Policies and Membership

Policies

The Roger Williams University IRB (HSRB) policies are informed by the guidelines of federal regulatory agencies.  The RWU IRB (HSRB) is ultimately the agency responsible for creating and overseeing policies regarding research with human participants specific to our institution. The Board adheres to policies consistent with the most recent revisions to the Common Rule (Revisions to the Common Rule), and updates outlined by the federal Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP).

Current IRB (HSRB) policies:.

HSRBPolicy2019.pdf

2021 HSRB Protocol Compliance Update

Membership

According to federal guidelines (45 CFR, part 46), IRB (HSRB) membership must include at least five members with various backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research. At a minimum, one member must be an individual whose primary research is scientific, one member must be an individual whose research is non-scientific, and at least one member must have no affiliation with Roger Williams. Additional members should represent more than a single area or profession.

The Roger Williams University Institutional Review Board (HSRB) includes individuals from the RWU faculty and administration and one member from outside of the University.  Membership beyond the minimum requirement at RWU is a function of our diverse research community and supports the diverse scope of research at RWU.  

Becky Spritz
Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
Professor of Psychology and Public Health
401-254-2664
bspritz@rwu.edu 

Administrative Assistant:  Beth Cook
Administrative Assistant
School of Humanities, Arts and Education and School of Social and Natural Sciences
401-254-5455
bcook@rwu.edu

Committee Members

Selby Conrad (7/1/2021 - 6/30/2024)
Faculty Director
Associate Professor, Psychology
401-254-5501
sconrad@rwu.edu

Rebecca Distefano (7/1/2023-6/30/2025)
Assistant Professor, Psychology
401-254-5738
rdistefano@rwu.edu

Pamela Judge (1/4/2021 - 12/31/2024)
Assistant Professor, Engineering
401-254-3870
pjudge@rwu.edu

Rachel McCormack (1/4/2021 - 12/31/2024)
Professor, Elementary Education
401-254-3019
rmccormack@rwu.edu

Katrina Norvell (7/1/2023-6/30/2025)
Associate Professor, Public Administration and Leadership
401-254-4845
knorvell@rwu.edu

Jason Patch (7/1/2023-6/30/2025)
Professor, Anthropology/Sociology
401-254-5723
jpatch@rwu.edu

Melissa Russano (7/1/2023-6/30/2025)
Professor, Justice Studies
401-254-3878
mrussano@rwu.edu