Advancing clinical research for a better community

Texas Valley Clinical Research (TVCR) is dedicated to conducting ethical clinical research that advances medical treatments and improves human health while treating participants with dignity and compassion. Through education, strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, we aim to transform health outcomes in the Rio Grande Valley, producing reliable data for sponsors and empowering individuals to make informed health decisions and build a healthier future.

Meet our team

Get to know the key members of our clinical research team.

Dr. Eduardo Luna

Principal Investigator
Dr. Eduardo “Dusty” Luna, MD, is Board Certified in Diabetes, Metabolism, & Endocrinology. Dr. Luna earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University with a double major in Nutrition and Molecular Sciences. He continued on to achieve his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2013.

Preston Hale, RN

Research Director
Preston is a registered nurse who earned his degree in 2021 from the University of Texas at Tyler. Preston is highly motivated by contributing to the community through the education he can provide patients about their disease process as well as the ability to connect patients with the best treatment options.

Eva Woods

Regulatory & IP Manager
I have been in the service industry for over 20 years, but since joining the clinical research community, I have truly enjoyed working with patients and building relationships in a one-on-one setting. The opportunity to help individuals live their best lives by helping them with their healthcare needs is very rewarding.

Madellaine Costello, MA

Human Resources Manager
Having a background in educational leadership, helping others reach their potential motivates me greatly. Throughout my career in education, I learned to understand the importance and value each person’s worldview brings to a team, and that these different viewpoints are essential to success.

Claudia Luna-Meza, MPH

Clinical Research Coordinator
I strive to contribute to my community using my science, education, and research knowledge. Combining science with participant education is deeply fulfilling, and I find the growth in health equity and community ownership within the research field inspiring.

Gabriela Eschiveste, MPH

Clinical Research Coordinator
I have always had a passion for learning and for helping people. I completed my undergraduate studies in biomedical science at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and earned a Master’s degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Healthcare Administration in August 2024.

Janelle Rodriguez, MHS

Clinical Research Coordinator
I have always been passionate about the healthcare field, especially the technology and patient care side. I was exposed to clinical research while completing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Texas A&M University. I was intrigued by its positive impact on treating underserved communities. In the summer of 2024 I completed a Master of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Healthcare Administration at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Omar Salgado

Clinical Research Coordinator
I graduated with Honors from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Science. I first entered into clinical research while working in clinical operations with Janssen Research & Development, where I found my love of the field.

Arnoldo Ortiz

Laboratory Technician
I earned a bachelors of science degree in Biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Through my studies, my interest in the health care field developed and led me to clinical research. I look forward to experiencing firsthand the benefit that exposure to research can provide my community, and working in a clinical laboratory.

Jailene Gonzalez

Clinical Research Coordinator
I earned my Bachelor of Science and Arts in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 2021 with the initial goal of pursuing a medical degree. However, my immersion in research redirected my ambitions towards further engagement in this field. Passionate about both the healthcare industry and scientific exploration, I found clinical research to be the perfect fusion of these interests.

Hortencia Guevara

Clinical Research Assistant
My journey in healthcare began in high school, where I earned my medical billing diploma. This initial step paved the way for me to further my studies as a medical administrative assistant. Over the past decade, I have honed my skills and knowledge in the healthcare industry, finding fulfillment in assisting patients and supporting my colleagues.

Jose Alejandro Llinas Cepeda, MD, ECNU, FACE

Sub-Investigator
Dr. Jose Llinas-Cepeda specializes in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. He is fellowship-trained in Endocrinology and double-board certified in Internal Medicine and Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the Endocrine Society. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Alejandro Gonzalez Campos, MD

Sub-Investigator
Dr. Alejandro Campos, MD is board certified endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism and internal medicine specialist with over 18 years of experience. Dr. Campos earned his medical degree from the Universidad Del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia. He then moved to the states where he completed his residency at New York Downtown Hospital in New York, NY and University Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, CT.

Benito Lopez, BC-ADM, DMSc, PA-C

Sub-Investigator
Benito Lopez is a Doctoral level board-certified Physician Associate who practices in Endocrinology with board-certified specializations in advanced diabetes management and obesity management. Benito is also an Advance Fracture Liaison Service Ambassador, where he emphasizes the importance of appropriate patient assessment, treatment initiation, medical follow-up, and care coordination for bone disorders.

Pamela Lopez, DNP

Sub-Investigator
Pamela’s professional journey in nursing started at the University of Texas-Pan American, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 1997 and a Master of Science Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2002. She has always had a passion to provide medical care to persons with diabetes and she went on to earn the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist designation in 2005. In her pursuit to practice at the highest level of her profession, she went on to receive her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Texas-Health Science Center at Houston in 2012.

Mayra Judith Cantazaro, DNP, FNP-BC

Sub-Investigator
Mayra is a family nurse practitioner who has been providing patient-centered care in outpatient endocrinology for almost ten years. Along with her certification as a family nurse practitioner, she is also board-certified in advanced diabetes management and a diabetes care and education specialist. She completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and her Master and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Texas Pan-American.

Awards, certifications and affiliations

Texas Valley Clinical Research is proud to be recognized for our excellence in clinical research and ongoing commitment to the professional development of our team.

Sponsor

Junior Diabetes Research Foundation | 2023

Sponsor

South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association 5K Platinum Sponsor | 2024

Sponsor

Weslaco Chamber of Commerce Tower Theater Silver Sponsor | 2024

Sponsor

South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Assoc.

Affiliation

Society for Human Resource Management | 2024

Affiliation

Association of Clinical Research Professionals | 2024

Sponsor

Junior Diabetes Research Foundation | 2023

Affiliation

Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Assoc. | 2024

Affiliation

Weslaco Chamber of Commerce | 2023

Who we are

Contributing to our community by providing advanced medical treatment through clinical research.

TVCR seeks to lead a transformative generational change in the health outcomes of the Rio Grande Valley by leveraging the power of education and clinical research. Through innovative approaches and strategic partnerships, we empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their health, ultimately reducing disparities and improving overall well-being in the region. By driving impactful change through evidence-based practices and collaborative efforts, we can create a healthier future for future generations.

Our purpose is to bring state-of-the-art medical treatment options to the greater Valley region. We conduct ethical clinical research to advance medical treatments while treating participants with dignity and compassion. We work to provide valuable data to pharmaceutical, biotech, and other organizations to develop new, or improve, pre-existing medicines and medical devices for patient use. More importantly, this process also brings those much-needed medicines and technologies to our community. Our primary focus is diabetes management, which enables us to provide medications and educational diabetes counseling at no cost to our patients.