Meet Your Study Team
At myQTwave, our goal is simple — to learn from you. The insights and experiences shared by people living with Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) Type 2 and Type 3 (LQT2 and LQT3) help us better understand the daily realities of this rare genetic heart rhythm condition and guide future care.
Your study team at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, North Carolina, is here to support you throughout the study and ensure your voice helps shape what we learn about living with LQTS.
The study is led by Dr. Samuel F. Sears, Jr., PhD, Principal Investigator, and a leading expert in the psychology of cardiac health. Dr. Sears has devoted his career to helping individuals and families live well with inherited heart rhythm disorders.
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Principal Investigator, myQTwave Study
Dr. Sam Sears is a Professor of Health Psychology at East Carolina University and is internationally recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of cardiac and psychological health. As Principal Investigator of the myQTwave study, he brings over 30 years of experience helping patients and families navigate life with inherited heart rhythm conditions like Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). His research focuses on improving quality of life and supporting the emotional resilience of cardiac patients. Dr. Sears is passionate about ensuring that patient voices guide the future of care and innovation in cardiac psychology.
Fun fact: Dr. Sears is an avid sports fan and has attended games in more than 20 different countries — with Canada, Switzerland, and Australia topping his list of favorite destinations.
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Coordinator, myQTwave Study
Elizabeth Jordan is a PhD candidate in Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University and is dedicated to improving the patient experience through compassionate, evidence-based cardiac psychology. A Greenville native, she combines her academic training with a strong commitment to supporting participants as they share their experiences living with LQTS. Elizabeth believes that integrating psychological care into medical research is key to improving outcomes and confidence for patients managing chronic conditions. She is particularly passionate about helping participants feel comfortable and heard throughout the study process.
Fun fact: Elizabeth loves baking homemade cakes and once recreated an elaborate tiered wedding cake entirely from scratch.
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Coordinator, myQTwave Study
Dina Dejanovic is a doctoral student in Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University and combines her background in public health and clinical research with a genuine passion for improving the lives of people affected by rare cardiac conditions. Her work at a heart and vascular center inspired her dedication to understanding the patient experience beyond medical data. Through the myQTwave study, Dina hopes to help participants feel seen, supported, and empowered to contribute to meaningful research in LQTS. She values creating strong, trusting relationships with participants as they share their daily experiences.
Fun fact: Dina shares her home with five cats — each with its own distinct personality — and jokes that they’re her unofficial research assistants.
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Coordinator, myQTwave Study
Samantha McCrary is a PhD candidate in Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University and is passionate about supporting participants as they share their stories and perspectives through the myQTwave study. With a background in counseling and experience on a heart transplant team, Samantha brings empathy, attentiveness, and deep respect for patients’ lived experiences. Her research interests center on coping, emotional well-being, and empowerment in people living with cardiac conditions. Samantha strives to make every interaction with study participants meaningful and supportive.
Fun fact: Samantha collects giraffe figurines and has built her collection to over 100 pieces — each one representing a different part of her journey in psychology and patient care.