General Information 

The IRB was established by Nelson University in accordance with Federal Regulations ( 45 CFR 46 ) to review research conducted with human subjects by faculty, staff, students, and external researchers. The IRB was established to ensure the safety, privacy, and well-being of all human subjects throughout the research process. 

Institutional Review Board Statement of Purpose – Mission Statement 

The purpose of Nelson University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to aid researchers academically and professionally by ensuring they conduct research on human subjects in accordance with Christian principles, federal regulations, and the best practices of the academic and scientific communities. 

The IRB Review Process 

What is involved in the IRB review process? 

Through both initial and periodic reviews of ongoing research, the IRB assures the University that appropriate steps are being taken to protect the rights and welfare of humans participating as subjects in research. The IRB typically uses a group process in which its members review a completed application for IRB approval and its related materials (e.g., informed consent documents), then reach a decision about the ethical acceptability of the proposed (or ongoing) study. 

Will my proposed study be considered research with human subjects? 

“Research” refers to a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge, including research development, testing, and evaluation. (Taken from Office for Human Research Protections ) 

What are “human subjects” as defined by the IRB? 

“Human subjects” are living individuals about whom an investigator obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individuals, or (2) identifiable private information (IPI). (If the researcher collects IPI, the identity of the subjects is or may readily be ascertained by the investigator or associated with the information.) (Taken from Office for Human Research Protections ) 

Seeking IRB Approval 

What are the steps required to obtain IRB approval of my research protocol? 

Four key steps are involved when seeking IRB approval: 

1. In the case of student researchers, secure approval of your proposed study by your research committee. (The approved proposal is a required addendum to the IRB application.) 

2. Download and complete the Nelson University IRB Approval Application. 

3. Submit the application for review after attaching all requested documents. These include: 

• the research proposal approved by your research committee. 

• the certificate of completion for the Protecting Human Research Participants course 

• the Informed Consent documents. 

4. Await IRB approval before collecting data from human subjects, including pilot testing. 

Note: The decision to approve the research protocol will be communicated in writing (via e-mail) by the IRB Chairperson. 

What is the timeline for the review? 

For simple and straightforward studies, the proposal is reviewed by a committee of two to three individuals from the IRB, who have two weeks to read through the documents and send their recommendations to the IRB chair. A study involving a high-risk, vulnerable population may require a review by the entire IRB board. In these cases, allow for 6 to 8 weeks for the board to meet, discuss the proposal, and make recommendations. 

Once the IRB approves your research protocol, you are free to engage in research with human subjects, under the supervision of your research advisor or supervisor. 

You must inform the relevant IRB Chair immediately of: 

problems encountered in the data-collection phase of your study. 

substantive changes made to the research methodology. 

What do I do if the IRB does not approve my research protocol? 

If your application for IRB approval is not approved, you will be informed in writing (via e-mail) of that decision. Student researchers will be informed through their sponsoring faculty supervisors. Faculty, staff, and outside researchers will be informed directly in writing (via e-mail). 

The email will explain why that decision was reached and the steps you can take to refine the study’s design to obtain IRB approval. 

Note: you may not proceed with data collection without IRB approval of your protocol. 

Instructions to Student Researchers 

Following approval of their proposals by their supervisors, student researchers must apply to the IRB for approval to conduct research with human subjects. The IRB application consists of a description of the proposed research (i.e., the research protocol) to ensure that the methods proposed conform to ethical guidelines for research with human subjects. Student researchers are responsible for initiating this review process. 

All researchers intending to conduct research on human subjects must complete the online short course entitled “ Protecting Human Research Subjects ”, offered by PHRP Online Training. The registration fee is $39.99. Student researchers are strongly encouraged to complete this certification prior to developing their research proposals involving human subjects. A copy of the course completion certificate must be included with each research protocol application submitted to the IRB. 

IRB Committee

Contact Person:

Terance Espinoza, Ph.D. 
IRB Chair 
[email protected] 

Committee Members: 

Terance Espinoza, Ph.D. – Chair 

Shelly Zaldivar, Ph.D. – Chair Elect  

John Savell, Ph.D. – Past Chair  

Kenna Cavnar, J.D. – Director of Institutional Research  

Tony Gryskiewicz, Ph.D. – Professor  

Nolan Jones, Ph.D. – Professor 

Deborah Pauli, Ph.D. – Professor 

Marcus Alexander, Ph.D. (community representative)  

Elizabeth Ortiz, DNP (community representative)