VA Research for Research Professionals

Research at VA Houston Healthcare System can only begin after written notification of approval from the Associate Chief of Staff for Research (ACOS/R).

New to research at VA Houston?

If this is the first research project you are submitting to the VA Houston Research and Development (R&D) Committee, complete and submit the Investigator Profile to the Research Office.

VA Form 10-5368, Investigator Profile (PDF)

Conducting research at VA Houston

1. Are you conducting research?

Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. The VA defines research (in VHA Directive 1200.05, dated January 7, 2019) as a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.

*Activities that meet this definition constitute research for VA purposes.

Sometimes, quality improvement projects and program evaluation can seem like research but may not fall under the VA definition above. Before you embark on your quest to conduct research, ensure that your project idea meets VA criteria for research.

If you have any questions, please confer with the Director of Research Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs

2. Eligibility to conduct research

Individual eligibility to conduct research or participate on a research project at the VA is dependent on having a VA-appointment, being credentialed and privileged as required, and having an Associate Chief of Staff for Research (ACOS/R) approved research scope of practice on file with the Research Office.

Protected Research Time

The MEDVAMC Research and Development Committee launched a strategic project to clarify protected time guidance for researchers as a resource for Care Line Executives and the Chief of Staff.

Please note that protected time for research is a joint decision between the clinician scientist and their care line executive based upon the clinical needs of the service. These are recommendations. The ACOS for Research is also available for consultation if desired for individual situations as needed.

VA-appointment

VA Houston research or VA research is research conducted by VA investigators serving on compensated (VA full-time or part-time), work without compensation (WOC), or Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement (IPA) appointments while on VA time, utilizing VA resources (e.g., equipment, CPRS, staff, patients), or on VA property including space leased to, or used by VA.

The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a paid VA employee. Without Compensation (WOC) appointees cannot serve as a PI on a VA Houston study unless they have an approved WOC PI waiver of this requirement granted by the R&D Committee.

Without compensation (WOC) PI waiver

WOC employees who wish to serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on a VA Houston study must obtain an approved WOC PI waiver granted by the R&D Committee.

The WOC PI waiver form is available within the eVACS Form under the Forms/Links tab. Submit the completed form to the Research Office for review by the Research & Development Committee. A letter, confirming or denying the waiver, will be sent via email to the applicant. Waivers are valid for the period of WOC appointment. Investigators may renew a waiver at the time of WOC renewal.

What is the difference between a VA and WOC appointment?

A VA-paid employee is an individual that has an official VA appointment and is compensated by the VA.  A WOC employee is an individual that has an official VA appointment, but does not receive any salary or benefits from VA.

Credentialing

Individuals involved in human subjects research are required to have appropriate background investigations, be credentialed or have their qualifications validated, and be licensed when in positions requiring licensure.

All VA Houston research personnel that hold a U.S. medical license, credential, or have graduated from a U.S. medical school are required to be credentialed and privileged. All credentialed research personnel that are involved in VA research must provide the Research Office with a copy of their credentialing memo.

Research scope of practice

All individuals who participate in research at the VA Houston must have an approved scope of practice (SOP) that specifically defines their roles and responsibilities in the research protocol.

*The PI is responsible for ensuring each study staff member works within their approved scope of practice.

Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) SOP

All Principal Investigators and Co-Investigators require an ACOS/R approved SOP on file with the RSL Training Coordinator.  The PI SOP and Co-I SOP come in the form of a statement; each person will receive the appropriate statement from the training coordinator upon submission of a correct eVACS. Only one PI and/or Co-I statement is needed per person for the lifetime of your appointment at VA Houston.

Research Personnel, Study Staff, Research Team

Each person participating on a VA research project must have an ACOS/R approved SOP on file with the RSL Training Coordinator. 

The PI or research personnel should contact the RSL Training email group to initiate and seek approval of the SOP and any time research-related duties change or the research personnel works with a new PI. If the research personnel are performing the same research duties for the same PI on a new or multiple protocols a single SOP covers all those protocols.

3. Submission of protocol to subcommittee(s) and eVACS form, IRBNet, and the SPaRC checklist

A research project can only begin once the PI has been notified in writing by the ACOS/R that the project has been approved by the R&D Committee and all appropriate subcommittees.

If you have any questions, please contact the R&D Committee Coordinator. 
 

