Board Members

IRB Board Members

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) includes members with diverse backgrounds and expertise in special areas to provide complete and adequate review of the research. Committee members have a broad knowledge and experience needed to understand the nature of the research and decide if the research meets TCCD standards, including (a) regulations, (b) relevant law, (c) ethical standards and (d) standards of professional practice.

IRB members and alternates are appointed by the IRB Chair and serve a 3-year term.

If you are submitting a research study for IRB review, you must complete all required forms, documents, and training. Submit the completed application to irb@tccd.edu. The IRB reviews completed submissions within four weeks.

Note:

• Submissions during the summer or TCCD holidays may take longer.
• Since some studies may require revisions before they can be approved, researchers should allow sufficient time for the full review process.

Current IRB Board Members

Vernetta Burkhalter, Ed.D.
TCC IRB Chairman | Academic Affairs Representative
Manager of Career and Technical Education (CATE)
Southeast Campus

Rosalyn Walker, Ed.D.
TCC IRB Vice Chairman | Academic Affairs Representative
District Director of Academic Operations
Trinity River Campus

Abbie Arellano, M.S.
TCCD IRB Institutional Research Representative
Director of Research
Trinity River Campus

Kristin Byrd, Ph.D.
TCCD IRB Faculty Representative
Professor of Biology
Northeast Campus

Karl "Des" Robinson
TCCD IRB Faculty Representative
Associate Professor of Psychology
Southeast Campus

Tara Firmin, Ph.D.
TCCD IRB Academic Affairs Representative
Director of Strategic Support
Trinity River Campus

Mervil Johnson
TCCD IRB Community Representative
Workforce Collaboration Director
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County

Alternate Members

About Alternate Members

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) expects each alternate IRB member has similar qualifications to the primary member they may replace. OHRP allows organizations to list alternates in IRB registrations.

Current Alternate Members

Stephanie Roberts
TCCD IRB Community Representative
Workforce Planning Director
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County

Contact

For more information, contact TCCD Institutional Review Board at irb@tccd.edu.

Updated November 25, 2025