Mission
To conduct ethical, inclusive, and community-centered clinical research that advances science while honoring the people it serves.
Vision
Clinical Research Redefined:
Trusted. Human. Data-driven. And designed with real lives in mind.
What Kalo Means To Us
In Native Hawaiian culture, Kalo (taro) is more than a plant.
It’s a symbol of ancestry, nourishment, and connection.
Kalo is the most important plant in Hawaiian culture—not only as a staple food source but as the spiritual elder brother of the Hawaiian people. Deeply rooted in tradition, mythology, and social structure, kalo reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Every part of the plant has a purpose: its roots grow deep, its leaves give life, and it nourishes generations. In return, we are called to respect and care for kalo, just as it has cared for us.
At Kalo Clinical Research, we carry that legacy forward.
We believe medicine should be the same: deeply rooted, nourishing, and connected to the people it serves.
Kalo is more than our name.
It’s our commitment—to honor the past, uplift the present, and shape a future where every community is part of the healing process.
OUR BRAND DNA
What We Believe
We’re Not Like Other Sites—And That’s the Point.
We’re led by our core beliefs and values, powered by purpose, and obsessed with quality.
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Representation matters—research should reflect the people it serves.
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Data is powerful, but people come first.
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Medicine is only as safe as the research behind it.
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Ethics must never be sacrificed for efficiency or profit.
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Access to research is a right—not a privilege.
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Trust is earned through transparency, consistency, and care.
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Integrity is doing the right thing, even when it costs more.
Meet Our Team
Site Director
Alina Nahele Brewer, BA
Alina is Kanaka Maoli, raised in Kahuku on Oʻahu’s North Shore. She earned a bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Studies and, like so many, she left the islands with her to family to meet basic needs. Guided throughout by exceptional mentors, she built her career in research spanning 20 years; starting as a Study Coordinator and expanding her expertise across data management, investigator-led research, and product development. Alina has been serving as the Site Director at Kalo since 2023—a role that feels like a full-circle milestone in her journey. It’s where she gets to live out Kalo’s mission every day while staying deeply connected to the values that ground her.
Office Manager
Kristen Jensen-Ellis
Kristen Jensen-Ellis is an office manager with a passion for ensuring that everyone’s needs are taken care of. She loves fashion and is an avid gardener.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Jesse Jensen, DO
Jesse Jensen, DO, is board certified in dermatology and a Mohs micrographic surgeon with extensive experience in the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. He speaks Spanish and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children in their various endeavors including football and humanitarian work in and out of the country.
Regulatory Coordinator
Ernesto Gonzalez
Ernesto Gonzalez, Regulatory Coordinator, is key to keeping Kalo accountable to all the requirements as outlined by federal, state, local and study-specific regulations pertaining to clinical research. He speaks Spanish, doesn’t like avocados or bones or skin on his chicken but loves trying new foods and spending time with his wife and beautiful children.
Clinical Research Professional
Amber Cotton, BS
Amber Cotton, BS, is an experienced clinical research professional, working with Kalo to ethically present various studies to the communities that we serve. She enjoys traveling, designing, and holistic health.
Research Coordinator
Paola Santa Cruz, BA
Paola Santa Cruz, BA, is a Research Coordinator who values every study participant who comes into the clinic. She speaks Spanish, is compassionate, kind, and loves to cook and eat Colombian food. She loves architecture and design and spending time with her family.
Internal Medicine Doctor
William Walsh, MD
William Walsh, MD, is board certified in internal, preventative and addiction medicine. He enjoys gardening and cooking amazing meals with his organic produce and supporting his kids in their endeavors.
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Justin Banks, DPM
Justin Banks, DPM, is an experienced podiatrist dedicated to partnering with his patients to provide excellent and comprehensive care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. He enjoys mountain biking and spending time with his wife and four children.
Medical Doctor
Cuper Martinez, MD
Cuper Martinez, MD, is board certified in internal medicine with extensive experience in obesity and palliative medicine. He speaks Spanish, enjoys desserts of all kinds (but especially pastries) and spending time with his wife and two young children.
Research Coordinator
Sonam Patel, BS
Sonam Patel, BS, is a Research Coordinator who is passionate about ensuring that every study participant has a great experience and is well taken care of. She enjoys baking, and spending time with her nephew and her dog Willow.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Chris Singer
Chris Singer, DNP, is an experienced nurse practitioner and has worked within the Utah Navajo Health System as well asChris a number of other clinics to improve health for his patients. He speaks some Navajo, enjoys spending time with his grandkids, and loves baseball.
Data Coordinator
Vicelia Castro
Vicelia Castro is a Data Coordinator who ensures that the information received from the health research done is accurately and honestly reported and entered. She also interacts with and schedules study participants for their visits. She enjoys spending time with her son and baking.
Network Engineer
Jacob Katutu, BS
Jacob Katutu, BS, is an experienced Network Engineer working with Kalo to ensure the security of information technology and assists with other IT needs. He speaks Kiribati, enjoys gardening, serving at the local homeless shelter and spending time with his lovely wife and dog.
“'Everyone is welcome' is drastically different from 'we built this with you in mind.' People don’t want to go where they are merely tolerated; they want to go where they are included.”
Terence Lester, Ph.D.
"We built this with you in mind" is a guiding principle of our Founder and CEO, Bella Tukuafu Johnson.
At Kalo Clinical Research, inclusion is the foundation of how we lead every trial and community partnership.