Subcommittee approval

Subcommittees of the R&D Committee

There are five subcommittees that report to the R&D Committee, which are as follows:

• Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)’s Institutional Review Board (IRB),
• BCM’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC),
• BCM’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC),
• VA’s Central IRB (VA CIRB), and the
• Subcommittee for Research Safety (SRS)

For protocols that that do not fall under the purview of any other subcommittee such as science only protocols, the R&D Committee becomes the Committee of Record and is responsible for reviewing those protocols.

eVACS

The eVACS serves as the coversheet and checklist for R&D Committee submission. It will guide the investigator to other applicable subcommittee and various other approvals that are needed.

Submit an eVACS Form to initiate VA Houston R&D protocol review and obtain ACOS/R approval to begin research.

The R&D Committee strongly recommends submitting the IRB or IACUC protocol and eVACS at the same time to expedite ACOS/R approval.

IRBNet (New)

New VA R&D approval process

All VA Houston research projects will require submission through IRBNet (VAIRRS).

If you have any questions, contact VHAHOURSL_IRBNetSubmission@va.gov for assistance.

Submission Pre-Review Checklist (SPaRC) (New)

New VA research feasibility survey process

The Submission Pre-Review Checklist (SPaRC) is designed for VA Houston investigators to engage early in the submission process of non-VA funding sources as principal investigator (PI),  and in addition, local site investigator (LSI) participation on VA grants submitted by other stations for the purpose of ensuring feasibility of basic or clinical needs and VA resources.  

Utilize the SPaRC Decision Tree to determine whether your project requires administrative pre-review.

Email questions to VHAHOUProjectSubmission@va.gov.

4. Research & Development Committee (RDC) review

The flowchart below provides an overview of the research protocol approval process at VA Houston.

•    RDC Approval Process Overview (PDF)

Note: Projects submitted to ORD (VA Central Office) for funding must have a full review by the R&D Committee prior to submission to ORD. Such projects do not require subcommittee approvals prior to R&D review. See the VA Sponsored Awards page for more information.

RDC Committee meetings

The RDC meets on the third Monday of each month.

5. Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Development (ACOS/R) notification

The ACOS for Research and Development (ACOS/R) must ensure that you have received all appropriate approvals. You will be notified in writing (by the ACOS) when all approvals to conduct research have been granted.

Once all required approvals have been received (all subcommittee, R&D Committee, any other applicable committee/entity, and ACOS/R&D), you may begin your project.

Learn more about research review committees at VA Houston.

Research and Development Committee (RDC) Responsibilities

The role of the Research and Development (R&D) Committee is to review the scientific merit and oversee the administration of all research taking place at the VA Houston. Following R&D Committee review and approval, an approval notice is sent to the principal investigator from the Associate Chief of Staff for Research (ACOS/R). Work may only begin on a project following the receipt of the ACOS/R approval notice sent by the R&D Committee Coordinator and signed by the R&D Committee Chair.

RDC Committee meetings

The RDC meets on the third Monday of each month.

Subcommittees of the RDC

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

All studies involving human subjects or the use of identified human samples or data must be approved by one of two IRBs- BCM IRB or VA Central IRB. The VA Central IRB reviews select multi-site projects funded by the VA Office of Research and Development such as Cooperative studies and Merit Awards. 

NOTE: Exceptions for studies funded by other sources are made on a case by case basis. 

All other studies are reviewed by the BCM IRB. No individual, including investigators, officials of VA Houston, or representatives from a sponsor or Contract Research Organization may overrule the decisions of the reviewing IRB.

Submit IRB protocols through BCM’s Biomedical and Assurance Information Network (BRAIN) system. 

IRB Helpline
Phone: 713-798-6970
Email: irb@bcm.edu 

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

As a subcommittee of the R&D Committee, any project that involves the use of laboratory animals in research or training must have BCM IACUC approval. 

NOTE: If the project is a VA funded study, the Animal Component of Research Protocol (ACORP) is required as part of the IACUC submission.

Submit IACUC protocols through BCM’s Biomedical and Assurance Information Network (BRAIN) system.

IACUC Helpline
Phone: 713-798-6966
Email: iacuc@bcm.edu

Subcommittee for Research Safety (SRS)

As a subcommittee of the R&D Committee, the SRS is responsible for reviewing and overseeing the biosafety of all research activities involving biological, chemical, physical, and radiation hazards for compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines. This also includes a review of all laboratory-based research activities (either funded or non-funded) that will be conducted at the VA Houston or conducted off-site by VA personnel with VA funding. 

