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Information for researchers

Our researchers range from DOs to PhDs to DMDs. Learn more about ATSRI member benefits and the resources and opportunities available to ATSRI researchers.

  • Research Support Department

    • Research Support at ATSU includes a variety of professionals who assist in various aspects of the research process. The following descriptions outline Research Support services and provide examples of how our staff support research at ATSU.


      Biostatistics

      • Format the research question
      • Calculate sample size and perform power analysis
      • Help determine independent and dependent variables
      • Offer instruction and advice on best methods of data organization
      • Analyze and interpret data
      • Discuss options for data presentation
      • Discuss options for measurement tools

      Scientific Writing

      • Assist with compliance with journal publication criteria (formatting, word length, etc.)
      • Edit and organize manuscripts
      • Review presentations for correct formatting

      Research Coordinating/Project Management

      • Develop protocols and other study documents
      • Provide regulatory assistance, including creation of IRB applications, informed consent documents, and annual review submissions
      • Train study team members (students, co-PIs, etc.) on the specific research protocol
      • Assist with participant recruitment and management
      • Develop a participant recruitment plan
      • Assist with finding participants
      • Schedule participants and sessions
      • Create and manage a data quality assurance plan
      • Monitor grant budgets
      • Participate in the data collection process
      • Complete study closeout procedures
  • IRB manuals

    • Kirksville IRB Manual

      The Institutional Review Board, established by Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, serves to assure that research on human subjects is planned and carried out in accordance with certain ethical guidelines and federal regulations.

      Read the full Kirksville IRB manual

      Arizona IRB Manual

      The ATSU AZ IRB is committed to serving our Arizona campus research community with relevant guidelines and information, accessible forms and simple to use document templates. The guidelines and regulations for research conduct and oversight can be complex, confusing, and seemingly contradictory. We are here to demystify the regulatory processes, ensure that complete and understandable information is always provided to your research participants/partners, evaluate and oversee studies to ensure risks to participants are minimized and acceptable in consideration of the benefits and advise and consult on research ethical conduct issues.

      Browse the full manual and webpage.

  • A.T. Still Memorial Library

    • A valuable resource to ATSRI researchers, the A.T. Still Memorial Library is committed to advancing whole person healthcare and wellness through the development and support of premier clinical research. Liaison librarians are available to assist with a wide range of research tasks, from navigating databases to conducting literature reviews. A wealth of resources are available online or in-person at the physical library located on both the Kirksville, Missouri and Mesa, Arizona campuses. Visit the A.T. Still Memorial Library Research Hub to get started.

      Visit the A.T. Still Memorial Library
  • ITS Research Software

    • Information Technology Services (ITS) offers a comprehensive suite of resources to support research endeavors.

      Access to advanced statistical software such as SAS, IBM SPSS, and SigmaStat/SigmaPlot is available through the university's enterprise licenses. Additionally, tools for survey creation and management, including Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, and REDCap, are provided to facilitate data collection. Researchers also benefit from bibliography creation software like EndNote, which is available under ATSU's site license.

      These resources, coupled with expert support from the ITS team, empower researchers to conduct sophisticated analyses, manage data effectively, and enhance the quality of their scholarly output.

      ITS RESEARCH Software

Current research

At A.T. Still Research Institute, our commitment to excellence is reflected in our diverse portfolio of ongoing research endeavors. Explore our developing and ongoing studies, and get inspired by the insights shaping the future through our recent publications.


  • ATSU funded research with our CHC Partners

    • The A.T. Still Research Institute is dedicated to advancing research in collaboration with our partner community health centers (CHCs) by focusing on the needs and priorities of these communities. We support CHCs by addressing resource gaps, such as offering library access, helping to develop surveys, providing pilot funding, and delivering biostatistical and IRB support. Our goal is to enhance whole person healthcare in alignment with our mission, contribute to both local and broader knowledge, and facilitate the dissemination of findings through funding for publications and participation in our research days.

      El Rio Health
      Tucson, AZ

      Study 1:
      Title: “A Retrospective Data Analysis of Pre and Post Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Device Prescriptions and Other Blood Pressure Control Strategies at El Rio Health”
      Proposal funded in the amount of $9,000 from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
      El Rio Principal Investigators: Dr. Lisa Soltani, Dr. Erin Dougherty
      ATSU Principal Investigators: Dr. Daniel Smith

      Study 2:
      Title: The Buena Vida Integrated Pain Clinic- an Outcome and Impact Analysis
      Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if the integrated model of care improved depression, anxiety, pain intensity, and pain interference in a cohort of patients living with chronic pain who participated in the Buena Vida Integrated Pain Clinic at El Rio Health.
      El Rio Principal Investigators: Dr. Alysson Striner, Sue Dolence, Dr. Erin Dougherty
      ATSU Principal Investigators: Dr. Kathleen Mathieson, Dr. Debosree Roy

      Study 3:
      Title: Improving Diabetes Control Through Professional Continuous Glucose Monitoring by Advanced Practice Pharmacists at a Federally Qualified Health Center
      Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine HbA1c changes over time for patients using CGM, measured at baseline, three months, and six months. Diabetes control is measured objectively through HbA1c and subjectively through patient survey data.
      El Rio Principal Investigators: Dr. Lisa Beckett, Dr. Marisa Rowen, Dr. Erin Dougherty
      ATSU Principal Investigators: Dr. Ann Spolarich, Andrew Marble

      Family HealthCare Network
      Central California

      Study 1: “Assess the Food Insecurity Awareness and Screening Practices Among Healthcare Providers in Central California Community Health Centers”
      Proposal funded in the amount of $975 from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
      Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Carolina Quezada and Malorie Barragan
      Research assistant: Dulce Ugalde Arellano, Yesenia Buenrostro
      ATSU Principal Investigators: Dr. Kelsey Picha, Dr. Jeffrey Andrion

  • Active studies

    • Comparison of Efficacy in Correcting Tooth Rotations and Patient’s Adaptation Between Traditional Aligners and Graphy Direct-Printed Aligners
      Principal investigator: Xingzhong (John) Zhang, DDS, MSD, PhD; Jae Hyun Park, DMD, MSD, MS, PhD; Megan Do, DDS; Joshua Hanenkrath, DMD; R. Curtis Bay, PhD

      Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and comfort level regarding the LGBTQIA+ population among dental professionals and dental educators
      Principal investigator: Michael Ly

      Reaction and Movement Time in Women with Breast-Cancer Related Lymphedema: A Cross-Sectional Study with Comparison
      Team lead: David Doubblestein, PT, PhD
      Contact: 480.219.6194, daviddoubblestein@atsu.edu
      Learn about this trial