We’re proud to welcome CenExel Tampa to the STARR Certified Site family, and to introduce the site’s Principal Investigator, Marlene Patricia Hart, MD, MPH, BSW, RD.

At CenExel Tampa, innovation in clinical research begins with dedicated leaders committed to improving patients’ lives. Marlene Patricia Hart, MD, MPH, BSW, RD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and Principal Investigator whose clinical expertise and passion for mental health research are helping shape the future of central nervous system clinical trials in the Tampa Bay area.

Dr. Hart brings more than 30 years of experience in psychiatry to her work. She earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of South Florida. Her multidisciplinary background also includes a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan, degrees in social work and the liberal arts from Pennsylvania State University, and training as a registered dietitian. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and holds certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine.

In addition to serving as a research investigator, Dr. Hart has been the owner and medical director of Wesley Chapel Mental Health and Wellness since 2015. Her extensive Phase II-IV clinical research experience includes studies involving Alzheimer’s disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, migraine, and schizophrenia. This breadth of experience gives her a valuable perspective on the complex relationship between mental health, neurological conditions, and overall well-being.

Colleagues describe Dr. Hart as a thoughtful, collaborative leader dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of research excellence. She works closely with study participants, research teams, and sponsors to ensure that trials are conducted with scientific rigor, integrity, and compassion. Her patient-centered approach reflects the values that guide CenExel Tampa’s mission every day.

Beyond the research site, Dr. Hart is passionate about community engagement and mental health advocacy. She recently joined fellow CenExel Tampa team members at NAMIWalks to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness, raise awareness of the need for mental health resources, and reinforce CenExel’s commitment to expanding access to innovative research throughout the region.

As CenExel Tampa expands its CNS research program through a new 10,000-square-foot facility for inpatient and outpatient clinical trials, Dr. Hart remains focused on advancing potential treatments that may improve the lives of future patients. Through her clinical expertise, research leadership, and dedication to compassionate care, she continues to inspire colleagues, support study participants, and contribute to the advancement of mental health science.

“Clinical research offers hope by creating opportunities to discover better treatments for the future. Being part of that process and helping patients access innovative research is incredibly rewarding.”