Mary Ricker, MA, RN, is a Senior CRA with Merck Research Laboratories. She has been a clinical research professional for more than 3 decades. Mary was introduced to oncology clinical trials as a clinical research coordinator and after attending nursing school became an oncology research nurse. She worked on treatment trials as well as supportive care trials for leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma as well as for solid tumors. As a sponsor clinical research monitor, she has specialized in Phase 1-2 studies for both solid and liquid tumors. In addition to her monitoring responsibilities, she is a trainer for monitors and other staff new to oncology as a therapeutic area and to oncology monitoring. She especially enjoys opportunities to mentor colleagues who have not previously worked in oncology.