mentorship from nationally and internationally recognized researchers, including Valerie L Ward, MD, MPH, Patricia A. Hickey, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN, Debra Lajoie JD, PhD, MSN, RN, Jean A. Connor, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN, Matt Hall, PhD, and Jay G. Berry, MD, MPH.
Pediatric Clinical Research Awards
The Boston Children’s Hospital Sandra L. Fenwick Institute created the Pediatric Clinical Research Awards to take meaningful steps toward improving health outcomes for all children.
The Fenwick Institute’s Pediatric Clinical Research Awards will move the fields of pediatric medicine and research closer to improving pediatric health outcomes and develop tomorrow’s healthcare and research leaders.
The program awardees are principal investigators (PIs) leading pioneering research studies at Boston Children's Hospital. The PI’s will mentor college students on research projects.
Consultation and Cross-Specialty Collaboration
In addition to conducting and supporting pioneering research through sponsored initiatives, the Fenwick Institute also provides expert consultation and collaborates across specialties to drive innovation. Our team works closely with other departments, institutions, and external partners to offer strategic guidance on research design, implementation, and analysis.