Two-time Mount graduates Alli McCauley and Emily Sutton build careers in clinical research while advancing leadership through the Mount’s MSOL program.
The Department of Exercise Science and Integrative Health at Mount St. Joseph University is proud to celebrate the continued success of two Health and Wellness alumni whose educational journeys exemplify lifelong learning, leadership, and professional growth.
Alli McCauley and Emily Sutton, both graduates of the Mount’s Health and Wellness program, recently completed the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) through the School of Business & Communication, further expanding the skills that continue to shape their careers in healthcare and research.
After earning their Bachelor of Science degrees in Health and Wellness from the Mount in 2020, Alli and Emily each pursued complementary academic interests—Alli with a minor in biology and Emily with a minor in psychology. Today, both serve as Clinical Research Coordinators III at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, contributing to research efforts that support pediatric health, clinical care, and improved outcomes for children and families.
Their career paths reflect the interdisciplinary strength of a Mount education. Through the Health and Wellness program, they built a strong foundation in health promotion, behavior change, prevention, physical activity, and whole-person wellness. Their graduate studies in Organizational Leadership further strengthened their abilities in communication, project coordination, team leadership, ethical decision-making, and systems-level thinking—skills that now support their work in complex healthcare environments.
In their current roles, Alli and Emily help oversee the day-to-day operations of clinical research studies, coordinating procedures, communicating with research teams and participants, supporting regulatory documentation, managing data, and helping ensure studies are conducted responsibly and effectively. Their advancement to Clinical Research Coordinators III reflects both professional growth and the ability to navigate complex responsibilities within a leading healthcare and research institution.
Emily Sutton credits her Mount experience with helping shape her professional direction:
“During my undergraduate program, I knew I wanted to be involved in healthcare. The faculty in the department encouraged me to explore opportunities in clinical research. As a graduate of the MSOL program, I am now prepared to lead with adaptability, strengthen team collaboration, and drive meaningful organizational change within healthcare and clinical research environments. My experience working in clinical research, combined with the leadership and organizational skills developed through the MSOL program, has strengthened my ability to support research teams, navigate change, and contribute to the advancement of patient-centered healthcare initiatives. I am incredibly grateful for my experience at Mount St. Joseph University and proud to be an advocate for both the university and the MSOL program, which have played an important role in my personal and professional growth.” Emily Sutton, Clinical Research Coordinator III, Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Alli McCauley similarly reflected on how both of her Mount degrees prepared her for success in clinical research:
“My Health and Wellness degree helped me understand all dimensions of health, the importance of disease prevention, and wellness across populations, while the MSOL program strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, bring teams together, and better understand who I am as a leader. Together, these experiences prepared me for my current work in clinical research by combining healthcare knowledge with leadership skills that support strong team dynamics and research success.” Alli McCauley, Clinical Research Coordinator III, Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Their achievements highlight the value of lifelong learning and the many professional pathways available to graduates with a strong understanding of health, wellness, and research-informed practice.
Dr. BC Charles-Liscombe reflected on their success, sharing, “We are proud to see our graduates continue to grow as leaders in healthcare and research. Their success shows how a strong foundation in health science, combined with leadership development, can prepare students to make meaningful contributions in complex healthcare environments.”
As two-time Mount graduates, Alli and Emily represent the Mount’s mission in action—continuing to grow as professionals, serve others, and climb to new heights in healthcare and clinical research.