University of Oklahoma StadiumWIKIMEDIA COMMONS, NMAJDAN

A professor agreed to settle with his employer, the University of Oklahoma, over charges that he harmed students during research that did not follow standard protocol for work with humans.

Chad Kerksick, a professor of exercise science, was awarded a one-time payment of $75,000 and put on unpaid leave from his job on September 2.  Kerksick admitted to using students in his research on creatine nitrate, a body-building supplement, without following procedures intended to protect the rights of human trial participants. However, Kerksick challenged the University’s decision to terminate his position, calling it a “violation of state and federal laws,” according to The Oklahoma Daily.

According to legal papers obtained by the newspaper, Kerksick will remain on unpaid leave until the he finds another job, but neither he nor the university will pursue further legal action or make any negative public comments...

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member?