The Research Ethics Board (REB) reviews and monitors research involving human participants. It is responsible for protecting participants and researchers from psychological or physical harm and educating researchers.
Human research ethics ensure the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants in studies. They involve informed consent, minimizing harm, protecting privacy, and maintaining integrity, balancing scientific progress with respect and safety for individuals.
The Okanagan College Research Ethics Board (REB) reviews research involving human participants through two pathways, depending on the level of risk involved.
Minimal risk research is eligible for delegated review. These applications are accepted on a rolling basis, there is no submission deadline, and you can apply at any time.
Research involving greater than minimal risk requires review by the full board, which meets bi-monthly. Applications must be submitted at least three weeks before the relevant meeting date.
Any research involving human participants requires REB approval.
Types of Research: This includes activities such as:
Participants: Subjects may include OC faculty, staff, students, administration, or members of the public.
Human Biological Materials: Research involving human biological materials, embryos, fetuses, fetal tissues, stem cells, etc., also requires approval.
Class Projects: Student projects involving human subjects must obtain REB approval.
External Researchers: Anyone not affiliated with OC must submit an application using OC forms, along with a letter of permission from the relevant OC department or administrative unit.
Research Associated with OC: If research occurs elsewhere but is linked to OC, REB approval is still necessary.
Graduate Studies: Faculty conducting research while pursuing graduate studies must provide documentation of REB approval and a cover letter confirming they are conducting the research on their own time, separate from OC.
Information Gathering Activities: REB approval is also required for activities that:
Required forms can be found on the Research Forms, Policies and Procedures webpage.
The committee carefully reviews your application and provides one of three outcomes:
If your project is approved, you will receive a Research Ethics Board (REB) certificate, valid for one year. This certificate can be renewed upon request.
For conditionally approved projects:
If your project is rejected:
Yes, please reach out to REB@okanagan.bc.ca and we can send you a redacted REB application.
Shortly after obtaining my master’s in Mathematics in 1998, I began teaching Math and Stats at various post-secondary institutions, in both English and French, in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Since I began at Okanagan College in 2006, I have met many wonderful people – students, staff, and faculty members alike. In 2018, I returned to graduate studies with the support of the College and began a master’s in arts in Education at UBC Okanagan. After successfully defending my thesis, I was inspired to continue my research and enrolled in a doctoral program. I have since defended my dissertation but continue to be involved in research. My research continues to focus on contemplative pedagogy, supporting students with math anxiety, and building community in the math classroom.
Credentials:
MMath, Applied Math, UWaterloo
MA, Education, UBC
PhD, Interdisciplinary Studies, UBC
Lee is a Professor Emeritus and researcher in the Okanagan School of Business at Okanagan College. He is a member of the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists ( economics & business management). He has more than 40 years’ experience in business, consulting, and education. Lee’s research interests are in rural entrepreneurship and the economics of industry development. The focus of this research is on Industry cluster and value chain analysis, business Innovation, climate change mitigation/adaptation, and the role of the entrepreneur in Industry strategy. In the Okanagan region, Lee has conducted extensive research into the agricultural products cluster, and is a recognized expert in both the B.C. Grape and Wine industry, and the Tree Fruit industry.
Credentials:
MA (Interdisciplinary Studies), BCST (Child Studies)
Biology is everywhere! I aim to provide students with a strong educational foundation in biological sciences that they can use along their chosen career path, and I draw from my professional experience to achieve that goal. I completed my BSc at the University of California and my PhD at Simon Fraser University, where I studied the relationship between population genetic structure and life history strategies in sea stars. I conducted my post-doctoral studies with researchers at UBC and SFU investigating the introduction of a knapweed bio-control and the invasion genetics of the emerald ash borer. I continued my work in ecology and evolution as a consultant and professional biologist, examining a wide range of taxa including shorebirds, salmon, biofilm and whales. I have been teaching biology at the university level since 2005 and in addition to Okanagan College (my permanent home), I have taught at many other BC institutions including, SFU, UBC and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Credentials:
RPBio, Registered Professional Biologist
PhD, Biology, Simon Fraser University
BSc, Biology, University of California Davis
I have been teaching Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at Okanagan College since 2018. I am interested in feminist education as a tool of social and cultural change. My research explores the connections between power, knowledge production, bodies, space, and identity. I am currently working on three simultaneous projects: an edited collection on queer fat femme identity, research into digital storytelling as a critical research method in fat studies, and my dissertation research on settler colonial urban space.
Credentials:
PhD, Cultural Mediations, Carleton University
MA, Women's and Gender Studies, York University
BA, Women's Studies, University of Toronto
Alan Rice received his Master’s of Arts in Tourism Planning and Development from California University in 2010. He completed his Bachelors of Administration with honours in marketing, specializing in marketing research, at Brock University in 1991. He has been teaching in the fields of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Marketing at Okanagan College since 2008.
Alan has over seventeen years of management experience in the tourism industry. He is the owner and principal of Kettle Valley Research, a boutique marketing research consultancy. Since its establishment in 2003, Kettle Valley Research has worked with clients in the tourism industry, government, economic development, as well as several advertising agencies and private firms. From 1996 to 2003 he worked in the tourism research field at Tourism Whistler where he oversaw all aspects of market research, analytics, and competitive intelligence.
Credentials:
MA, Tourism Planning and Development, California University
BA, Marketing, Brock University
Enrollment management, policies and procedures, client services, student advising, SkilledTradesBC Plan
I work with students to help maneuver through challenges that are negatively impacting their personal and academic success. Some of my areas of interest include anxiety and depression, relationships, sexuality, and spirituality.
Credentials:
PhD
Registered Clinical Counsellor (R.C.C.)
Mira's subject/liaison areas:
Credentials:
MLIS
Jessica began her post-secondary education at Okanagan College, where she completed her Associate of Science before continuing to UBC Okanagan for her Bachelor's degree in Biology. She later completed my Master of Business Administration at the University of Fredericton.
Her background spans healthcare and research environments, where she coordinated multiple clinical trials, with most of her work in neurodegenerative disease and dermatology.
Jessica is interested in how research can inform decisions, improve processes, and strengthen outcomes across different settings. She also enjoys supporting the translation of evidence into meaningful improvements in practice and organizations.
"I managed to get myself off to university when still a young man. Although the initial experience was a bit overwhelming, I managed to find the open arms of the Aboriginal student organization and became a grateful member of the group. The group was made up of a wonderful diversity of interests, experiences, disciplines and cultures.
I focused my education on science (chemistry) and earned a B.Sc. (Chem). I followed that up by earning a B.Ed. (Sec.). Upon leaving my studies, I was recruited by what was then known as the Association of Metis and Non-status Indians of Saskatchewan to organize and conduct a community consultation program. Briefly, this consultation was concerning the Aboriginal rights of Metis and non-status Indian people throughout the province and ultimately throughout the country. I was proud to play just a small part in that initiative.
My career has included teaching at both high school and community college levels. In 1992, I was tasked with developing Aboriginal Programs and Services at Okanagan University College and, in 2005, a similar program at UBC Okanagan. As well, I maintained relationships with Aboriginal education at the provincial and local levels and Aboriginal community service organizations in the Kelowna area.
Kaylah serves as the Research Officer in the Applied Research Office at Okanagan College and sits on the Research Ethics Board as a non-voting member. In this role, Kaylah provides administrative support to the REB, helping coordinate the intake, tracking, and processing of applications, and ensuring the Board's procedures align with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS2).
While she does not vote on research applications, Kaylah is a key point of contact for researchers navigating the REB submission and review process, and can be reached at reb@okanagan.bc.ca with questions about your application.
