SW New Mexico News

Michelle Gavin, a research integrity coordinator at the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance at NMSU, has been an integral part of the university's research support system since 2011. With a background spanning various sectors like corporate business, government, higher education, and national defense security, Gavin's expertise has been crucial in ensuring research compliance and protecting human participants.

Gavin, who joined NMSU in 2003, has been actively involved in STEM-related outreach and education programs, as well as serving on various university committees. Alongside Ed Zenisek, she played a key role in developing Maestro, an electronic workflow review system that significantly streamlined the submission process for researchers at NMSU.

Reflecting on her work, Gavin shared, "The most enjoyable part, and yet sometimes most challenging, is working with researchers, helping them accomplish their research and being compliant with regulations ensuring that the human participants are protected."

Joe Tamaka, IRB Chair, praised Gavin's contributions, stating, "She is a tremendous asset to the IRB and the university. I don’t know how we would have managed the transition to Streamlyne IRB without her hard work."

Gavin's journey at NMSU began when she graduated in 1986 with a degree in business computer systems. Her career includes stints at IBM and Sandia National Laboratories, where she further honed her skills in software development and management.

For those seeking assistance with the IRB process or using the Streamlyne system, the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance can be reached at 575-646-5461 or via email at ric_admin@nmsu.edu.