NOTE: The SRS is also responsible for also routing projects to VA Houston’s Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) and BCM’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) when applicable.

Submit SRS protocols through the VAHAR form within the eVACS Form.

If you have any questions, contact SRS Coordinator.

Radiation Safety Committee (RSC)

Although the RSC is not a subcommittee of the R&D Committee, it plays a vital role in providing the necessary expertise concerning radiation safety. Therefore, Radiation Safety Committee approval, if applicable, is required before the release of the SRS approval notification.

The SRS will route protocols to VA Houston’s Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) whenever a protocol uses radioactive materials or sources of ionizing radiation, multiple X-rays, CT scan or other radiological procedures.

Submit RSC protocols through the VARAD form within the eVACS Form.

If you have any questions, please contact SRS Coordinator.

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The BCM IBC, as a subcommittee of the R&D Committee, must review any project that involves the use of recombinant DNA.

This is in addition to the review and approval by VA Houston’s SRS. 

NOTE: The BCM IBC will provide results of the review and approval to the SRS. 

Submit IBC protocols through BCM’s Biomedical and Assurance Information Network (BRAIN) system.

VA Central Institutional Review Board (C-IRB)

Although the VA C-IRB is not a subcommittee of the R&D Committee, it plays a vital role in providing the necessary expertise concerning radiation safety. The VA Central IRB reviews select multi-site projects funded by the VA Office of Research and Development such as Cooperative studies and Merit Awards. 

Submit C-IRB protocols through the VA Central Office SharePoint. A VA C-IRB staff will contact the PI directly for access and information if applicable. 

Training

All research personnel (VA-paid and WOC; RSL, IQuESt, or any other service line) should submit a copy of completion certificates to the RSL Training Coordinator or RSL Training email group. 

VA Talent Management System (TMS) (required)

The trainings listed below are required of all research personnel (VA-paid and WOC) engaging in VA research at VA Houston. The courses are offered through the VA Talent Management System (TMS). Follow the instructions provided to self-register. Information needed:

• Sponsor: Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
• VA Location Code: HOU
• VA Point of Contact: Tiffany Hurt, 713-770-2784
• HIPAA Training Required: Yes

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) (required)

The project- and participation-specific training required of all research personnel (VA-paid and WOC) engaging in VA research at VA Houston is listed below.  The courses are offered through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). 

If you already have an account with CITI, please affiliate with the VA (“VA Houston, TX-580”); you can have multiple affiliations in CITI. 

Note: Lapses in these trainings are monitored by the medical center director.

VA Research Compliance and Quality Assurance Orientation (RCQAO) (required)

Contact the Research Compliance Officers, Jeff Young and Pam Maseda, to schedule. 

Learn more about applying for VA funding.

VA Office of Research and Development (VA-ORD)

The VA Central Office of Research and Development (VA-ORD) is comprised of four research services. 

• Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development
• Clinical Science Research and Development
• Health Services Research and Development
• Rehabilitation Research and Development

Pre-award: local R&D approval process

New, resubmission, or renewal proposals for VA-sponsored awards must be approved by the VA Houston R&D Committee for submission to the VA Central Office. Proposal materials must be submitted to VHAHOUProjectSubmission@va.gov at least 30 days prior to the grant submission deadline. 

Submissions, deadlines, and communication

Request for Applications (RFAs) are in response to programmatic high priority areas. VA Houston PIs will be alerted to new RFAs by the Research Service Line as they are disseminated by ORD. 

Learn more about the available RFAs and Program Announcements. 

The VA Houston Research Office will distribute the submission deadline schedule of the four ORD divisions before each grant submission cycle via email and monthly Research Service Line (RSL) newsletter. 

•    To be added to the RSL newsletter listserv, contact Ashley Motter. 

In general, investigators should never contact ORD directly. This is particularly critical for grant review issues. Questions should be relayed to a member of the local Research Office who will contact ORD on your behalf. 

Contact the Pre-Award Administrator for information on deadlines, submission cycles and program announcements and to plan your submission timeline.

