What does meaningful child assent really look like in research? In this episode of On Research, host Alexa McClellan speaks with Dr. David Coker about rethinking child assent beyond procedural compliance. Drawing on his recent scholarship, Dr. Coker explores gaps in current practices, regulatory tensions, inclusion of children with disabilities, and the role of IRBs in supporting assent as a developmentally appropriate, ethical process. The conversation challenges researchers to move from collecting assent as a formality to practicing it as a genuine expression of respect for children’s autonomy and voice.

Notes:

• Coker, David C, Ketaki Inamdar, Daniel F. McCleary, and Lesley Cottrell. 2025. “Child Assent Practices in Research: Improving Ethics, Decision-Making, and Inclusivity.” Journal of Educational Research & Practice. 15:1-24. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1492202.pdf
• Qualitative Data Analysis – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/qualitative-data-analysis/
• On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643
• CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

When studies end abruptly, the ethical responsibilities don’t disappear. Dr. Brandon Brown joins host Alexa McClellan to examine institutional responsibility, participant protection, and research integrity when research is terminated unexpectedly—and what the end of a study reveals about trust in the research enterprise.

Notes:

• Dr. Brandon Brown. “Your Study Is Terminated: Researchers Need to Prepare Participants.” The Hastings Center for Bioethics. November 19, 2025. https://www.thehastingscenter.org/your-study-is-terminated-researchers-need-to-prepare-participants/
• On Campus – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896915/
• Disaster Response and Research Reactivation – A CITI Program Course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/disaster-response-and-research-reactivation/
• Dr. Brandon Brown’s CITI Program Author Page - https://about.citiprogram.org/authors/brandon-brown-mph-phd/
• CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog

In this episode of On Research, we explore how service dogs and advocacy are transforming accessibility for scientists with disability in STEM. Guests Joey Ramp-Adams and Madeline Jones share their lived experiences, discuss barriers in laboratory environments, and highlight how inclusive practices can create more equitable pathways in research.

Notes:

• Sampsons Legacy Foundation - https://sampsonslegacyfoundation.com/
• Working with Dogs in Research Settings – A CITI Program course - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/working-with-dogs-in-research-settings/
• On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643
• CITI Program’s course catalog: https://about.citiprogram.org/course-catalog