Unsung But Impactful Voices of Clinical Research Heroes: Featuring Krista Goedel, Digital Content Creator at SanofiStudies.com
For Krista Goedel, clinical research isn’t just a job—it’s a calling shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a deep desire to help others make informed choices about their health.
“There are so many misconceptions about clinical research,” Krista shares. “I love getting to explain what it really is and how it can help patients.”
That love for education and patient empowerment has guided her across more than 20 years in clinical research, taking on roles from recruitment study coordinator to monitor, project manager, and now Digital Content Creator at SanofiStudies.com—a platform designed to help patients learn about clinical trials and explore opportunities to participate.
But Krista’s journey into research wasn’t exactly planned—it was shaped by being in the right place, with the right mindset, when opportunity knocked.
From Public Health to Purpose
Krista began her professional journey with a degree in public health and a passion for making a difference. After post-graduation, she worked in a hospital—but felt uncertain about where her career would lead.
That’s when a unique opportunity presented itself: a role that required someone who could understand patient care, communicate with physicians, navigate regulatory systems, and grasp financial operations.
“I’m so grateful someone took a chance on me. It was a perfect fit that utilized everything I enjoyed doing.”
That one chance turned into a two-decade career. Along the way, her roles have touched almost every part of the research process—from site-level coordination to global oversight. And through it all, she’s remained focused on the same goal: helping patients understand research and make informed decisions.
Bridging the Gap—With Words, Heart, and Collaboration
Today, in her role at SanofiStudies.com, Krista works with teams across the world to ensure that clinical trial content is clear, accessible, and inclusive.
“In my role, I collaborate with various countries to make studies available to patients globally,” she says. “The content is re-written with the use of AI to be patient friendly and also translated into native languages. We want to give everyone equal opportunity to participate.”
It’s fast-paced, global, and deeply meaningful work.
“No two days are the same,” she says. “But the most rewarding part is knowing that—even in small ways—my work helps patients.”
The Power of Asking Questions
With a background spanning recruitment, project management, and monitoring, Krista has gained one insight that stands out:
“It’s impossible to know everything. But knowing who to reach out to for help is critical.”
She’s worked across regions and therapeutic areas—and faced her share of regulatory variation and complexity. But Krista credits asking questions as the one practice that has never failed her.
“Ask questions! Embracing curiosity is key to continuous learning and growth, even when you don’t have all the answers.”
That mindset has shaped her entire career—and is something she encourages both new professionals and patients to carry forward.
How Technology Is Expanding Access
Krista is especially excited about how technology is changing clinical trials—making them more accessible, personalized, and efficient.
“Technological advances have empowered patients to independently research clinical trials. The rise of at-home testing and wearable devices has expanded study accessibility, enabling broader participation.”
She believes Artificial Intelligence (AI) is especially promising, both for streamlining backend processes and improving patient communication.
“AI is transforming clinical trials, streamlining processes from protocol development based on patient insights to optimizing recruitment strategies. This technology is revolutionizing how we design and conduct research.”
And while Krista is grounded in strategy, her focus always comes back to the people her work touches.
“As medical research continues to evolve, the need for engaged study participants remains crucial to advancing healthcare.”
Words That Best Describe Her
Krista describes herself with four words:
Attentive. Trustworthy. Leader. Fun.
A fitting combination for someone who leads with both structure and soul.
And if she had to choose just one word to describe how she feels about her role?
That word says it all—for the way she works, and who she works for.
“There’s always more to learn, more to improve, and more ways to make trials more patient-friendly.”
When she’s not thinking about patient content or trial workflows, you’ll likely find her enjoying music— from the 1960s through the 1990s.
🎵 Listen to Krista’s personalized song here.
Want to craft one for yourself, your team, or a clinical research professional you’d like to recognize? Create a song here.
The Power of Making Research Make Sense
Krista’s story tells that impact doesn’t always come with a spotlight—it often happens through consistency, compassion, and the courage to keep asking questions. Whether she’s working across borders to localize content or rewriting study details so they make sense to someone who’s never heard the term “phase 3” before, Krista’s goal is simple and powerful: make clinical research feel human.
She’s helping patients feel seen, informed, and respected—no matter where they live, what language they speak, or how much they know about trials.
“Despite progress, clinical trials continue to face persistent stigma,” Krista says. “Ongoing education remains essential for all—whether they choose to participate or not—to foster understanding and informed decision-making.”
At TrialX, we’re proud to celebrate professionals like Krista Goedel who are quietly reshaping the future of research through clarity, connection, and care. Because sometimes the most impactful voices aren’t the loudest—they’re the ones making things simpler, kinder, and more possible for someone else.
Stay tuned for more from “Unsung But Impactful”—a spotlight series honoring the everyday heroes of clinical research.
