Parker Research Center

The Parker University Research Center coordinates and develops a research agenda consistent with the overall mission of Parker University. This work has led to the establishment and advancement of the University within the scientific community and contributed strong, rigorous evidence that supports public health, the chiropractic profession, as well as education, business, and technology.

Our Mission

Conduct and promote high-quality and innovative research in human science.

Research
Areas

Person-Centered Research

We are dedicated to studying the unique experiences and perspectives of healthcare providers and their patients and advancing person-centered approaches in research and practice. We utilize innovative research methods to investigate the factors that shape individuals’ lives and response to care, including culture, identity, and social context. We conduct research on treatment effectiveness and safety among the general public and special populations (e.g., pediatrics, women, adolescents).

Human Performance Research

We are dedicated to studying how humans can optimize their physical and mental faculties across various domains. Our team of experts utilizes cutting-edge technologies and research methods to investigate the factors that contribute to human performance. Through our research, we aim to provide practical recommendations and interventions to help both individuals and organizations achieve their performance goals.

Mentoring

Parker University’s Research Center fosters a supportive and inclusive research culture that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence. We provide guidance, feedback, and resources to help individuals develop their skills, knowledge, and career goals.

Masters in Clinical Research

The MS in Clinical Research program at Parker University is dedicated to the innovation, development, and application of knowledge related to all aspects of clinical research. The mission of the program is to prepare health professionals to apply the knowledge and analytical skills to engage in clinical research, epidemiology, ethical and regulatory principles, and evidence-based healthcare.

Research Center Events

The Research Center puts out a newsletter each term that outlines upcoming events. If you are interested in receiving the newsletter or have other research related questions, please email research@parker.edu.

Research Team

Helping lead Parker University in the advancement of public health, the chiropractic profession, as well as education, business, and technology.

ZAK MONIER
ZAK MONIER

MS, RD, LD
Research Project Manager
zakmonier@parker.edu

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AMANDA WATKINS
AMANDA WATKINS

MAT
Assistant Director of Research Administration
amandawatkins@parker.edu

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KENT STUBER
KENT STUBER

DC, MS, PHD
Assistant Professor, Clinician Scientist
kentstuber@parker.edu

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Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Parker University Research Center has a policy for the protection of human subjects from research risk as set forth in Title 45, Part 46, of the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46). The detailed and complete Standard Operating Procedural Manual is on file in the office of the Human Protections Administrator. It is the policy of Parker University that, except for those categories specifically exempted by 45 CFR 46, all research covered by this policy will be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) established under the policy regardless of the source of funding of the research.

Parker University Research Center has a policy for the protection of human subjects from research risk as set forth in Title 45, Part 46, of the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46). The detailed and complete Standard Operating Procedural Manual is on file in the office of the Human Protections Administrator. It is the policy of Parker University that, except for those categories specifically exempted by 45 CFR 46, all research covered by this policy will be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) established under the policy regardless of the source of funding of the research.

IRB approval must be obtained before initiation of a study. The Human Protections Administrator assesses applications to determine if they involve human subject research; if so, the HPA will determine if the research meets criteria for Exemption under 45 CFR 46. All research that is not exempt is sent to the IRB for its consideration; research may be expedited if criteria is met, or reviewed by the full board.

The IRB functions as an institutional resource to safeguard the welfare of human subjects of research, to meet the requirement of funding agencies, and to protect investigators and the University from legal action.

The IRB membership consists of 9 individuals including the Chair. The membership includes faculty or professional personnel, and at least one member who is not otherwise affiliated with the University and who is not part of the immediate family of a person affiliated with the University.

Current IRB Members

Rick Robinette 
  Chair

• Vanessa Morales
  Vice-Chair

Dana Hollandsworth

• Darren Holwland

• Michael Gottlieg
  Public Member

• Katie Hartlieb

• Drew Riffe

• Michael Moore

• Mandy Smith

• Arlette Peterson
  Public Member

• BJ Leanse
   Public Member

 Dr. Dana Lawrence (exofficio)           
Human Protections Administrator

Information about the IRB can be provided by contacting Dr. Dana

 Lawrence, dlawrence@parker.edu

Support Our Research

Parker University provides many unique opportunities for learning outside the classroom, recognizing there’s much more to education than academics.

About Katherine

Dr. Pohlman joined Parker University in 2015 with nine years of prior experience as a research manager and scientist, including the first project manager for Palmer Center of Chiropractic Research. In that position, she managed several federally-funded research studies, including the largest randomized controlled trial in the military for chiropractic, which was awarded from the Department of Defense.

About Zak

Zak Monier is Research Project Manager at Parker University. Zak has a Masters of Nutrition & Dietetics and is a Registered Dietitian with experience in sports nutrition, nutritional counseling, conducting and publishing research. He previously served as Parker's Clinical Research Coordinator for studies that were conducted in collaboration with Nutrient.

About Amanda

Ms. Watkins joined Parker University as the Assistant Director of Research Administration in March of 2022. She has her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and a master’s degree from George Fox University. Amanda brings more than twenty years of experience in higher education to the Research Center team and will be assisting the Director in growing research at Parker University.

About Chris

Dr. Chris Malaya is alumni of and current clinician scientist at Parker University. He received his chiropractic degree in 2018 and was the first student to graduate with research honors. After graduating, he continued on to complete a PhD in motor control in 2022 with the University of Houston. His primary research interests are in sensorimotor integration and extension, the mechanisms and effects of extremity manipulation, as well as gravity-based gait interventions.

About Kent

Dr. Kent Stuber started with the Research Center at Parker University in January 2023. He has been a chiropractor since 2002, practicing in Calgary, Alberta since graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He has since completed a Master of Science in Health and Social Care Research from the University of Sheffield and a PhD from the University of South Wales, studying patient-centeredness. Since 2015 Dr. Stuber has been the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (JCCA). He previously served as an Adjunct Professor at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

About Michael

Dr. Michael Swain is a sports chiropractor, health researcher, a senior lecturer in the Department of Chiropractic at Macquarie University, and an adjunct faculty member at Parker University. His clinical interests are in sports injuries and pain management, having worked alongside community rugby union and the professional surfing circuit. He completed his Master of Philosophy at Macquarie University in 2011 and his PhD at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, the University of Sydney in 2019. His research focuses on the epidemiology of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders in adolescents and young adults.

About Cassandra

Ms. Argenbright is a chronic pain researcher with interest in studying the sensory, affective, and cognitive components of the pain experience. She received her M.S. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington and is a current graduate student in the Health and Neuroscience Ph.D. program. Her areas of specialty include fibromyalgia, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and translational science across both animal models and human pain conditions.

About Martha

Dr. Martha Funabashi is a clinical research scientist and assistant professor at CMCC and an adjunct professor at UQTR and Parker University. She has a bachelor's degree is Physiotherapy, a master's degree in Neurosciences and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences. She did a post-doctoral fellowship in patient safety and is a Senior CARL Fellow. Martha’s research interests and passion include the biomechanics, underlying mechanisms, and safety of manual therapies, with a focus on spinal manipulative therapy and spinal mobilization.