Striving for Excellence - Staff Certifications

Tracie Kahler and Candice Yekel, CIM

On September 1, 2004, Candice Yekel and Tracie Kahler became Certified IRB Managers from the National Association of IRB Managers (NIAM). This nation-wide test covered a total of 13 subjects, ranging from pharmacy administration to site auditing and was comprised of approximately 110 multiple choice and 25 true and false questions.

Recertification occurs every three years. Candidates can send verification of continuing education or retake the examination.

Candice Yekel, Director of the ORP, brings over 10 years experience in research administration and holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology.

Tracie Kahler, IRB Administrator for Continuing Reviews, received the HIGH-SCORE of the CIM class. She also brings 13 years of experience as a medical librarian and holds a Master of Science degree in Library Sciences.

Mary Becker, CIP

On March 6, 2004, Mary Becker, Biomedical IRB Administrator for the ORP, became a Certified IRB Professional (CIP). Mary's efforts entailed the extensive review of the federal rules and regulations for human participant research and the completion of a four-hour exam composed of 250 multiple choice and objective questions.

Mary's certification has allowed her to advance her knowledge in human participant scientific methods, government regulations and ethical principles. Mary also brings over 12 years experience as a research coordinator at Penn State. She served on the IRB as an alternate for 6 years, is a Registered Nurse and has a degree in Rehabilitation Education.

In order to maintain certification, a continuing education requirement must be maintained or the CIP exam must be retaken every three years.

William Greer, RLAT

On May 1, 2004, William Greer, ORP's IACUC, IBC and UIC Compliance Coordinator attained certification as a laboratory animal technician through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Bill's accomplishment further demonstrates competency in animal care, animal facility administration and animal welfare regulations.

The exam was approximately two and a half hours in length and entailed 155 multiple choice questions. Certification is maintained through regular completion of continuing education activities in the animal science field.

Bill also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and has 14 years experience working at a USDA-licensed vaccine manufacturing facility.