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.

Brandee Brunsvik
Grants and Contracts Officer
(801) 587-9527 | Brandee.Brunsvik@utah.edu

Brandee joined the CVRTI in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant and was promoted to Grants and Contract Officer in 2021. Brandee works closely with the Operations Director, Faculty, and Core Staff providing pre- and post-award grants management. She serves as the primary contact between Principal Investigators and external grant administrative offices at the University of Utah.

With over 15 years of accounting experience, she has achieved the knowledge and abilities essential in her current position. She has always enjoyed working with spreadsheets which she has been implementing more in her daily tasks. Brandee has a nine-year-old son, and they enjoy visiting Hogle Zoo and Tracy Aviary, and many other outdoor adventures. She is also on a weekly bowling league with a team of friends.

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!

Jerry Jenkins
Administration
(801) 587-9525 | Jerry.Jenkins@utah.edu

Jerry joined the CVRTI in January 1976, as a member of the Electronics/Machine Shop Core. His special focus was designing and constructing PC boards and wiring and constructing equipment used for research. Over the years, Jerry’s role evolved to include purchasing for labs and general accounting. In 2011, he was promoted to Administrative Manager and continues to help with institute accounting.

Today, Jerry is our longest serving Core member and brings his professional skills and rich institutional knowledge to the team. Jerry recently entered Phased Retirement but continues to play an essential role on the team and enjoys solving the most complex administrative problems.

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.

Ryan Mazzie
Grants and Contract Officer
(801) 587-9514 | ryan.mazzie@utah.edu

Ryan joined the CVRTI in 2022 as a Grants and Contract Officer. Ryan works with faculty to provide pre- and post-award grant management. Ryan will serve as the primary contact between the CVRTI Principal Investigators and external grant administrative offices at the University of Utah.

Ryan comes from over 12 years of accounting and operations experience and most recently worked in credit and revenue accounting. He enjoys building process and constantly evaluating the status quo to help drive efficiency and improve practices. Ryan enjoys golfing and mountain biking but lately spends more time chasing around his two year old son.

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-pending | megan.woodard@utah.edu

Megan Woodard is an Administrative Assistant at the CVRTI. She works closely with the Grants and Contracts Officer, the Operations Director, Principal Investigators and their labs providing administrative support. She just recently joined the team in October of 2022 after five years of management experience and is looking forward to growing her level of experience in the administrative field. She will be helping assist the Administrative Manager as well as oversee the Institute’s Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, board meetings, social gatherings and any other event planning.

Megan attended the University of Utah as a student and is very excited to come back as an employee. In her free time outside of work she enjoys doing home renovations, spending time with friends and family as well as reading. She has a passion for travel and is always looking into her next big adventure.

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.