Pre-award administrators

Katherine Bay, MPH
Service: HSR&D
Email: katherine.garrett2@va.gov
Phone: 713-440-4457

Diego Nguyen, MFA
Services: BLR&D, CSR&D, RR&D
Email: Diego.Nguyen@va.gov
Phone 713-791-1414, ext. 26714

Christine Eriks, MHA, MBA
Services: BLR&D, CSR&D, RR&D
Email: christine.eriks@va.gov
Phone: 713-794-8096

Frequently asked pre-award questions

Do I need a VA appointment to apply for VA funding?

A VA-paid appointment is not necessarily required to submit a proposal; however, a 5/8ths VA-paid appointment must be established if funding is awarded. Contact the Pre-Award Administrator for eligibility information.

What is the budget limit for a VA award?

Budget limits and study durations vary for each research service and funding mechanism, so contact the Pre-Award Administrator for expectations.

Do VA awards provide salary support?

The Career Development Award is the only VA funding mechanism that provides research salary support for licensed clinicians, not to exceed 75 percent effort.

Non-clinician scientists are eligible to receive salary support through some, but not all, VA funding mechanisms. Contact the Pre-Award Administrator for information. 
 

Is there a pre-submission review process for participation as site-PI on VA or non-VA funded grants conducted at VA Houston?

The Submission Pre-Review Checklist (SPaRC) is designed for VA Houston investigators to engage early in the submission process of non-VA funding sources as principal investigator (PI),  and in addition, local site investigator (LSI) participation on VA grants submitted by other stations for the purpose of ensuring feasibility of basic or clinical needs and VA resources.  

Utilize the SPaRC Decision Tree to determine whether your project requires administrative pre-review.

Email questions to VHAHOUProjectSubmission@va.gov.

Does VA Houston Research Service Line have an internal peer review process for grants?

Yes. If you are planning to submit a career development award or your first “big grant” please contact Dr. Drew Helmer, Deputy Director for IQuESt or Ivy Myers to discuss how the internal review process may help you prepare a more competitive submission.

How many times may I submit my VA proposal for funding?

A proposal may be submitted up to three times (i.e., submission of a new proposal and up to two resubmissions) to VA Central Office for funding consideration.

Resubmission applications must obtain local R&D approval prior to resubmission to VA Central Office.

Where can I see the status of my submitted proposal?

Information about a principal investigators' submission status, study section, scientific review administrator, scores etc., may be obtained from their eRA Commons account.

May I conduct my VA funded study on the Baylor College of Medicine campus?

PIs must conduct all VA-funded research on VA space, or VA-leased space unless an appropriate partial off-site waiver is approved at the time of submission by the local Research and Development Committee and granted by VA Central Office.

When are funding decisions made?

Funding decisions are not made until after the final study section review meeting date (i.e., approximately four months after the submission deadline.)

When may I work on the project?

If a fundable score is received on a proposal for a VA-sponsored award, a project start date and funding are confirmed after all Just-In-Time (JIT) requirements and local R&D and subcommittee approvals are satisfactorily met.

Does my renewal need to be reviewed by the R&D Committee?

Renewals of previously funded Merit Review projects must obtain local R&D approval prior to submission to Central Office.

Learn more about post-award and project management at VA Houston.

Post-award services

Once you receive your funding notice from Central Office, please contact the Research Finance Office to discuss your project needs. They will assist you with projections, contracts, animal housing, subject payments, and Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreements.

Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement (IPA)

The IPA agreement is the mechanism used for securing professional and technical services from an affiliate of the VA Houston. Each proposed assignment (IPA) should be carefully examined to ensure that it is for sound public purposes and furthers the goals and objectives of the participating organizations. Assignments arranged to meet the personal interest of employees, to circumvent personnel ceilings or to avoid unpleasant personnel decisions are contrary to the spirit and interest of the mobility assignment program.

Eligibility

• Non-VA employees must be employed in a paid position by their organization for at least 90 days to be eligible for an IPA assignment.
• Employees who hold an H1B- Visa and Students are not eligible for IPA agreements.
• An employee that has served four continuous years without a break, cannot be assigned to another IPA without a 12-month return to his/her regular employer. 

