About
A Hub for Evidence, Innovation, and Impact
Looking to add even more to your education? As early as your sixth trimester, you can apply to one of Parker’s online master’s programs to take alongside your DC coursework with a 100% tuition scholarship for your master’s degree.*
- Active projects in chiropractic science, human performance, neuroscience, and integrative health
- Collaboration across clinics, labs, classrooms, and external partners
- Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and community-focused projects
- Meaningful roles for students in study design, data collection, and dissemination
Core focus areas
What We’re Curious About
Our work is grounded in real-world questions. How do we relieve pain more effectively? Help athletes perform better? Design learning and health systems that truly work? We organize our research around several core focus areas:
Chiropractic Science & Musculoskeletal Health
Human Performance & Sport Science
Neuroscience & Neurorehabilitation
Nutrition & Metabolic Health
Integrative Health & Preventative Health
Education & Health Systems
Coming Soon
Human Performance Center
Parker University’s Human Performance Center will be a state-of-the-art home for strength, conditioning, and performance research. Under the guidance of leading experts, the Center will blend advanced testing, data analytics, and real-world training to help athletes and active individuals perform at their best—while generating new evidence for coaches and clinicians.
Parker research
Sharing our Discoveries
Parker University researchers regularly publish their work in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic and other peer-reviewed outlets. The journal is fully open access, making evidence-based insights available to clinicians, students, and researchers around the world.
Publications
Latest From the JCC
LADDERS AND BRIDGES: STRENGTHENING UNDERGRADUATE PIPELINES FOR CHIROPRACTIC GRADUATE SUCCESS
Motivations, Training Outcomes, and Clinical Practice Characteristics of North American Chiropractors: A Cross-Sectional Survey
EXAMINING PELVIC RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH FEMUR HEAD LEVEL VARIATIONS PRE- AND POST-CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF GONSTEAD METHODOLOGY
FROM CLINICS TO COURTROOMS: CHIROPRACTORS AS EXPERT WITNESSES IN PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION
A STUDY PROTOCOL FOR INFERRING DISPOSITIONAL ORIENTATIONS IN HISTORICAL FIGURES FROM ARCHIVAL TEXTS, WITH AN EXPLORATORY COMPARATIVE HANDWRITING ANALYSIS: THE CASE OF D. D. PALMER
UNEXPECTED PHANTOM LIMB PAIN RELIEF WITH CHIROPRACTIC CARE: A CASE REPORT
Events
Upcoming Research Events
The Parker Research Center hosts and supports events that bring evidence to life. Join us for seminars, workshops, and special sessions that connect research with clinical practice, performance, and education.
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Stay in the Loop
Our research newsletter delivers highlights from recent studies, upcoming events, funding and collaboration opportunities, and stories from the Parker research community—right to your inbox.
Earn Your Master’s in Clinical Research—Online
Turn curiosity into a career
Parker’s online MS in Clinical Research equips you with the knowledge and tools to design, manage, and interpret clinical studies in today’s evidence-driven health-care environment.
As a student, you’ll learn from faculty involved in ongoing studies at the Parker Research Center and gain insight into how evidence shapes real-world practice.
Program at a Glance
- 100% online format designed for working professionals
- Coursework in research design, biostatistics, ethics, and regulatory frameworks
- Preparation for roles such as clinical research coordinator, investigator, and site manager
- Opportunities to connect with research activity at the Parker Research Center
Meet the research team
The People behind the research
Research at Parker is a team effort. Our faculty, staff, and adjunct researchers bring diverse expertise in clinical practice, basic science, performance, education, and data analysis—working together to generate evidence that serves patients, students, and the health professions.
Andy Galpin
Director, Parker Research Center
Dr. Andy Galpin is a leading human performance researcher and serves as a collaborator with Parker University, contributing his expertise in muscle physiology and applied performance science to advance research, education, and innovation in human health and performance.
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Christopher A. Malaya, DC, PhD
Associate Professor
Christopher A. Malaya, DC, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Parker University. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University in 2018 and was the first student to graduate with research honors. He completed his PhD in Motor Control at the University of Houston in 2022.
Dr. Katherine Pohlman, PHD, DC
Director, Parker Research Center
Dr. Pohlman leads research strategy and supports projects focused on clinical outcomes, education, and human performance across Parker University.
Andy Galpin
Director, Parker Research Center
Dr. Andy Galpin is a leading human performance researcher and serves as a collaborator with Parker University, contributing his expertise in muscle physiology and applied performance science to advance research, education, and innovation in human health and performance.
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Ethical Research, Every Step of the Way
All human-subject research at Parker University is reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB safeguards the rights, safety, and welfare of participants and ensures that every study complies with applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements. These are some of its responsibilities:
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- Reviews research protocols before studies begin
- Monitors approved projects for ongoing compliance
- Provides guidance to investigators on ethical and regulatory questions
- Rick Robinette: Chair
- Vanessa Morales: Vice - Chair
- Dana Hollands worth
- Darren Howland
- Michael Gottlieb: Public Member
- Katie Hartlieb
- Drew Riffe
- Michael Moore
- Arlette Peterson: Public Member
- Dr. Dana Lawrence (exofficio): Human Protections Administrator
- Zak Monier: Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Contact the Parker Research Center
Have questions about a study, collaboration, or student opportunities? We’re here to help.