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A PRIM&R Course

Institutional Review Board Administrator Core Training Course 2: Refining Key Skills

Tuesdays | August 12, 19, and 26, 2025

1:00–3:00 PM ET

Learning Labs | Thursdays | August 14 & 21
Register Here

IRB Core Training Course 2: Refining Key Skills Overview

This advanced training is essential for IRB administrators looking to sharpen their skills in addressing the complex challenges of IRB management. Navigating noncompliance, unanticipated problems, and the nuances of single IRB processes are critical areas where administrators must be adept. With a focus on both foundational knowledge and practical application, this course provides the tools needed to manage these issues effectively and confidently. Designed for professionals in the field, this course offers in-depth case studies, interactive discussions, and real-world examples, ensuring participants gain hands-on experience with the challenges they are most likely to encounter. Participants will deepen their understanding of how to manage noncompliance and respond to unanticipated problems in a timely, compliant manner. The intricacies of single IRB reviews will be thoroughly explored, preparing administrators to navigate the unique challenges of multi-site research. Additionally, this course equips administrators with the skills necessary to identify and apply multiple, sometimes conflicting, regulations, ensuring they can address regulatory conflicts efficiently. Through guided, interactive learning, participants will leave with the practical knowledge to handle difficult scenarios and become more effective leaders within their IRB roles. This course is a vital step in advancing the skills of IRB administrators and ensuring that they are prepared to manage the evolving landscape of research oversight with confidence and expertise. The course is structured into three comprehensive sessions, paired with two focused learning labs, providing ample opportunity for hands-on learning and collaboration. These labs are designed to allow participants to apply their newly acquired skills to real-world scenarios. Successful completion of the course grants 8 continuing education (CE) credits, affirming participants' commitment to professional development and enhancing their qualifications as IRB administrators.

CIP Credit

Cost:

Course TwoMembers: $350 Nonmembers: $595

Credits

IRB Course 2 = 8 CE Credits and pending CIP® Credits

Agenda

Session 1: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 1:00–3:00 PM ET
Session 2: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 1:00–3:00 PM ET
Session 3: Tuesday, August 16, 2025 1:00–3:00 PM ET
Learning Labs: Thursdays | August 14 and 21 1:00–2:00 PM ET

What Will I Learn?

  • Equip IRB administrators with the skills to manage complex IRB administration issues effectively.
  • Enhance understanding of noncompliance, unanticipated problems, and single IRB challenges.
  • Develop the ability to identify and apply multiple regulations and to address regulatory conflicts that may arise.

CE Credit

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that documents up to 8 continuing education credit hours for their attendance at this workshop. Certificates of attendance are useful for obtaining CE credits from professional associations. Each association's guidelines for accepting CE credit hours (in-person or virtual) may differ. Please consult the appropriate association representative for information on if, and how many, CE credits from this PRIM&R workshop may be used.

Presenters

Nichelle Cobb, PhD, CIP

Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives, Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP)
Nichelle Cobb, PhD, is the Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives for the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) and was previously a site visitor for AAHRPP and member of AAHRPP’s Council on Accreditation. Prior to joining AAHRPP, she served as the Human Subjects Protection Officer for the Institute for Clinical & Translational Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was the Director of the Health Sciences Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) for 16 years. Nichelle has been involved in single IRB work for more than a decade and currently serves as a Senior Advisor for SMART IRB, a federally funded project that supports the implementation of single IRB. In addition, Nichelle is a member of the SMART IRB Harmonization Steering Committee and has co-led working groups to harmonize IRB and Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) practices, such as reportable events, ancillary reviews, local context, and continuing review. Nichelle served on this year's human subjects research planning committee for PRIM&R Annual Conference and co-teaches courses for PRIM&R, including Exploring the Common Rule and IRB Administrator Core Training. She has written articles on the IRB process, single IRB, and eConsent

Nancy Olson, JD

IRB Analyst, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Nancy A. Olson, JD, is an IRB Analyst at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has more than 20 years of experience working with Institutional Review Boards, including as the former Director of the Human Research Office at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and consulting in the field of human research protections. Nancy serves as a faculty member for PRIM&R's IRB Administrator and At Your Doorstep programs, and as a speaker at regional and national meetings, including PRIM&R and AAHRPP. She also contributed to the Third Edition of Institutional Review Board Management and Function. Nancy was a member of the SACHRP Subpart A Subcommittee, a consultant to the Office for Human Research Protections, a past Co-Chair of PRIM&R's Advancing Ethical Research Conference Poster Abstract SubCommittee, a PRIM&R Board Member, and ARENA president.

Jessica Ripton, MPH, CIP

Director of Clinical Research Compliance at Boston Children’s Hospital
Jessica “Jesse” Ripton is the Director of Clinical Research Compliance at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she oversees the operations of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) office and the Single IRB program. She brings extensive experience in research compliance and human subject protections to her role. Before joining Boston Children’s, Jesse served as the Director of the IRB at Mass General Brigham and at Beth Israel Lahey Health. She also held a leadership position in Research Compliance at The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, where she managed the IRB, led the development of a research training curriculum focused on human subject protection, and supported study teams through quality assurance monitoring.Jesse is an active presenter and educator on IRB-related topics and regularly provides training for IRB professionals. She holds a BA from Bates College and a Master of Public Health from Boston University.

Carissa Minder, BSN, RN, MS, CIP

Associate Director of the Human Research Protection Office, Washington University, St. Louis
Carissa Minder brings over 20 years of experience in clinical research, with the past 14 years dedicated to advancing human research protections at Washington University in St. Louis. She currently serves as the Associate Director of the Human Research Protection Office, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping and guiding ethical research practices. Carissa is a SMART IRB Ambassador and an active leader in national efforts to streamline and harmonize IRB processes. She has co-lead multiple SMART IRB harmonization working groups and serves on the SMART IRB Harmonization Steering Committee. Her works to bring to collaboration and innovation in research oversight in her role as an instructor for the SMART IRB Boot Camp. A recognized expert in her field, Carissa has presented at leading industry conferences, including PRIM&R and AAHRPP, where she shares insights on best practices, regulatory compliance, and IRB reliance.