Terms and Conditions

• IPA agreements may be for part-time or full-time positions.
• IPAs are intended for skilled personnel only. IPAs cannot be established for administrative staff, principal investigators, or clinical positions.
• Costs of the IPA are restricted to basic pay and fringe benefits. The VA is not authorized to issue reimbursement for indirect or administrative costs associated with the assignment.
• These agreements are established to coincide with the VA Federal Fiscal Year (Oct. 1-Sept. 30) and the principal investigator's funding.
• An IPA may be terminated at any time at the option of the Federal or non-Federal government. A written notice from the PI must be provided to all parties involved. The Research Finance Office will work with your affiliate administrator to establish or terminate your IPA agreement.

Finance office contacts

Investigators should contact the following staff for assistance with their VA funded projects:

Supicha Sookanan, MS, MPH
Financial Officer, RSL
Email: supicha.sookanan@va.gov
Phone: 713-794-7921
Building 110, Room 209

Leah Esparza, MBA
Program Specialist, RSL
Email: leah.esparza@va.gov
Phone: 713-791-1414, ext. 24018
Building  110, Room 201

Rachel Prieto, MSHA
Health Science Specialist, RSL
Email: rachel.prieto@va.gov
Phone: 713-791-1414, ext. 26656
Building 110, Room 201

For IQuESt budgets: 

Supicha Sookanan, MPH, Financial Analyst, IQuESt
Finance Support, Grant Budgets, IPAs, Subject Payments, Purchasing
Email: Supicha.Sookanan@va.gov
Phone: 713-440-4448 

Find information about submitting your research for safety review at VA Houston. We have special guidelines for research involving animals subjects, human subjects, and radiation.

Information about research safety

The VA Houston Research Service Line is committed to promoting a safe and environmentally sound laboratory setting that is conducive to the highest level of education and research.

RSL works with the Subcommittee on Research Safety (SRS), Facilities Management Service Line (FMS), Safety Section and Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and reduce or eliminate all safety hazards at the VA Houston while striving to protect health and the environment.
The various services work together to inspect, train, and ensure compliance with all VHA, federal, state, and local policies and regulations.

•    RSL Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan (PDF)

Subcommittee on Research Safety (SRS)

The Subcommittee on Research Safety (SRS) is charged by the R&D Committee with the responsibility to review and oversee the biosafety of all research activities involving biological, chemical, physical, and radiation hazards for compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines. This also includes a review of all laboratory-based research activities (either funded or non-funded) that will be conducted at the VA Houston or conducted off-site by VA personnel with VA funding. 

•    The forms required to initiate SRS review, VAHAR and VARAD, are available via the eVACS Form.

SRS Meetings 

The SRS meets on the first Wednesday of each month.

Quarterly Safety Meetings 

The Quarterly Safety Subcommittee meetings cover annual refresher information and training on hazardous chemicals used in their work area, emergency preparedness, and all relevant research updates.  

Attendance of representative from each lab is required. Contact the SRS Coordinator for schedule and information. 

The Quarterly Safety Subcommittee meetings occur on the second Tuesday of the third month of each quarter. 

Anjali Raval
Subcommittee on Research Safety (SRS) Coordinator
Email: Anjali.Raval@va.gov
Phone:  713-770-1890

Equipment

New equipment installation, moves, and repairs

You should begin the planning process as early as possible when receiving new equipment for installation or moving equipment or laboratories. 

Contact the Manager of Safety Operations for the equipment install/move/repairs form to initiate this process, seek guidance, plan appropriate protection procedures, and plan positioning of equipment before beginning any new operation.

Tagging equipment

All VA and BCM equipment, including electronic equipment, e.g., computers, used for research purposes must be tagged and placed in the equipment inventory system. 

If you have equipment that is NOT tagged, notify the Manager of Safety Operations .

Equipment inventories

Questions regarding equipment inventories? Please contact the Research Safety Coordinator. 

Equipment removal and transfers

Questions regarding equipment removal or transfers? Please contact the Research Safety Coordinator. 

Research safety contacts

Dorellyn Lee, MPA 
Manager of Laboratory Safety Operations
Email: dorellyn.lee@va.gov 
Phone: 713-794-7949

Areas of responsibility

• Laboratory compliance
• Laboratory training
• Laboratory safety supplies
• Waste disposal
• RSL Chemical Hygiene Officer
• Chemical inventories
• New equipment installs/tagging equipment for repair
• Work orders (leaks, broken lights, etc.)

