Institutional Review Board of the Protection of Human Subjects in Research

Revision Date: Advisory Committee mandated by the National Research Act of 1974. Last revision Nov. 17, 2022.

Morehead State University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a federally mandated committee made up of faculty, staff and persons unaffiliated with the University charged with ensuring that the institution complies with federal policies safeguarding humans as subjects in research.

Membership

IRB terms are three-year terms
Chairs of the IRB are elected by the members to serve 1-year terms
There are no term limits
Members are required to maintain current CITI certification

Support

The IRB reviews three types of protocols: exempt, expedited, and convened review protocols. For guidance on which type of protocol to submit, please contact Janet Cline, jl.cline@moreheadstate.edu, or any member of the IRB.

IMPORTANT: The IRB accepts requests for exemption at any time and reviews the protocols promptly upon receipt. Protocols that qualify as expedited can also be submitted at any time and are reviewed upon receipt.

Researchers/investigators submitting a protocol requiring convened review can expect a review response from the IRB within four (4) weeks from the date of the protocol submission. Protocols that involve special populations (e.g., prisoners) or require general counsel review may require a lengthier review. Additionally, the review process will be delayed if protocols are incomplete or include elements not clearly in compliance with federal regulations.

MEMBERSHIP

Shannon Smith-Stephens, Department of Nursing (Chair 2023-24) 2023-26
Manuel Probst, Department of Kinesiology, Health and Imaging Sciences (Vice Chair 2023-24) 2021-24
Elizabeth Perkins, Department of Sociology, Social Work and Criminology 2023-26
Michael Kessinger, Foundational and Graduate Studies in Education 2023-26
Elizabeth Mesa-Gaido, Department of Art and Design 2022-25
Lucas Lunt, School of Business Administration2023-26
Mike Brunet, Research Director for St. Claire Medical Center (Community Representative) 2023-24

Contact Info

Shannon Harr, EdD, Director
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
901 Ginger Hall
Morehead, KY 40351
606-783-2330
s.harr@moreheadstate.edu