Institutional Review Board

University of Pikeville’s Institutional Review Board (UPIKE-IRB)

The University of Pikeville believes that research involving human subjects demands that our first responsibility is to the health and well-being of the individual. To protect and respect patient’s rights, the University of Pikeville has established an Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Subject to FDA and HHS regulations, the IRB is an appropriately constituted group formally designated to review and monitor research involving human subjects. The purpose of the IRB is to assure, both in advance and by periodic review, that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects participating as subjects in research.

The IRB’s role is vital in the protection of human research subjects.

IRB review must take place before any human subject research activity starts as it is the role of the IRB to assess the study’s potential benefits and risks. You must not start your study until you have your IRB approval or exemption letter.

Some items, such as classroom activities and institutional quality improvement do not meet the UPIKE IRBs definition of human subject research, and do not require IRB review. For a more in-depth description of what does and does not require IRB approval, read: (IRB Review Needed If)

UPIKE IRB Board Members

LeAnne Epling, College of Arts and Sciences (Chair)
Associate Professor of Psychology
Office Location: Armington 427
Office Phone: 606-218-5018
E-mail: Leanneepling@upike.edu  

Tauna Gulley, Elliott School of Nursing (Vice-Chair)
Associate Professor of Nursing and RN-BSN Coordinator
Office Location: CTC Nursing Suite
Office Phone: 606-218-5765
E-mail: TaunaGulley@upike.edu  

Joseph Zinkovich, KYCO
Professor of Optometry
Office Location: HPE 401F
Office Phone: 606-218-5519
E-mail: Josephzinkovich@upike.edu 

Michael Carnes, KYCOM (Physician)
Associate Professor of Osteopathic Principles & Practices
Office Location: Coal Building 912
Office Phone: 606-218-5449
E-mail: Michaelcarnes@upike.edu  

Michael Younger , KYCOM
Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Office Location: Coal Building 718
Office Phone: 606-218-5417
E-mail: MichaelYounger@upike.edu  

Michael King, College of Arts and Sciences
Associate Professor of Education
Office Location: Armington 416C
Office Phone: 606-218-5311
E-mail: Michaelking@upike.edu  

Praveen Guraja, Coleman College of Business
Assistant Professor of Information Technology Management
Office Phone: 606-218-5265
E-mail: PraveenGuraja@upike.edu  

Oma Morgan, College of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Chemistry
Office Location: Armington 455
Office Phone: 606-218-5067
E-mail: OmaMorgan@upike.edu  

Paul Potter, Community Representative
Cornerstone Christian Church

ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY & STAFF

Rita Thacker, UPIKE IRB Administrative Assistant
Office Location: Coal 717
Office Phone: (606) 218-5421
Email: RitaThacker@upike.edu