CVRTI Core Staff

Greg Brown
Facilities Specialist
(801) 587-9507 | Greg.Brown@utah.edu

Greg joined the CVRTI in June 2021 and has been at the University of Utah for about 3 years. In support of building operations and personnel, he enjoys a balance of special projects and standing duties that keep things moving towards CVRTI’s goals and mission.

Some of these include the CVRTI New Wing Expansion, remodeling areas into new wet-bench space, and collaborations on the design/build of customized lab equipment. Greg is also preserving iconic CVRTI relics and equipment to help tell the Institute’s rich history in proposed art installations and interpretive displays. Greg’s art and design background combined with construction and trade skills provide a base of knowledge and experience that prepares him for many roles. He enjoys skiing, travel, being with family and restoring his antique home.

Kat Cannon
Administrative Manager
(801) 587-9508 | Kat.Cannon@utah.edu

Kat Cannon is an Administrative Manager at the CVRTI. She works closely with the Grants and Contracts Officer, the Operations Director, Principal Investigators, and their labs providing administrative support. With five years of previous administrative experience at the University of Utah Hospital and a combined 12 years in Executive Assistant roles, Kat has gained a robust knowledge of management and efficient handling of requests.

She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Environmental Studies from Alfred University and is committed to ongoing professional development. Kat is active in the community and has spent the last two years as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind with a focus on providing socialization experiences and training for puppies before they begin formal Guide Dog training. She is anticipating the arrival of a new puppy in Summer 2022!

Coby Leavitt
Lab Specialist
(801) 587-pending | Coby.Leavitt@utah.edu

Coby joined CVRTI in June 2022 as a laboratory specialist. He oversees management of the operating room and associated facilities that investigators and their teams perform studies in. With over a decade of experience working in the veterinary field, Coby is extremely well versed about the needs of a dynamic and fast-paced surgical suite, as well as keeping the teams that use them happy.

Outside of work, Coby is an avid video game enthusiast and music festival attendee. His usual self-care routine involves squeezing in a quick game or two when he can spare a few minutes and listening to the newest releases in his favorite genres of music, typically EDM or metal.

Anja Petrovic
Grants and Contracts Officer
(801) 587-9508 | anja.petrovic@utah.edu

Anja Petrovic is a Grants and Contracts Officer at the CVRTI. She works closely with the Operations Director, Administrative Manager and Principal Investigators. She has recently joined CVRTI in July 2023, previously working at University of Utah Campus-Purchasing as an Auditor for 4 years. She has over 10 years of experience in customer service, administration support and finance. She has been at the University of Utah since 2013.

Outside of work, Anja enjoys reading, learning about art and spending time with her family and her 3 dogs. When she isn’t spending time with family or reading, she is working on home renovations and gardening.

Diane Ragan, CAP, MEP, OM
Executive Assistant
(801) 581-8183 | Diane.Ragan@utah.edu

Diane is an active member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) where she has held several positions and continues to enjoy mentoring other Admins. She is a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) with a specialty in Organizational Management and a certificate in Meeting and Event Planning.

Diane is an ambassador, representing the face, the voice, and the mission of the CVRTI. She is the events coordinator for the monthly seminar series, recruiting events, board meetings, and social gatherings. She sits on two committees: the remodel of lab space and the new wing expansion. She also oversees the Institute’s Twitter account as well as collaborating on the first newsletter to be published in July 2022. Diane thrives on connecting and collaborating. Outside the professional environment, Diane enjoys the adventure of a spontaneous day trip or a long weekend taking in the energy of New York City. She is a fan of college football- go Utes! Oh, and snow. She loves the snow.

Megan Woodard
Administrative Assistant

(801) 581-5834 | megan.woodard@utah.edu

Megan Woodard is an Administrative Assistant at the CVRTI. She works closely with the Administrative Manager, the Operations Director, Grants team, Principal Investigators and their labs providing administrative support. She just recently joined the team in October 2022 after five years of management experience and is looking forward to advancing her career in academic administration.

Megan oversees the Institute’s Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, lab and Institute purchasing, and organizes events such as board meetings and social gathering.

Haonan Yang, MS
IT Specialist
(801) 587-9524 | Haonan.Yang@utah.edu

Haonan is an IT Specialist with eight years of experience working in the higher education industry. He works with lab staff, trainees, and Investigators,resolving IT issues and educating them on various software and networks.

Additionally, Haonan specializes in programming and networks and website development technology for the Institute. He is a tech-savvy, easy-going and positive person. Haonan received his Bachelor of Science in Information System and his Master of Science in Information System from the University of Utah. In his free time, he likes to hike, explore the world, and hang out with his family.