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IRB Membership and Meetings

Institutional Review Board Membership

IRB Chair: Dr. Cathy Grist, Human Services
IRB Vice Chair: Dr. Brook Alemu, Health Sciences

IRB Membership: 

  • Dr. Jamie Vaske, Prisoner Representative, Criminal Justice 
  • Dr. Tasha Youstin, Criminology & Criminal Justice
  • Dr. Scott Pierce, School of Engineering and Technology 
  • Rebecca Saunders, Hunter Library
  • Dr. Angela Dills, School of Economics, Mgmt, and Project Mgmt 
  • Dr. Bradley Witzel, School of Teaching and Learning 
  • Dr. Thales De Nardo, Communication Sciences and Disorders 
  • Dr. Sam Castelblanco, Psychology
  • Dr. Edward Jauch, Community Member

Institutional Review Board Meeting Schedule

The Institutional Review Board meets on the schedule listed below to review protocols requiring full-board review.  Protocols that meet the criteria for exempt or expedited review are processed on an on-going basis, and reviewed by one IRB member assigned to your protocol.

The WCU IRB does not meet during the summer months.  Expedited and exempt protocols are continually reviewed during the summer, but no full-board reviews occur during the summer months.  Please plan accordingly to prevent delays in your research.

If you believe that your protocol may qualify for a full review, be sure to submit your completed application through InfoEd by the corresponding calendar date below: 

Fall 2024 Full-Board Meeting Schedule 

Meeting Date Deadline to Submit for Full Review
September 23rd September 9th
October 23rd October 9th
November 13th October 30th
December 4th November 20th

If you have questions about whether your protocol will require a full-board review, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Research Administration at 828.227.7212 or irb@wcu.edu

Please note: IRB approval must be obtained prior to initiating any study activities, including recruitment.

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