The Best Practices for Research Excellence (BPRE) workshop is an interactive, research-informed program developed by the Bioethics Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis. It offers a valuable opportunity for individuals in research settings to reflect on their current environment and explore evidence-based strategies for fostering research excellence—both personally and within their teams.
 

In today’s complex and fast-paced research landscape, excellence requires more than compliance. It involves promoting research rigor and integrity, building strong team dynamics, and cultivating an environment where ethical and collaborative practices thrive. This workshop is designed to support researchers in doing just that.
 

Facilitated by experienced professionals, the BPRE workshop uses active learning methods to engage participants in discussions and practical exercises.
 

Topics include:

  • SMART decision-making strategies to navigate challenging situations

  • Authorship, mentoring, and responding to research misconduct

  • Lab leadership and communication across cultures to support ethical and effective science
     

Through case-based discussions, participants will examine how these strategies can be applied in diverse research settings and across various career stages.

Meet Our Facilitators

Emily R. & Gerald S. Leischuck Endowed Professor of Educational Leadership Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology College of Education

Dr. Andrzejewski holds a doctoral degree in Teacher Education Policy and Leadership, with cognates in Qualitative Research Methods and Movement Studies. She is an experienced member of Auburn’s IRB and is a CCTS-certified research mentor. She is award-winning teacher and serves as the education and training consultant for the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance. In that role, she leads research mentoring workshops and offers Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) coursework.

Professor and Assistant Director School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences College of Agriculture

Dr. Wilson holds a doctoral degree in Applied Biology. He has served as a USDA Panel Manager and an NSF Program Director. He conducts faculty mentoring workshops at Auburn University and has served as a research mentor for over 100 graduate and undergrad students. His work is published in outlets such as Biology Letters, Ecology Letters, and BioScience. NSF, USDA, and USGS have funded projects for which he is PI/Co-PI.

Burt Professor and Director of Undergraduate Research Department of Mechanical Engineering Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and Office of the Senior Vice President for Research & Economic Development

Dr. Cremaschi holds a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on building energy efficiency and sustainability. He has developed mentoring workshops and actively works to expand research opportunities for broader ranges of students in STEM and the Human and Social Sciences. He has served as PI/Co-PI on several federally funded projects, including SBIR awards. A published researcher, Dr. Cremaschi has contributed to numerous academic journals and has served on review panels for major funding agencies such as the NSF, DOE, and DOD. He is an associate editor for the International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer Journal, served as associate editor for the Science and Technology for the Built Environment Journal, and is the editor-in-chief for the Auburn University Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship. He also serves as the current President of the American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers.

Associate Research Professor Department of Drug Discovery & Development Harrison College of Pharmacy
Dr. Maxuitenko holds a doctoral degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology and brings over 20 years of experience leading animal research laboratories. As a study director for in vivo pharmacology studies, she has played a critical role in advancing drug candidates, four of which have received FDA approval, and has conducted extensive evaluations in cancer therapy. Currently, she serves as Co-PI on multiple federally funded projects, including two R01 grants and a foundation-supported award. Dr. Maxuitenko also has significant experience in grant development, having led the preparation of numerous research proposals, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) submissions.

Upcoming Workshops

Workshops will be hosted by the OSVPRED each semester, pending sufficient registration. Seating is limited, and a $30 registration fee per attendee will be charged to help cover the cost of refreshments


Please see the information below for details on Pre-Scheduled, OSVPRED-sponsored workshops.

 

We are also able to conduct workshops specifically for your college or department. Please Request a Workshop to host a dedicated BPRE workshop for your faculty, staff, and trainees.

Spring 2026 BPRE workshop

January 14, 2026
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Devall Room, Research & Innovation Center
$30 Registration

Summer 2026 BPRE Workshop

June 2, 2026
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Devall Room, Research & Innovation Center
$30 Registration

Fall 2026 BPRE Workshop

August 25, 2026
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Devall Room, Research & Innovation Center
$30 Registration