Anjali Raval
Research Safety Coordinator, Subcommittee on Research Safety (SRS) Coordinator
Email: anjali.raval@va.gov 
Phone: 713-770-1890
 

Areas of responsibility

• Subcommittee on Research Safety (SRS)
• Laboratory safety and compliance
• Equipment inventories
• Equipment removal and transfers
• VA and BCM network port install and activation
• Freezer monitoring
• Chemical inventories
• New equipment installs/tagging equipment for repair
• Work orders (leaks, broken lights, etc.)
• Key and building access requests
• Subject vouchers

Dionne Nichols
Research Safety Assistant
Email: dionne.nichols@va.gov 
Phone: 713-578-5822

Areas of responsibility

• Package delivery and shipment
• Laboratory safety and compliance
• Laboratory safety supplies
• Work orders (leaks, broken lights, etc.)
• Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU)
• Space remodeling
• Scanning consents

VA Houston Research Service Line Mailing Address

Research Service Line
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Mail Code 151
2002 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030
Fax:
Email: VHAHOUMEDVAMCResearch@DVAGOV.onmicrosoft.com

Research Service Line Directory

Executive Leadership

Laura Petersen, MD, MPH
Associate Chief of Staff for Research (ACOS/R)
Email: laura.petersen@va.gov
Phone: 
Nabisco building, Suite 01Y

Rolando Rumbaut, MD, PhD
Deputy ACOS/R, Research Service Line (RSL)
Email: rolando.rumbaut@va.gov
Phone: 
Building 109, Room 228

Drew Helmer, MD, MS
Deputy Director, Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt)
Email: drew.helmer@va.gov
Phone: 
Nabisco building, Suite 01Y

Operations

Andrea Cervin, JD, MPH, PhD
Director of Research Operations
Email: andrea.cervin@va.gov
Phone:
Building  110, Room 300

Shannon Kenyon, MBA
Administrative Officer, IQuESt
Email: shannon.kenyon@bcm.edu
Phone: 
Nabisco building, Suite 01Y

Finance (Post-Award)

Supicha Sookanan, MS, MPH
Financial Officer, RSL
Email: supicha.sookanan@va.gov
Phone:
Building 110, Room 209

Rachel Prieto, MSHA
Health Science Specialist, RSL
Email: rachel.prieto@va.gov
Phone: 
Building 110, Room 201

Human Resources

Rafael Garcia, MBA
Human Resources Manager, RSL
Email: rafael.garcia2@va.gov
Phone: 
Building 110, Room 202-A

Rebecca Durbin
WOC Coordinator
Email: rebecca.durbin@va.gov
Phone: 
Building 110, Room 205

Tiffany Hurt
Training, Travel, and Timekeeper Coordinator, RSL
Email: tiffany.hurt1@va.gov
Phone: 
Building 110, Room 205

IQuESt Human Resources

Ed Pomer
Human Resources, IQuESt
Email: ed.pomer@va.gov
Phone: 
Nabisco building, Suite 01Y

Tynisha Rivers
Travel Coordinator, IQuESt
Email: tynisha.rivers@va.gov
Phone: 
Nabisco building, Suite 01Y

Project Submission

Supicha Sookanan, MS, MPH 
Financial Officer, RSL 
Email: supicha.sookanan@va.gov 
Phone:  
Building 110, Room 209

Rachel Prieto, MSHA 
RSL Finance 
Email: rachel.prieto@va.gov 
Phone:  
Building 110, Room 201

Lea Judan, BS 
RSL Finance 
Email: Lea.Judan@va.gov 
Phone:  
Bldg. 110, Room 201

Rebecca Rocha 
R&D Committee Coordinator 
Email: rebecca.rocha@va.gov 
Phone:  
Building 110, Room 217

Ashley Meyer, PhD 
HSR&D 
Email: ameyer@bcm.edu 
Phone:  
Building 110, Room 217

Christine Eriks, MHA, MBA 
CTRID Administrator 
Email: christine.eriks@bcm.edu 
Phone:  
Building 109, Room 226

Laboratory and Project Management

Dorellyn Lee, MPA
Manager, Laboratory Safety Operations, RSL
Email: dorellyn.lee@va.gov
Phone: 
Building 109, Room 127

Sarah Perusich
Associate Director of Operations (ADO) for NODES
Email: sarah.perusich@va.gov
Phone: 
Main hospital, building 100, 5D Research Commons

