11 November 2025

Geneva Employee Spotlight: Lydia Keppler

Bridging Psychology, Recovery, and Research for the Warfighter

Lydia Keppler is a Clinical Research Coordinator II based at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, who joined The Geneva Foundation in August 2023. A U.S. Army veteran with a background in neuroscience and psychology, Lydia now channels her passion for service into high-impact research that supports warfighter readiness and recovery.

Through her leadership on multi-site studies, Lydia brings clinical precision and profound empathy to her work, especially in projects that explore the psychological and physical dimensions of healing. Her commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and excellence makes her a trusted presence across the MIRROR (Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness) team and a powerful example of Geneva’s mission in action.

Q&A with Lydia Keppler

Tell us about your role with Geneva and the impact of your work.
I am a Clinical Research Coordinator II with a background in neuroscience and psychology. I am the lead coordinator for the IMPACT Study (Investigation Into Mental Processes And Clinical Therapy for ACL Reconstruction Recovery), a multi-site military and civilian collaboration that examines how psychological resilience influences recovery outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in service members. Understanding these psychological factors may allow us to improve care and recovery for warfighters following ACLR.

As an Army veteran, I knew I wanted to continue making an impact for my fellow service members, and I chose to pursue that mission through science and research. I’m dedicated and honor-driven to contribute to research that supports the health, readiness, and quality of life for my fellow military members and their families.

As a coordinator, I am responsible for upholding the highest standards for our investigators, clinical teams, collaborators, and participants. I coordinate and execute on all study activities, including participant enrollment, follow-ups, ensuring regulatory compliance, and data collection. I am proud to be part of the MIRROR team, an exceptionally high-performing, mission-focused group whose commitment to excellence aligns with my core values of teamwork and service. I remain dedicated to professionalism, integrity, and quality in clinical research, and I am truly honored to continue serving my warfighters and their families.

What recent work can you share that excites you most?
The IMPACT Study reached a significant milestone this year as being the largest prospective, observational cohort of ACL reconstruction subjects focused on the psychology of recovery, with over 728 subjects enrolled to date. This provides us with a robust cohort to evaluate the role of psychological factors that influence functional outcomes and recovery.

This achievement is a direct reflection of effective coordination, communication, and dedicated collaboration across all sites. I’m excited by the study’s continued momentum and engagement from all research teams and participants—especially as we began our one-year post-operative follow-ups. Teamwork and communication have been essential to IMPACT’s success, and I take pride in being a trusted and reliable coordinator for our team.

What projects, initiatives, or conferences are next for you?
A recent personal milestone is obtaining my Certified Clinical Research Coordinator certification, which has been instrumental in advancing my knowledge, competence, and professionalism in managing diverse clinical studies.

I’m looking forward to continuing to grow through ACRP’s educational opportunities and connecting with members of my local chapter. As my studies continue to gain momentum, having complete ownership and leadership over the quality of my work is a high priority for me, and I’m excited to continue growing as a leader in clinical research and study management.

What kind of technology are you currently working with?
I work alongside incredible orthopaedic surgeons and clinicians at BAMC on our MIRROR P#44 Rotator Cuff Repairs with or Without BioEnthesis™ Augmentation clinical trial. This study uses a novel, FDA-approved biphasic allograft called BioEnthesis™, developed for the repair and reconstruction of bone enthesis in rotator cuff tears by bridging the torn tendon to the humerus.

I also use measuring devices to quantify the subject’s range of motion and strength as they recover from surgery. Rotator cuff tears and re-tears are common among our warfighters, and I’m excited to work with an innovative biomedical approach that has the potential to deliver long-lasting repairs and improved outcomes.

Leadership Through Service

Lydia’s role as a Clinical Research Coordinator is shaped by her military background, scientific training, and deep commitment to serving others. Her reliability, compassion, and purpose guide her every aspect of her work.

Want to Join Team Geneva?

Are you passionate about science, service, and supporting military medical research? Geneva is hiring talented professionals like Lydia to help advance our mission.

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📩 Reach out to TA@genevaUSA.org to learn more about careers in clinical research.