Amber Lopez
MPH-PAPH
Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Trials
- Marcus Center for Advanced Rehabilitation Pharmaceutical & Device Research
About Amber
“Research is most powerful when it transforms care into possibility.”
That belief inspires Amber Lopez’s work as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Shepherd Center. She manages and coordinates diverse clinical research activities under the direction of investigators, ensuring every study reflects scientific rigor and patient-centered care.
Amber oversees all aspects of study conduct — from participant recruitment and informed consent to data management and outcome reporting. She performs clinical assessments, maintains IRB submissions, ensures protocol compliance, and supports audits. As a REDCap and electronic consent expert, she also trains team members on approved e-consent procedures, advancing efficiency and accuracy in research operations.
Research specialties
- Neurological, rehabilitation, and chronic disease research
- Lifestyle modification through diet and physical activity
Education & training
- Master of Public Health (MPH), Physical Activity & Public Health (PAPH) – University of South Carolina, 2015
- B.S., Exercise Science – University of South Carolina, 2013
Why her work matters
Amber’s work at Shepherd Center is deeply meaningful because it combines innovation, compassion, and teamwork to help patients rebuild independence and improve quality of life after life-changing injuries or diagnoses.
“Every day, I see the impact of research in helping people achieve goals they once thought were impossible — and I love being part of that journey.”
Beyond Shepherd
Amber collaborates on multi-institutional research projects with Emory University and Georgia Tech, supporting initiatives that advance rehabilitation science and chronic disease management. Outside of work, Amber enjoys exploring Atlanta with her husband, their sweet 8-month-old daughter Halston, and two dogs, Cameron and Cori.
Publications
- Dahdah MN. Bell K, Leguerica AH, Merfeld A. Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treating Insomnia in Healthy Individuals and those with Brain Injury. Brain Injury Professional: 14(4). 12-14. https://issuu.com/braininjuryprofessional/docs/bip_february_2018. Published March 7, 2018. Accessed March 8, 2018.
- Froehlich-Grobe K. Betts AC, Driver SJ. Carlton DN. Merfeld-Lopez A, Lee J, Kramer MK (2020). Group Lifestyle Balance Adapted for Individuals With Impaired Mobility: Outcomes for 6-Month RCT and Combined Groups at 12 Months. American Journal of Preventive Medicine; 59(0), 805-817.
- Froehlich-Grobe K. Lee J, Ochoa C, Lopez A, Sarker E, Driver S, Shegog R, Lin S (2022). Effectiveness and feasibility of the workout on wheels internet intervention (WOWii) for individuals with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial. Spinal Cord; 00(10):302-874.
