Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Public Information

Overview:
In compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines, Section IV-B-2-a-(7)), Tarleton State University is committed to maintaining transparency in its oversight of biosafety and research involving recombinant DNA. To fulfill this obligation, we make certain Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) information publicly available.

IBC Roster
Below is a list of current IBC members, including their roles and institutional affiliations. Personal contact information and other identifying details have been withheld to maintain privacy.

  • Dr. Dustin Edwards – Chair, Biosafety Officer, Animal Expert (Institutional Member)
  • Dr. Harold Rathburn – Vice Chair, Plant Expert (Institutional Member)
  • Dr. Kristin Herrmann – Laboratory Representative (Institutional Member)
  • Dr. Girdhari Rijal – Laboratory Representative (Institutional Member)
  • Dr. Cheyenne Runyan – Laboratory Representative, Animal Expert (Institutional Member)
  • Mr. James Hunter – Laboratory Representative TIAER (Institutional Member) 
  • Mr. Clayton Gillespie  – Community Representative (Unaffiliated)
  • Dr. Margaret Rutledge  – Community Representative (Unaffiliated)

This list is updated annually or as changes to membership occur.

IBC Meetings: The IBC meets on the third Tuesday of each month, except when adjusted for holidays. To be considered at a scheduled meeting, protocols must be submitted at least four weeks before the third Tuesday of that month. Meetings will be held virtually.

Minor amendments (adding students or funding details) and annual renewals may be reviewed at administrative levels and can be submitted between the meeting dates. Amendments and Annual Renewals must be submitted at least two weeks before their due dates, or earlier whenever possible, to prevent delays in review or approval.

All personnel involved in the research project—including faculty, staff, and students—are strongly encouraged to complete all required training before submitting any forms.

MonthSubmission Deadline (4 weeks prior)Meeting Date (3rd Tuesday)
JanuaryDecember 23, 2025January 20, 2026
FebruaryJanuary 20, 2026February 17, 2026
MarchFebruary 17, 2026March 17, 2026
AprilMarch 24, 2026April 21, 2026
MayApril 21, 2026May 19, 2026
JuneMay 19, 2026June 16, 2026
JulyJune 23, 2026July 21, 2026
AugustJuly 21, 2026August 18, 2026
SeptemberAugust 18, 2026September 15, 2026
OctoberSeptember 22, 2026October 20, 2026
NovemberOctober 20, 2026November 17, 2026
DecemberNovember 17, 2026December 15, 2026

IBC Meeting Minutes
The IBC convenes regularly to review research protocols, ensure biosafety compliance, and discuss institutional practices and policies. Summary minutes of these meetings are provided below. Confidential or proprietary information has been redacted in accordance with institutional policy.

Recent Meeting Summaries:

For questions or further information related to the IBC or biosafety procedures, please contact:

Office of Research Compliance
Tarleton State University

Division of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development
1225 N US Highway US 281

Stephenville, TX 76401

Email: ibc@tarleton.edu
Phone: 254-459-5563 or 254-576-6030