Contact us
- Phone: 603-650-1846
- Email: irb@hitchcock.org
- Address:
Human Resource Protection Program
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03756
Meet our team
Evangelina Espinoza
IRB Analyst
evangelina.j.espinoza@hitchcock.org
Evangelina Espinoza, MS, is an IRB Analyst with the Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board (IRB). In her role, she provides administrative support to the Dartmouth Health IRB and works with researchers, the IRB Chairperson and members, and other institutional offices to ensure the rights and welfare of participants in the human research activities conducted by Dartmouth Health researchers. Evangelina joined the IRB office in 2024.
Before stepping into this role, Evangelina worked for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus IRB as well as the department of otolaryngology. Her research experiences span pre-clinical, translational and clinical methods with a particular emphasis on metabolism, diabetes and tobacco use in vulnerable populations. Using her combined research expertise and cultural competency, Evangelina adds perspective and passion to the team. She is dedicated to the advancement of research at Dartmouth Health and upholding the welfare of those we serve.
Evynne Gartner
IRB Analyst
evynne.l.gartner@hitchcock.org
Evynne Gartner is an IRB Analyst with the Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board (IRB). In her role, she provides administrative support to the Dartmouth Health IRB and works with researchers, the IRB Chairperson and members, and other institutional offices to ensure the rights and welfare of participants in the human research activities conducted by Dartmouth Health researchers. Evynne has been part of the IRB office since 2023.
She has an extensive background in clinical research, providing her with valuable expertise regarding regulatory and compliance standards, government regulations, and ethical oversight. Her multifaceted background spans pre-clinical pharmaceutical research, oncology research, and anesthesia and critical care research, each of which contributes to her comprehensive knowledge of the complex and ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Tonya LaClair
IRB Analyst
tonya.l.laclair@hitchcock.org
Tonya LaClair is an IRB Analyst with the Dartmouth Health IRB. In her role, she provides administrative support to the Dartmouth Health IRB and works with researchers, the IRB Chairperson and members, and other institutional offices to ensure the rights and welfare of participants in the human research activities conducted by Dartmouth Health researchers. Tonya has been part of the IRB office since 2019 and was one of the first IRB team members to be hired. Prior to this, Tonya was an IRB staff member of the Dartmouth College IRB, CPHS, for 11 years.
Nicole Marquez
IRB Analyst
nicole.e.marquez@hitchcock.org
Nicole Marquez is an IRB Analyst with the Dartmouth Health IRB. In her role, she provides administrative support to the Dartmouth Health IRB and works with researchers, the IRB Chairperson and members, and other institutional offices to ensure the rights and welfare of participants in the human research activities conducted by Dartmouth Health researchers. Nicole has been part of the IRB office since 2021.
Nicole is a seasoned IRB professional, with an associate degree and over 13 years of IRB experience. Nicole ensures the ethical integrity of diverse research projects and is currently focused on becoming a multifaceted asset as an IRB generalist within Dartmouth Health’s IRB.
Known for her attention to detail and deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, Nicole guides researchers on ethical considerations and compliance. Her collaborative approach fosters constructive dialogue among IRB members and researchers. Nicole is a dedicated professional, bringing expertise and commitment to upholding ethical standards within the Institutional Review Board and the broader research community.
Shannon Sewards
Director of the Human Research Protection Program, Administrative Director of the Dartmouth Health IRB
shannon.e.sewards@hitchcock.org
Shannon Sewards is the Director of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) and Administrative Director of the Dartmouth Health IRB. In this role, she is responsible for the leadership of the HRPP and oversight of human subject studies at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics.
With over 20 years of experience in the field of human subject protection and regulatory compliance, she has held leadership positions at many institutions nationwide, including Harvard University, the University of Washington, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Charles R. Drew University. Shannon’s educational background is in Psychology with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (Latin Honors, Cum Laude, Provost’s Honors List) and a graduate degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University (Latin Honors, Summa Cum Laude).
Shannon is a process person who enjoys solving problems and troubleshooting situations that are challenging. She has taken a particular interest in streamlining IRB procedures and developing new methods to compete in the ever-changing regulatory arena.
Kelly Stevens
IRB Reliance Supervisor
kelly.j.stevens@hitchcock.org
Kelly Stevens, JD, CIP, is the IRB Reliance Supervisor for the Dartmouth Health IRB. In her role, she is responsible for leading the reliance process and negotiating relationships between the Dartmouth Health IRB and outside/external IRBs, including institutional and commercial IRBs. Kelly has part of the IRB office since 2020.
Kelly has a long background in regulatory compliance and research. She is a 2001 graduate of the Maine School of Law and an attorney licensed to practice in Maine and New Hampshire. She is a Certified Institutional Review Board Professional (CIP) and holds a certification from the Maine Regulatory Training and Ethics Center (MeRTEC). She worked in the Maine legal system as a criminal defense, child protective and real estate attorney before she turned her concentration to real estate, contracts and regulatory compliance. Prior to coming to Dartmouth Health, she was the Regulatory Compliance Administrator for the University of Southern Maine.