The Squad

In keeping with the mission of superior science and methodological expertise, Katy developed the Signacept Squad, an extended network of senior-level partners / past colleagues. Each team member brings a proven mastery of their skills (see below), allowing Signacept to create an “A” team for each engagement.

This novel structure allows us to fulfill our goals to:

  • Provide a true partnership experience working w/ seasoned individuals

  • Deliver superior design, consultation and strategic outcomes

  • Be cost competitive due to our structure and low overhead

  • And always try to have some fun along the way!

Katy Palmer, PhD

Principal‍ and “The Tigger Scientist”

At her core, Katy is a passionate scientist who has never lost her sense of wonder. She began her career in academic research, authoring several journal articles, but soon recognized her extroverted, passionate personality was better suited to consulting. Over the past 25+ years, she has worked on both the client and agency sides focused on the healthcare industry, predominantly the biopharma sector. In 2026, she decided to launch her own strategic insights consulting practice. With a goal of creating something different, Katy reflected on the unique value that she often brought to her clients by having both the expertise in research methodologies and a fluency in science. She launched Signacept with a commitment to bring true expertise in both the science and research methods, along with having some fun along the way!

Notable bits:

  • Earned a PhD in Immunology from Washington University in St. Louis. Her thesis focused on infectious disease, where Katy cloned a gene!

  • Worked for Eli Lilly on launch of Cymbalta to fill the Prozac hole, leading all market research and forecasting needs.

  • Agency-side life includes 26 years where research methods were mastered, leadership was learned and mentoring was a passion.

  • Her training and experiences have established her deep expertise in neuroscience, neurology, autoimmunity, vaccines and infectious disease.

  • Fun fact -Most people are shocked to learn Katy has a PhD because of her Tigger-like personality! She truly embodies the “Work Hard, Play Hard” credo.

The Signacept Squad… Masters of their Craft

Jarene Armstrong

Project Manager “Extraordinaire”

Jarene has 20 years of experience in the biopharma space. Known for being a work horse and having a calming presence during chaotic projects, she never backs down from a challenge and goes above and beyond for her team! No matter the project, complexity, client, or respondent type, Jarene has the determination, organization, composure, and diligence to make anything possible. She is also well versed in compliance processes and procedures, ensuring all projects adhere to all AE, BHBIA, GDPR, etc. requirements needed. Jarene currently works for Fieldcats, Inc. www.fieldcats.com

Fun fact: Eli Lilly clients once gave her a “heavyweight champion” award for her outstanding project management on a study that lasted over 18 months!

Jessica South

Analytics and Reporting “Guru”

Jessica has worked in healthcare insights for 15 years, eleven of these at Market Strategies/Escalent working her way from an intern (while completing her Master’s in Health Psychology) to a Lead Analyst /Supervisor. Jessica has supported many major brands developed by Lilly, Pfizer, Takeda and others. She is an SPSS superstar and a wizard in PPT. Since starting a family, Jessica has been doing quantitative consulting.

Fun fact: As a true testament to her nerdiness, Jessica can recite the alphabet backwards faster than most having stayed awake one night while she was 11 mastering this skill.

Paula Rosenberg

Moderator “Naturelelle”

Paula has over 20 years of supplier-side qualitative research focused on healthcare and pharmaceuticals. She has worked on numerous global studies, partnering with local moderators to assure continuity of the research.  Her friendly, unpresuming approach allows her to quickly develop rapport with a wide range of both consumer and professional respondents. This enables her to dive deep and reveal both the emotional and rational aspects of the topic at hand. Paula is committed to bringing the patient or HCP voice to the client, and delivering actionable recommendations.

Fun fact: Paula is a cruise fanatic! Whether headed south of the border, over to EU, up to the glaciers or just to hear a group of bands on a boat, you will find Paula often afloat!

Cheryl Pfaffmann

“Worldwide” Project Manager

Cheryl is a seasoned Project Management professional with 20+ years of experience leading quantitative and qualitative research studies across the Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, and Healthcare sectors. She is known for bringing clarity, structure, and momentum to complex projects, ensuring seamless execution from kickoff through final delivery.

Driven by a passion for improving healthcare decisions and patient outcomes, Cheryl helps organizations generate insights that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Fun Fact: Cheryl loves managing global studies and has successfully led research projects spanning multiple countries, cultures, and time zones—transforming complexity into coordination and keeping teams aligned toward a common goal.