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: Wairimu Mwangi, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Institutional Member: Cynthia DeBoy, Professor of Biology
Institutional Member: Steven Gable, Associate Professor of Philosophy
Institutional Member: Rosanna Sanchez-John, Assistant Professor of Counseling, Nursing and Health Professions
Institutional Member: Hans Momplaisir, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Institutional Member: Jamal Watson, Associate Dean, Professional and Graduate Studies, and Program Director, Strategic Communication and Public Relations
Community Member: Ometha Lewis-Jack, Associate Professor and Chair of Psychology, Bowie State University
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.