Your Path to Approval and Beyond

About Us

Established by seasoned industry leader Mindy Vander Leest, Converge Research offers over 25 years of clinical research expertise to clients across the medical device and biotechnology sectors. As a boutique consultancy with a global footprint, we deliver tailored, high-impact solutions that align with the complex demands of modern product development.

Our multidisciplinary team specializes in clinical research, regulatory affairs, quality systems, and reimbursement strategy. Through an agile, collaborative approach, we ensure the seamless execution of projects from early-phase design through commercialization—upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and data integrity.

Whether supporting emerging ventures or established enterprises, Converge Research provides strategic insight, operational excellence, and a commitment to advancing medical innovation through evidence-based pathways.

Our Values

Collaboration

Partnering seamlessly with your team to deliver results, offering expert insight without the overhead.

Integrity

Ensuring accuracy, reliability, and transparency in every data point—because trust is built on precision.

Innovation

Harnessing innovation to unlock smarter, faster, and more effective solutions.

Our Mission

At Converge Research, we empower medical device and biotech innovators to turn vision into validated success. Through strategic collaboration, data-driven research, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we accelerate clinical development, uphold data integrity, and deliver innovations ready for market. We don’t just manage studies—we redefine what’s possible in clinical research.

Our Team

Mindy Vander Leest

Founder & CEO

Mindy is a visionary clinical research leader and founder of Converge Research, where she turns bold ideas into clinical success. With 25+ years of global trial experience, she partners with MedTech and biotech innovators to design and execute studies that fast-track breakthroughs and regulatory wins.

Known for her work across neurovascular, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and structural heart therapies, Mindy brings deep expertise in IDE, PMA, post-market, and registry trials. Her leadership at companies like Abbott and Zyga Technology reflects her talent for scaling programs, engaging top KOLs, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes with agility and insight.

Mindy’s entrepreneurial edge lies in building strategic alliances, accelerating clinical pathways, and shaping research that drives real-world impact. She holds a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and collaborates closely with CROs, advisors, and expert witness teams to deliver at every phase of development.

Clinical Research Team

Mary Mills, R.N., C.C.R.A.

Mary Mills, R.N., C.C.R.A.

Monitor

Mary Mills, R.N., C.C.R.A., is a trailblazer in clinical research with over 30 years of experience spanning pharma, biotech, and medical devices. Beginning her career in critical care nursing, she transitioned into clinical trials in 1987 and has since led global programs as a consultant, educator, and project strategist.

With deep expertise in neurology, cardiology, and oncology, Mary has managed complex, multi-center trials and pioneered risk-based monitoring (RBM) strategies—leading one of the industry’s largest international RBM studies. She’s a recognized thought leader, frequently speaking at global conferences and FDA-CTTI QbD forums.

Mary remains hands-on in mentoring, training, and advancing innovative trial methodologies. She holds active memberships with DIA and ACRP and continues to shape the future of clinical research with a sharp focus on quality, strategy, and impact.

Atul Shendrikar

Atul Shendrikar

Monitor

Atul is a veteran clinical research professional with 28 years of experience across all phases of clinical trials—from start-up to FDA submission. He has excelled in roles such as Lead CRA, QA Auditor, and Field CRA, bringing deep expertise in monitoring, study management, and regulatory compliance.

His therapeutic range spans neurology, oncology, cardiology, pediatrics, rare diseases, and more. Atul’s leadership and precision have consistently advanced global studies from initiation to regulatory success, making him a trusted asset in complex, high-stakes research environments.

Amber Sand

Amber Sand

Clinical Trial Assistant

Amber is a versatile clinical research professional with extensive experience leading multisite, multi-phase trials across pharma, biologics, and medical devices. Grounded in GCP and regulatory compliance, she brings seamless execution and immediate value to every study.

She’s contributed to Phase I–IV trials, post-market registries, and investigator-initiated studies spanning vaccine development, infectious diseases, CNS disorders, maternal-fetal health, and women’s health. Her track record includes coordinating RSV, COVID-19, and meningococcal vaccine trials, as well as complex pediatric and adult multi-center studies.

Known for her precision, strategic oversight, and collaborative spirit, Amber excels at navigating regulatory complexity while ensuring studies run efficiently and compliantly. She’s passionate about advancing science through high-quality, impactful clinical research.

 

Partner

Kurt Burgess

Kurt Burgess

Partner

Kurt has dedicated his career to being a successful business advisor to executives, working directly with entrepreneurs and economic development specialists to develop key strategic relationships in an effort to uncover commercial opportunities across the globe for his clients. He has worked with a diverse range of clientele, including industry leaders such as Bioventus, Depuy Synthes, Dfine (acquired by Merit Medical for $97.5 MM), JNJ, Medacta, Moximed, OrthoPediatrics, Salient Surgical (acquired by Medtronic for $525 MM), Smith & Nephew, United Orthopedic Corp, Vertiflex (acquired by Boston Scientific for over $450 MM), and Zimmer Biomet. Kurt’s career includes key senior management and founder positions at companies such as BD Catalysts, LLC; Clinical Alliance Group (merger); Burgess Ventures, LLC; Telos Partners, LLC (acquired); CAS Systems (acquired); Rainmaker Systems; and Hilton Hotels.

Advisors

Yvonne Bokelman

Yvonne Bokelman

Advisor

Yvonne is a dynamic healthcare executive and market access expert with a proven track record of leading transformative initiatives across the life sciences sector. Most recently CEO of Alyve Medical, she previously held key leadership roles—including President and GM—during her decade at Zimmer Biomet, and earlier focused on health economics and outcomes at Medtronic Spine & Biologics.

Her career began in hospital administration and includes executive leadership at QuadraMed, a healthcare IT company. With extensive experience driving the commercialization of breakthrough therapies, Yvonne has launched numerous products from concept to market adoption.

Renowned for navigating complex business landscapes, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable impact, she blends strategic vision with sharp execution. Yvonne is passionate about advancing healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes through bold, scalable solutions.

Tyler Goldberg

Tyler Goldberg

Advisor

A board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Austin Orthopedic Institute, Tyler’s specialty lies in adult joint reconstruction as well as primary and revision joint surgery. His clinical interests include computer-assisted orthopedic surgery and robotics. Tyler is recognized as an innovator, designer, and educator, in addition to being the fourth surgeon in America to introduce passive robotic technology for total knee replacement and the first surgeon in Texas to perform AMIS in early 2008. Tyler is involved in multiple professional organizations for the advancement of technology intended to benefit patient care with numerous articles in the medical literature and a regular speaker at national and international meetings regarding orthopedic surgery.

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