Researchers in various studies looking for participants

Here is a list of research studies that currently are looking for participants.

Purdue students studying.

Here is a list of research studies that currently are looking for participants.

Altering cognition and emotion through exercise

Young adults ages 18-25 are needed to participate in research studies on how exercise may influence cognitive function and emotion.

Participants will be compensated up to $50 total for completing the study. Participation requires two visits on separate days to the Lambert Fieldhouse. Each visit will last about one hour and 40 minutes to two hours, involving health questionnaires, computer games, exercise and assessment of brain activation (i.e., electroencephalogram [EEG]).

For more information, contact the Physical Activity and NeuroCognitive Health Lab at panchlaboratory@purdue.edu in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. The principal investigator is Shih-Chun Kao, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. IRB-2024-355.

Multimodal approaches to testing and prediction in early academic achievement: English skills in Grade 2 children 

Purdue LitLang Lab is recruiting children currently enrolled in Grade 2 to participate in a research study investigating children’s English skills. 

This is a fully remote study where children will be asked to complete a series of online tasks related to English skills. This study will be done in two remote sessions. The first session will be scheduled and will take place over a Zoom. The second session will take place remotely and will be completed independently, without the need for videoconferencing. A parent or guardian must be present during both sessions to facilitate the child’s participation. 

The parent or guardian will receive a $10 gift card for their child’s participation, and each child will receive a small toy. 

For more information and to sign up, email litlanglab@purdue.edu. The principal investigator is Catherine McBride, Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Family Science. IRB-2024-626.

Study on sensor-based estimation of nutrition and surrounding environment

Researchers need adult volunteers ages 18 and older to try a new mobile app and wearable device that records what they eat.

The purpose of this study is to test a mobile, image-based application and a wearable sensor to record the foods and beverages consumed in a day, and then complete an online dietary survey about the foods and beverage consumed over the same period of time.

The study will take around three days to complete, and participants will receive a maximum of a $40 gift card as compensation. Participants will also be asked to visit campus twice for about an hour each time to learn about the devices they will be using and wearing and to answer questionnaires.

More information about the study is available online or by emailing sensestudy@purdue.edu. The principal investigator is Maggie Zhu, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. IRB-2022-270.

Understanding associations between rural food environments and microbial cysteine metabolism as risk factors for early onset colorectal cancer

Researchers in the Department of Nutrition Science are doing a research study to learn more about bacteria and items people put in their mouths, like food and tobacco products, and how where people live impacts the food they have access to. 

This study may be a good fit for if you:

  • Live in a county with less than 50,000 residents OR live over 10 miles from your nearest grocery store
  • Are 18-80 years old
  • Are not pregnant
  • Are willing to complete two 24-hour dietary recalls
  • Are willing to provide informed consent
  • Are willing to provide five water samples and a stool sample

Individuals will have the option to participate in this study in-person or virtually. Individuals who take part in the research study will:

  • Do a phone screening to learn more about the study
  • Have their height and weight measured
  • Complete several surveys about health, diet and experiences
  • Provide a stool sample
  • Collect five water samples from their home

In-person participants will come to Purdue twice: one research visit and one stool sample drop-off.

Participants will receive a $25 Visa gift card as compensation for their time and reimbursement for travel. Participants will also have the option to receive information about lead content in their water.

To learn more about this research, contact Patricia Wolf at 765-496-0143 or wolflab@purdue.edu. The principal researcher for this study is Patricia Wolf, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition Science. IRB-2024-366.

Effect of native chicory inulin supplementation on rates of microbial change between individuals

Participants are needed by the Department of Food Science to study the effects of inulin supplementation on rates of microbial change between individuals. 

Researchers are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • Nonsmoking males and females ages 18-45.
  • Bowel movements more than four days per week.
  • Willing to consume dietary supplements for six weeks followed by a six-week follow-up phase.
  • Willing to provide frequent stool samples (daily, bi-daily, weekly, and bi-weekly) throughout all blocks.
  • Willing to provide blood samples nine occasions (participants will be required to refrain from consuming any food the night before; they may still drink water during this time, but no other fluids).
  • Willing to complete daily bowel habit, mood and frequent food diaries. 

Participants have the potential to earn up to $350 to compensate for their time. To take part or find out more information, contact Peter Jackson at ppjackso@purdue.edu or 765-409-9789. The primary investigator is Stephen Lindemann, associate professor in Department of Food Science. IRB-2024-154.

Study on receiver, vehicle, and roadway systems for a dynamic wireless power transfer roadway testbed

Researchers are looking for adult residents in Indiana, specifically the Greater Lafayette area, to participate in a research study focused on understanding public perceptions and expectations regarding electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging, and a dynamic wireless power testbed project.

