Research at Parker

Discover how Parker University advances health, performance, and chiropractic care through research.

Research at Parker

Discover how Parker University advances health, performance, and chiropractic care through research.

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

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.

TODO research events category. Specify out of these events which ones to show here.

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.

 

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.

 

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:

 

  • Reviews research protocols before studies begin
  • Monitors approved projects for ongoing compliance
  • Provides guidance to investigators on ethical and regulatory questions
IRB Policy
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. 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. Al 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 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.

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