Welcome to another installment of our featured member profiles where we will continue to introduce you to more of our members—individuals who work to advance ethical research on a daily basis. Please read on to learn more about their professional experiences, how membership helps connect them to a larger community, and what goes on behind-the-scenes in their lives!

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beverley Williams, assistant director of human research protections at the University of California, Irvine.

When and why did you join the field?
I began my career in human research protections in 2000. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and, while considering graduate school, I decided to go ahead and enter the working world. I responded to a newspaper advertisement for an institutional review board (IRB) coordinator at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Honestly, the job sounded interesting and so did the prospect of working for a children’s research hospital. It has been 12 years since then, and to this day, I continue to learn and enjoy what I do.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My position focuses on educating the staff and research community as well as ensuring human subject research compliance at the University of California, Irvine. I enjoy meeting with members of the research community (faculty, students, and staff) and helping them understand the regulations and their importance.

What is the last movie you saw?
I just saw The Artist. I think it is one of my favorites of all time. Really a touching love story, and I loved the sweet dog!

What do you value in your friends?
Listening skills.

What are you reading?
Then Again, by Diane Keaton.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being comfortable in my own skin.

Why did you join PRIM&R?
For the education and networking opportunities the organization provides.

What is your favorite member benefit?
My institution recently renewed our subscription to the Ethical Oversight of Human Subjects Research Course (Online Course). This online course serves as an additional training resource for our new IRB members. We even use it as part of training of new staff.

If you were planning our next conference, who would you select as a keynote speaker?
I would choose a research subject—a person with direct experience participating in human subjects research. I really appreciate first-person perspective presentations—they are inspiring and motivating.

Thank you for being part of the membership community and sharing your story, Beverley. We hope we that your staff enjoys our Online Course!

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member, please visit our website today.