Our Team
Robert Rebhun, DVM, PhD, DACVIM - Director
Dr. Rebhun is a professor of oncology in the Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences. He earned his DVM from Cornell University and a PhD from the UT Houston/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Prior to beginning his academic career at UC Davis, Dr. Rebhun completed a residency at Colorado State University. He is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology). His main research interest is in the biology and therapy of cancer metastasis, with a specialty emphasis in comparative and translational oncology.
Tamar Cohen-Davidyan - Manager
Ms. Cohen-Davidyan returned to UC Davis after several years working on clinical trials in Oklahoma City. Her BS in Animal Science & Management, MS in Animal Biology and extensive research lab work, all at UC Davis, give Tamar a deep understanding of veterinary science. She guides the VCCT team in clinical trial management including regulations and industry requirements, protocol development, and data quality review.
Brianna Ortiz- Clinical Trials Coordinator Floor Supervisor
Ms. Ortiz joined the VCCT in Spring 2025, bringing more than 14 years of VMTH experience to the team. She has extensive expertise across multiple service areas, with a particular focus on floor supervision. A compassionate and dedicated leader, Ms. Ortiz contributes significantly to the success of the VCCT through her hands-on experience and strong work ethic. In her free time, Brianna enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her family and animals.
Racquel Alvarez, RVT- Clinical Trials Coordinator
Ms. Alvarez joins the VCCT from her role as a Registered Veterinary Technician and Medical/Radiation Oncology Technical Coordinator at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She previously worked in oncology and emergency medicine at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center and gained broad clinical experience in private practice as an RVT, receptionist, and kennel assistant.
Throughout her education and career, Racquel has also volunteered with multiple animal welfare organizations, supporting the medical care and husbandry of companion animals, farm animals, and exotics. She holds an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology from Carrington College (2021) and is a Fear Free Certified Professional.
Jacque Young, RVT - Clinical Trials Coordinator
In 1994, Ms. Young started as a veterinary assistant in a general practice in Northern California. She then came to work at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital as a patient care technician and then as a radiation technician in Radiation Oncology for 7 years. Ms. Young then moved to medical oncology for the next ten years until joining the Veterinary Center for Clinical Trials team as a clinical trial coordinator in 2019.
Jasmine Lacey- Clinical Trials Coordinator
Ms. Lacey brings more than 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from UC Davis, she began her career at a small private practice in Sacramento, where she spent five years providing inpatient and emergency care. She later joined the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital as a Small Animal Ward Technician, a role she held for seven years before transitioning to the UC Davis Veterinary Center for Clinical Trials in 2025.
Jasmine is dedicated to supporting students, clinicians, and pet owners in delivering the highest standard of care. She is passionate about advancing veterinary medicine through compassionate service to both pets and the people who love them.
Maggie Gonzalez- Financial Analyst
Ms. Gonzales is an analyst with many years' experience supporting programs at UC Davis. She works in the VCCT to manage funding programs and sponsor invoicing and provides policy guidance.