Institutional Review Process
The Institutional Review process applies to research projects conducted by faculty or students of Trinity that involves human subjects. Such research is typically in the behavioral sciences and education, e.g., Psychology, Counseling, Education, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Communication, and but may involve almost any other discipline as well. Because the researcher may derive a benefit from conducting such research (e.g., a grade, a promotion, a book published, tenure, etc.), safeguards are necessary to be sure that the research is free from bias, and that the subjects involved are truly engaged voluntarily. Therefore, Trinity has a clear policy statement relating to the IRB process.
Institutional Review Board
In order to implement this policy and create a climate to promote good research practices, Trinity has created the Institutional Review Board. The IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove all research activities that fall within the definition of ‘research’ in this policy.
Current IRB Members
Chair: Debbie Van Camp, Associate Provost and Associate Professor of Psychology
Institutional Member: Cynthia DeBoy, Associate Professor of Biology
Institutional Member: Steven Gable. Associate Professor of Philosophy
Institutional Member: Timothy Holley, Program Director Masters in Occupational Therapy
Institutional Member: Hans Momplaisir, Assistant Professor of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences
Institutional Member: Kelley Wood, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Community Member: Ometha Lewis-Jack, Associate of Professor of Psychology Bowie State
IRB Application
All research projects conducted by faculty or students of Trinity that involves human subjects must submit a complete IRB Application. While some projects may be deemed exempt from review and other may receive an expedited review, this will be determined by the IRB Board Chair.