Melissa Witman’s Return to Campus Request Summary

SUBMISSION DATE: 05/07/2021
SENT TO: John Jeka 05/07/2021
Submission Number 1547
Opening Phases Phase 3
Name Melissa Witman
Academic Classification Assistant Professor Tenure-Track
PI Email mwitman@udel.edu
Emergency Contact / Phone Number 3028316256
College College of Health Sciences
Department Kinesiology and Applied Physiology
Lab/Facility STAR HEALTH SCIENCE COMPLEX
Limited Face-to-Face Human Subject Interaction This research includes face-to-face human subject interaction. I have already received access but I am now requesting adding a request for a new project that is currently pending IRB review and requesting additional students/personnel.

The proposed study is “Vascular Consequences of COVID-19 in Children” IRB #1759578-1. We will be studying blood vessel function and cardiovascular control in otherwise healthy children (age 7-17) that have had a COVID-19 diagnosis 3-6 months prior in addition to children that have not been diagnosed with COVID-19. This research study will consist of just 1 visit to the laboratory.

Physical Distancing and Density Requirements The studies in my lab all assess vascular function across a variety of assessments mostly using ultrasound to image arteries throughout the body and assess blood flow. There is a blood draw as well as non-invasive scanning/instrumentation/contact with the participants skin on the neck and upper and lower limbs.
Prior to coming to campus for a research visit the participants will complete the online covidcheck questionnaire. During the research assessments, the research personnel (usually only one person) is required to be 6 feet) while the person rests and prepares for the baseline measurements. Regardless, all research personnel that will be in contact with the participants for any length of time will wear a surgical mask and a face shield. Research participants will wear their own cloth mask, surgical mask, or one provided by the researcher. The researchers may wear a cloth mask over the surgical mask so that the latter can be preserved for up to 10 days.
All tests are done in a relatively rested state. Therefore, these tests are not aerobically demanding, and the bouts will have limited generation of aerosols with the participants wearing a mask. Researchers will also wear disposable gloves when touching the participant. Hand sanitizer will be available and there is a sink and antibacterial soap in the lab space for hand washing.
All equipment and reusable supplies will be cleaned with approved disinfectant after every use. All disposable supplies will be properly discarded after use. All contact points (e.g. desks; computer mice, keyboards, and power switches; cabinet doors/handles; light switches, research materials) will be disinfected at the beginning and end of every lab session.

When close contact is not required, lab personnel will maintain at least 6 feet distance between each other and the research participant, if applicable. Researchers who will be in contact with the participants (< 6 feet for more than 10 minutes) will wear a surgical mask and face shield. Research participants will wear their own cloth mask, surgical mask, or one provided by the researcher. If a guardian wishes to be presenting when we are testing a child ( 6 feet) while the person rests and prepares for the baseline measurements. An effort will be made to minimize the number of people in the research space at all times.

Additional team members that will need access

Talia Brookstein-Burke

TITLE: Undergraduate, EMAIL: tburke@udel.edu, CONTACT: , LAB/FACILITY: STAR HEALTH SCIENCE COMPLEX, RM# 128B and Tower 221

Danika Swech

TITLE: Undergraduate, EMAIL: dswech@udel.edu, CONTACT: , LAB/FACILITY: STAR HEALTH SCIENCE COMPLEX, RM# 128B and Tower 221

Department Chair John Jeka
Department Chair Email jjeka@udel.edu
Signature Melissa Witman