Participants will be asked to complete an online questionnaire survey of about 5-10 minutes in Qualtrics, which consists of questions related to perceptions about electric vehicles, charging technologies, and a dynamic wireless power transfer testbed, as well as some basic demographic information. The principal investigator is Nadia Gkritza, professor of civil engineering and agricultural and biological engineering. For more information, email nadia@purdue.edu. IRB-2023-786.

Brain imaging to measure human-dog interaction

Purdue Animal Behavior Research is recruiting dog owners and their dogs for a study investigating human-animal interaction. In this study, healthy adult dog owners will undergo a laboratory inducing stress test during two separate visits that are three to six weeks apart. The owner will interact with both a familiar and unfamiliar friendly dog during the post-stress test recovery period as the researchers evaluate the owner’s brain response and a stress response salivary cortisol test. Researchers will also observe the owner’s dog behavior and physiological response to analyze how the dog processes the human-dog interaction.

To be eligible to participate:

  • Individuals must have been their dog’s companion for 6+ months, ages 18-55, have no circulatory/panic issues, and not on specific meds.
  • Dogs must be friendly and calm (no aggressive behavior or severe separation anxiety), ages 1-12 years, over 15 pounds and with no major health issues affecting activity.

Participants will receive $50 at the completion of the two study visits. The primary investigator is Niwako Ogata, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. For more information, contact the research team at pabcr@purdue.edu. IRB 2022-1283

Validation of biomechanics component of SimulScan and aging study

Researchers are recruiting healthy adults for a swallowing and brain study directed by Georgia Malandraki, principal investigator and professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.

Individuals may be eligible if they:

  • Are 18-30 or 60-85 years old and generally healthy.
  • Do not have problems swallowing.
  • Are willing to come to the lab for a free swallowing evaluation and a free brain MRI.

Individuals will receive up to $40 for participating. If interested, email swallowinglab@purdue.edu or call 765-496-0207 to check eligibility and for more information. IRB-2023-714.

Combining high intensity interval training (HIIT) and mindfulness for enhanced executive function in children

The Physical Activity and NeuroCognitive Health (PANCH) Laboratory from the Department of Health and Kinesiology is looking for generally healthy, English-speaking children ages 10-12 with normal or corrected-to-normal vision to participate in research on how exercise may influence thinking and brain function. 

To participate in this research, children need to pass a cardiovascular health screening, be free of prior diagnosis of cognitive disorders, have normal or corrected-to-normal vision, be able to perform exercise, and speak English. 

Participation in this research requires five visits on separate days to Lambert Fieldhouse. Each visit will last 2-2.5 hours. The first visit will involve computer games and a fitness test. The additional visits will involve health-related and demographic questionnaires, interval exercise, and recording of brain waves using techniques such as electroencephalogram (EEG). Participation in this study will be compensated by a maximum total of $300.

Click this link to fill out the screening questionnaire. For more information, email panchlaboratory@purdue.edu or call 765-496-7781. Shih-Chun Kao, assistant professor of health and kinesiology, is the principal investigator. IRB-2023-1684.

In vivo tendon properties across the lifespan of women

The purpose of the study is to characterize tendon tissue health in women, laying a foundation for developing strategies to improve their musculoskeletal function. Researchers are seeking women ages 21-75 to participate in a study evaluating the impact of menopause and exogenous estrogen use on tendon morphology and biomechanics. To participate, participants must meet the following criteria:

  • 21-75 years old.
  • Women who are pregnant will be excluded.
  • Individuals with claustrophobia or implanted objects (metal plates, screws, etc.) who cannot complete an MRI assessment will be excluded.
  • Individuals with any orthopedic condition that would prevent them from properly performing knee extensions will be excluded.
  • Individuals with prior knee replacement or knee surgeries (e.g. ACL reconstruction) will be excluded.
  • Those with diabetes (HbA1c>6.5) will be excluded.
  • Chronic users of acetaminophen, ibuprofen or prescription cyclooxygenase inhibitors will be excluded.
  • Individuals with physician-diagnosed liver disease will be excluded.
  • No previous history of severe cardiovascular disease including stroke, heart attack and arrythmias.
  • Individuals who have undergone a hysterectomy or removal of ovaries cannot participate in the study.
  • No previous history of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.

Participants will attend five to six sessions at Purdue. Each session will last 30-45 minutes. The first session is an initial interview and screening. The second session consists of a fasted blood draw, 1-repetition maximum test and body composition measurement. Visits three through five are patellar tendon assessments using ultrasound imaging (visits two and three may be combined). Visit six is an MRI scan of the patellar tendon.