Jorge Nieto
Manager, Research Commons
Email: Jorge.Nieto@va.gov
Phone: ext. 227001
Main hospital, building 100, 5D Research Commons

Biju Johnson, R.Ph.
Manager, Research Pharmacy
Email: biju.johnson@va.gov
Phone: 
Main hospital, building 100, Room 4A-360

Anjali Raval
Research Safety and Subcommittee for Research Safety (SRS) Coordinator
Email: anjali.raval@va.gov
Phone: 
Building 109, Room 114

Dionne Nichols
Research Safety Assistant
Email: dionne.nichols@va.gov
Phone: 
Building 109, Room 128

Regulatory Affairs

Denise Naylor, PhD 
Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs 
Email: denise.naylor@va.gov 
Phone:  

Zarah Rahman, BS 
Quality Assurance Specialist 
Email: Zarah.Rahman@va.gov 
Phone:  230228

Jeffrey Young, MBA
Facility Research Compliance Officer 
Email: jeffrey.young3@va.gov 
Phone:  
Mail Code 00RCO

Pam Maseda
Assistant Research Compliance Officer 
Email: pamela.maseda@va.gov 
Phone:  
Mail Code 00RCO

Suzette Weisinger, MBA 
Compliance Manager, IQuESt 
Email: suzette.stine@va.gov 
Phone:  
Nabisco building, Suite 01Y

Bhoomija Hariprasad, MS 
Technology Transfer Specialist, RSL 
Email: Bhoomija.Hariprasad@va.gov 
Phone: ext. 224249 
Building 110, Room 150

Research and Education Non-Profit, HVAREF

Houston VA Research and Education Foundation

Chris Rodney, MBA
Executive Director, HVAREF
Email: Chris.Rodney@va.gov
Phone: ext. 227216
Building 110, Room 162

Ruby Gonzalez
Research Administrator, HVAREF
Email: ruby.gonzalez@HVAREF.org

Learn more about the research resources available at VA Houston.

Human resources

The VA Houston research human resources team can provide personnel information and facilitate a variety requests that affect your day to day VA appointment in research.

Recruiting (VA-paid)

Investigators requiring staffing support should contact the Human Resources Manager to discuss recruitment methods and all other personnel actions related to recruitment, promotion, position descriptions, performance standards and evaluations, and termination requests.

Rafael Garcia, MBA
Human Resources Manager
Email: rafael.garcia2@va.gov
Phone:

Ed Pomer
Human Resources, IQuESt
Email: ed.pomer@va.gov  
Phone:

Timekeeping (VA-paid)

All timesheets must be properly completed and signed by the immediate supervisor and submitted on the second Wednesday of every pay period, along with leave- and compensation-time requests, to ensure proper and timely submission every pay period. All requests for authorized absence must be correctly prepared, and routed through the proper channels for signature, at least seven days prior to an absence.

Rafael Garcia, MBA
Human Resources Manager
Email: rafael.garcia2@va.gov
Phone:

Ed Pomer
Human Resources, IQuESt
Email: ed.pomer@va.gov  
Phone:

Without Compensation (WOC) Appointments

A research WOC appointee is an individual who performs research-related duties without any direct monetary compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This type of appointment includes, but is not limited to, fellows, residents, university employees, students, or scientists who are not compensated by the VA for their employment.

If a member of a research team, who is not a VA-paid employee, will work on the VA campus, utilize VA resources or work with identifiable VA data, then that person must have a WOC appointment through the Research Service Line prior to doing any work on a project.

Note: The VA does not allow H1B visa holders to apply for WOC appointments.

Rebecca Durbin
WOC Coordinator
Email: rebecca.durbin@va.gov
Phone:

Travel, computer requests, and PIV cards

Travel

All travel requests for VA-paid or WOC employees and visitors to the VA Houston must be submitted to the Travel Coordinator immediately upon notification of travel. This includes travel that is funded from an outside source, local travel, and VA Central Office directed travel. All expense reports and reimbursements for VA travel must be completed and submitted within three days of returning from travel.

Rafael Garcia, MBA
Travel Coordinator, RSL
Email: Rafael.Garcia2@va.gov
Phone:

Tynisha Rivers
Travel Coordinator, IQuESt
Email: Tynisha.Rivers@va.gov
Phone:

Computer Requests

Research Folder Administration

All requests for Research folders on the S: Drive and M: Drive are to be directed to the Human Resources Manager for Research, who can provide authorized personnel access to required folders within these shared drives.

