Reitemeier, associate professor of philosophy, is the new chair of the Human Research Review Committee. The 13-member committee of faculty members and two community members reviews all Grand Valley research concerning human subjects. Paul Huizenga, associate professor of biology, had been chair until his retirement last year.
Reitemeier, who will still teach philosophy courses on a half-time basis, said the committee reviewed 290 research proposals last year.
"So, we've never had two days that are the same," Reitemeier said. "It's deliciously complex. I'm so impressed with the vast knowledge and intellectual ability of faculty and students."
For example, Reitemeier and others have reviewed a proposal concerning subjects in a student-made documentary in a war-ravaged country and another about criminal assessments at various Michigan prisons.
He brings a rich background in biomedical ethics to the position. Reitemeier had been a senior ethicist for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also served on the ethics committee for St. Mary's and other hospitals.
The Human Research Review Committee is within Graduate Studies and Grants Administration. Reitemeier said he hopes to streamline the application process by developing an online application form.
