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IRB Committee

Ferris State Institutional Review Board (IRB) approves all research projects involving human subjects. The IRB's responsibilities include overseeing the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects' involved in research. Committee members are comprised of Ferris faculty, staff and community members with various backgrounds and research interests. Human subject research continues to grow on campus; if you have an interest in serving on the committee, contact [email protected].

Committee Member College/Department
David J. Alban, Ph.D. Education 
Katie Axford, Pharm.D Pharmacy
Shannon Behling, DNP Community Member, CHC Big Rapids
Qian Ding, PhD, MS, BPharm Pharmacy
Heather Girand, Pharm.D Pharmacy
Alison Konieczny, MS FLITE Library
Brian McDowell, OD Optometry
Paula McDowell, OD, FAAO Optometry
Kimberly L. McVicar, DHA, MSA, MT (ASCP) Health Administration & Health Information
Kathryn J. Niemeyer, PhD, MSc, MSN, FNP-BC, RN Nursing 
Christopher J. Richmond, Ph.D., LMFT, LP Counseling Center 
Carolyn Sutherby, Ph.D., LMSW, ACSW Social Work
Janet Vizina-Roubal, DSW, LMSW Social Work
Rita Walters, PhD Social Work
David R. White, Ph.D., MJA (Chair) Criminal Justice

The Ferris IRB meets monthly during the academic year (September-May). 
For more information on application reviews and timelines, view our Application Process webpage.

Contact Information
Ferris State University Institutional Review Board
1010 Campus Drive, FLITE 410
Big Rapids, MI 49307

PHONE: (231) 591-2553
[email protected]