Researchers at IQuESt should contact both the Compliance Manager and OIT Program Specialist for IQuESt for information on requesting new research and regulatory folders and to add or remove personnel permissions.

Computer Access

Submit all requests for, and issues with, computer access on VA network or user menu access to the appropriate Research ADPAC, which stands for Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator.

Note: All employees must ensure that they maintain their computer access by logging into their VA Windows account at least twice monthly to avoid deactivation of their accounts.

PIV Cards

Direct all requests for PIV cards and PIV card issues to the appropriate Research ADPAC.

Rafael Garcia, MBA
Human Resources Manager and Research ADPAC (VA-Paid)
Email: rafael.garcia2@va.gov
Phone:

Ed Pomer
Human Resources, IQuESt ADPAC (VA-Paid)
Email: ed.pomer@va.gov  
Phone:

Rebecca Durbin
Research ADPAC (WOC Employees)
Email: rebecca.durbin@va.gov
Phone:

Research Commons

The VA Houston Research Commons is used for clinical research, and is located on the 5th floor (5D) of Building 100, and consists of the following:

• Waiting room
• Three double rooms for overnight stays
• Exam rooms
  Subject interview rooms
• Blood draw area
• Meeting room
• Kitchenette
  Specimen processing lab
• Refrigerator, -80°C freezer
• Ice machine, dry ice
• Two centrifuges (refrigerated swinging bucket and fixed angle non-refrigerated)
• Record storage

Rates

Used For

• Room scheduling
• Registration of non-Veterans
• Scanning of informed consents, HIPAA authorization, and notice of privacy practice forms
• Record storage assistance

Jorge Nieto
Research Commons Manager
Email: Jorge.Nieto@VA.gov
Phone: 713.791-1414, ext. 27001

Research Pharmacy

The VA Houston Research Pharmacy aims to achieve safe and responsible handling of medications used in approved clinical research trials. The control and accountability of all research medications used in the care of VA Houston research subjects provides maximum benefit and safety for those participating in each study.

Note: All investigational drugs must be delivered to the Research Pharmacy located on the 4th floor (4A-360) of Building 100.

Services provided by the Research Pharmacy include:

• Meeting with investigators, coordinators, and company sponsors for protocol review and discussion of pharmacy procedures
• Ordering and handling shipments of controlled substances
• Compounding support for double blind studies
• Subject randomization schedules for study protocols
• Investigational drug dosing adjustments based on drug levels (non-blinded investigation)
• Record keeping for investigation drugs (dispensing, inventory control)
• Drug Information Sheet (VA Form 10-9012)
• Unit dose with bar code for inpatient services
• Maintenance of all pharmacy investigational drug requirements to meet hospital policies
• Protocol set up and closure
• IV preparation
• Special compounding

Contact the Research Pharmacists for federally- and industry-sponsored research pharmacy charges.

Research Pharmacists

Biju Johnson, R.Ph.
Email: Biju.Johnson@va.gov
Phone:

Marilyn Joseph, Pharm.D.
Email: Marilyn.Joseph3@va.gov
Phone:

All publications and presentations of VA research results must contain the following (or equivalent) acknowledgment:

If funded by VA Central Office:

“This work was supported (or supported in part) by (type of award, e.g., Merit Review, Career Development Award, Pilot Project) Award # (award/project number, e.g., I01 RX000123) from the United States (U.S.) Department of Veterans Affairs, (as applicable, Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service, Clinical Sciences Research and Development Service, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Health Services Research and Development Service, Cooperative Studies Program or Million Veteran Program).” 

The type of award and the electronic award/project number (e.g., I01 BX123456) must be included in the acknowledgment as indicated above unless prohibited by journal policy.

If no VA Central Office funding, but used VA resources:

“This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.”
 

Authors of research manuscripts, abstracts, books, book chapters, and presentations of VA research results must acknowledge their employment/affiliation using the following format: 

“VA title, name of VA medical facility, city, and state.”

1. When the author also holds a faculty appointment, the academic title and school also may be acknowledged.
2. When the work was solely funded by VA, authors must list their VA affiliation first.

Publications or presentations must include a disclaimer stating that the contents do not represent the views of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.