Her Story
About Bailee
Bailee Daniels serves as Senior Research Manager at Huntsman Cancer Institute, where she provides strategic administrative and operational support to faculty while overseeing a multidisciplinary team of research coordinators, financial analysts, and regulatory professionals. Her work within HDI Population Sciences spans the cancer control continuum, with a strong focus on cancer prevention, population health, and improving outcomes for patients undergoing treatment. She supports initiatives aimed at increasing sunscreen use and HPV vaccination rates, as well as exercise and nutrition programs for cancer patients. Daniels also manages a data visualization system that tracks social determinants of health across the institute’s catchment area, including Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and surrounding states.
Daniels began her healthcare career as a medical assistant in a private OB/GYN practice before joining the University of Utah. Motivated in part by personal family experiences with cancer, she transitioned into cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, initially working as a study coordinator on colorectal cancer and healthy cohort studies. She progressed through roles as Clinical Research Coordinator, Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, Program Manager, and Senior Research Manager. Along the way, she developed extensive expertise in clinical research operations, protocol development, regulatory compliance, participant protection, quality assurance, data management, financial oversight, and cross-functional leadership. While working full time, Daniels earned her Master’s in Health/Healthcare Administration and Management from Western Governors University and obtained her Certified Clinical Research Coordinator credential through the Association for Clinical Research Professionals. She later earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through the Project Management Institute.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Daniels is committed to mentorship, wellness, and community service. She is a member of the Association for Clinical Research Professionals and the Project Management Institute, volunteers with Arctic Rescue, a nonprofit supporting the adoption of Alaskan breed dogs, and serves as co-captain of a co-ed softball league. As a wellness ambassador at the University of Utah, she promotes work-life balance and employee well-being. Daniels credits influential mentors including her mother-in-law, her mother, Jessica Mele, Dr. Tracy Onega, and Melissa Hendershot with helping shape her career and leadership philosophy. She now carries that same commitment forward by mentoring colleagues and supporting the professional growth of others. Her leadership is defined by compassion, collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to advancing high-quality cancer research and improving patient and population health outcomes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bailee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance, encouragement, and mentorship I have received throughout my career. My mentors, including my mother-in-law, my mother, Jessica Mele, Dr. Tracy Onaga, and Melissa Hendershot, have each played a meaningful role in shaping my professional growth and perspective. Their support and wisdom have inspired me to continue learning, leading, and developing others. Today, as a Clinical Research Manager, I have the opportunity to pay that support forward by mentoring colleagues, sharing my knowledge, and helping others achieve their professional goals.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to never hold back and to be their own strongest advocates. Speak up, share your ideas, and have the confidence to recognize and communicate your value. Seek opportunities to learn, grow, and take on new challenges, while building relationships with mentors and colleagues who can support your development. Believe in your abilities, advocate for yourself, and never be afraid to take your seat at the table.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are service, compassion, balance, and continuous growth. I am passionate about using my work to make a meaningful difference, as reflected in my development of the Community Health Assessment Survey, which helped address gaps in national health data and support improved healthcare access and clinical trial knowledge for underserved populations. I also value giving back through volunteer work with Arctic Rescue, serving as a wellness ambassador, and mentoring others. Outside of work, I prioritize family, personal growth, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. My interests in dogs, softball, learning Spanish, and scuba diving allow me to stay active, curious, and connected to the things I enjoy.
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