Benefits for participants:

  • Although there are no direct benefits, the knowledge gained from this study may have implications for individuals going through menopause and may aid in guiding the future development of treatment options for tendinosis
  • Compensation. Participants will be compensated $75 for completing this study.

For more information or to participate, contact Gordon Smilanich at gsmilani@purdue.edu or 317-721-3651 (leave a message). Learn more about the lab and research at https://hhs.purdue.edu/carroll-lab/.

The primary investigator is Chad Carroll, associate professor of health and kinesiology. IRB#: 2024-027.

Study on serum advanced glycation end products and alterations of tendon properties

The purpose of this research is to determine if markers in blood serum are related to changes in tendon properties, especially in individuals with diabetes. Researchers are seeking men and women ages 40-75 to participate in a study evaluating impact of pre-diabetes and diabetes on tendon health. To participate, participants must meet the following criteria:

  • 40-75 years old.
  • Not physically active.
  • Women who are pregnant will be excluded.
  • Individuals with claustrophobia or implanted objects (metal plates, screws, etc.) who cannot complete an MRI assessment will be excluded.
  • Individuals with any orthopedic condition that would prevent them from properly performing knee extensions will be excluded.
  • Individuals with prior knee replacement or knee surgeries (e.g. ACL reconstruction).
  • Chronic users of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or prescription cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
  • Individuals with physician-diagnosed liver disease.

Participants will conduct five to six sessions at Purdue. Each session will last 30-45 minutes. The first session is an initial interview and screening. The second session consists of a fasted blood draw. Visits three through five are patellar tendon assessments using ultrasound imaging (visits two and three may be combined). Visit six is an MRI scan of the patellar tendon.

Benefits for participants:

  • Although there are no direct benefits, the knowledge gained from this study may benefit future diabetic patients with tendon problems by providing new information that could lead to the development of new treatment options.
  • Participants will be compensated $75 for completing this study.

For more information or to participate, contact Eric Gutierrez at gutie216@purdue.edu or 765-205-2357 (please leave a message). Learn more about the lab and research at https://hhs.purdue.edu/carroll-lab/.

The primary investigator is Chad Carroll, associate professor of health and kinesiology. IRB#: 2023-1703.

Healthy adult research participants needed for language study

Principal investigator Jiyeon Lee, associate professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, is seeking participants for a language study for healthy adults.

The study will be up to 12 sessions, and each session lasts approximately two hours. Testing will be conducted at Lyles-Porter Hall. To be eligible, individuals should be 40-85 years old, be a native speaker of English and have general good health. If eligible, participation will be compensated and free parking is available.

For more information, contact aphasia@purdue.edu, call 765-496-0216, or visit the Aphasia Research Laboratory website. IRB-2021-659.

Individuals with aphasia needed for study

The Purdue Aphasia lab invites people with aphasia to participate in a new NIH-funded training study. Participation will help researchers to better understand language recovery in aphasia, in hopes to develop new language treatments.

To be eligible, individuals should have aphasia as a result of a stroke, have no history of other neurological conditions (dementia, Parkinson’s disease, etc.) and be a native speaker of English. Eligibility for this training study will be determined after the initial language evaluation.

Studies will be conducted at Lyles-Porter Hall, at the Indianapolis lab site or virtually via Zoom. Participants, if eligible, will be compensated $20 per session, and free garage parking is provided.

The principal investigator is Jiyeon Lee, associate professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. For more information, contact aphasia@purdue.edu, call 765-496-0216, or visit the Aphasia Research Laboratory website. IRB-2021-659.

Studies looking for Asian and multiracial individuals and families

Researchers are recruiting the following to understand experiences of race, ethnicity, and culture:

  • Multiracial/biracial/mixed race youth and adults.
  • Parents of multiracial youth.
  • Asian American youth and adults.

By filling out this short 1–3-minute survey, individuals can be added to the lab’s email list. They will have the option to sign up for newsletters that will share resources, an advice column and fun features like pop culture news and recipes from their community that are family-friendly. Individuals can also sign up for the lab’s participant pool to receive invitations to ongoing studies.

Participation in studies would involve tasks such as completing brief and potentially compensated anonymous surveys or interviews to share personal experiences and perspectives so researchers can learn more about multiracial and Asian American youth and families.

Questions can be directed to Annabelle Atkin, principal investigator and assistant professor of human development and family science, at ariselab123@gmail.com. IRB-2023-249.

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