Meet Ivy Tillman, MS, CCRC, CIP, who’ll be covering the 2019 Advancing Ethical Research Conference (AER19) as a member of the Blog Squad. Members of PRIM&R’s Conference Blog Squad provide an insider’s view of the conferences by sharing their experience before, during, and after the meeting.

I’m excited for the opportunity to serve you as a member of the Blog Squad for AER19. My first PRIM&R Conference was in 2005 in Boston! At the time, I was overwhelmed by all of the information shared, but also the passion of the speakers. I was able to meet and learn from professionals who were just like me! Attending PRIM&R’s AER and SBER conferences over the years has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and expand the scope of my career. I feel like I’ve “grown up” in this career of human research ethics; in this past year, I’ve felt myself grow even more with the implementation of the revised Common Rule.

My interest in research ethics began as I studied the history and impact of research atrocities that occurred within our country and the world. As a study coordinator, I witnessed the hesitancy marginalized populations felt about participating in research studies and that experience galvanized me to pursue a career in research ethics and protections. I enjoy developing programs and policies that provide education to researchers and IRB members. Most importantly, I enjoy learning; I consider myself to be a “constant student”, always pursuing opportunities to further my knowledge and share with others.

Organizations like PRIM&R allow those of us who are passionate about protections and research ethics to: (1) recognize that we are not alone in the “IRB world”; (2) educate ourselves on varied topics of interest and need within our organizations; and (3) return to our organizations energized with new knowledge to strengthen our programs.

I’m looking forward to attending the conference to connect with colleagues and gain information on the effectiveness of our early approaches to the revised Common Rule. I also look forward to attending some of the “nuts and bolts” sessions that will allow me to bring information to my institution that will strengthen our HRPP. As a member of the Blog Squad, I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you.

Ivy Tillman, MS, CCRC, CIP, joined the Augusta University IRB Office in 2005 and is currently the Director. She serves as the primary liaison for the Augusta University Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), which is accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). Augusta University’s IRBs review research for Augusta University, Augusta University Medical Center, and the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. Ivy is responsible for overseeing the missions of the IRB Office, which include administrative support to the IRB committees, compliance and oversight of human research studies, and education and training for research team members and the IRB Committee members.

Ivy received her Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Troy University and her Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and Modern Languages from Clemson University. A former educator, Ivy’s past roles in human research include working as a clinical research coordinator in pediatric sickle cell and adult neurology studies, and serving as the IRB Office Training Coordinator. She obtained certification as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator in 2005 and Certified IRB Professional in 2008.