Researchers in various studies looking for participants

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

Study on how romantic relationships during undergraduate studies influence young women’s STEM careers

The purpose of this online study is to investigate how romantic relationships during undergraduate studies influence young women’s STEM careers. Researchers are recruiting participants who meet all of the requirements listed below. The online study will last about 30 minutes, and participants will be compensated with a $5 gift card for their successful completion of the study.

Eligibility:

• Identify as a woman
• Age 18 and older
• Currently in first year of study in a STEM major at Purdue (note: STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math-based fields)
• Currently in a romantic relationship

Eligible participants can access the online study here: bit.ly/wistem1. For more information, email yao235@purdue.edu.

The principal investigator for this study is Franki Kung, associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. IRB-2024-1233. 

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.

Leveraging Interests and Nurturing Knowledge (LINK)

Learning new words can seem super easy, especially when many children do this so effortlessly. In reality, it is a very complex skill that we often take for granted. The research team’s goal is to figure out how to help students learn new words successfully.

Children learn words most easily when their classrooms are quiet and teachers use language in the same way that they do. Most classrooms are not like this (and this is completely normal). Classrooms should be full of excitement and overflowing with different ways of using language to communicate our thoughts and ideas. The research team’s goal is to understand the science behind word learning and find strategies that help children take on this difficult task, especially in classroom environments that mirror their everyday experiences.

Researchers are looking for students ages 6 to 8 who do not have delays in development and primarily hear and speak English at home. Participants will receive $55 in digital gift cards for their child’s participation and a speech-language and hearing screening for the child.

The study involves two 1.5-hour visits scheduled with the research team at Purdue. Children will play computer games, look at picture books and complete puzzles.

Individuals interested in participating can sign up at the study website, email Michelle Erskine at merskine@purdue.edu or call the lab at 765-496-0427. The principal investigator is Arielle Borovsky, professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. IRB-2023-800.

Study on experience of migration, acculturation, adaptation and integration

The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of migration, acculturation, adaptation and integration of engineers from the U.S. territories who are pursuing careers in the contiguous United States.

Participants must:

• Have moved to the contiguous United States for the purpose of pursuing a career as an engineer. 
• Currently work and live in the contiguous United States. Alaska and Hawaii are not currently eligible for participation in this study.
• Be age 18 or older and not fully retired from working.
• Fill out this survey to give the researcher some background information and double-check eligibility.
• Find a quiet place to take Zoom calls.

Each interview will last 1 1/2 hours. Three interviews will be conducted in total.

Participants will meet with the researcher to talk about their experience of moving and adjustment. The three interviews should be spaced with as short of breaks as possible. Participants will reflect on their experiences and feelings.

The format of the interviews are as follows:

• Interviews 1 and 2: Participants will answer several questions about moving to the contiguous United States.
• Interview 3: Participants will answer several questions about adjustment and acculturation in the workplace.

The researcher will record audio responses to ensure answers are captured verbatim. Participants will receive $56.25 ($12.50 an hour) through a private Venmo transfer at the end of Interview 3.

For more information contact, Kevin Kaufman-Ortiz at kaufmano@purdue.edu. The principal investigator is Allison Godwin, associate professor of chemical engineering and engineering education. IRB-2025-177.

Understanding and building overall cognitive capability through attention control

Researchers are looking for volunteers for a psychology study on practice and learning. Men and women ages 18-30 years who have normal or corrected-to-normal vision, and have normal or corrected-to-normal hearing may be eligible to participate. Participants will be asked to complete various computerized memory and attention tasks, responding to information presented visually onscreen or via headphones and using the computer keyboard or mouse to make responses.

This study involves 12 in-person visits to the lab (located in the Psychological Sciences Building on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus) over the course of no more than four weeks. The first and last sessions will last no more than 150 minutes, and participants will be compensated with a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate after each session. The other 10 sessions will last no more than 60 minutes, and participants will be compensated with a $15 Amazon.com gift certificate after each session. In addition, participants can earn bonus compensation for the completion of all 12 sessions within four weeks (a bonus $5 Amazon.com gift certificate). Participants who complete all 12 sessions of the study will be compensated with a minimum of $200 in Amazon.com digital gift certificates.

If interested, contact the Purdue Applied Cognition Laboratory at redicklab@gmail.com or 765-494-5132. The principal investigator for the study is Thomas Redick, associate professor of psychological sciences.IRB-2023-569.

Parent-Adolescent Interaction Project

Researchers in the Biobehavioral Development Lab are looking for two-parent (mother and father) families with an adolescent child aged 9-13 years, all able to speak English. The study includes two, approximately two-hour lab visits starting between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. any day of the week – one with the mother and teen, and one with the father and teen occurring about one week apart – and a daily diary (approximately 10 minutes/day) for 14 days.

The goal of the study is to see how parent-adolescent relationships affect the mental health and well-being of children. Researchers aim to learn about how parents and pre-teens feel, act and even biologically (stress hormones, heart rate, breathing) respond together during conversations — in similar ways or in opposite ways — and how what happens during conversations translates into daily patterns and parents’ and teens’ mental health and well-being. The information gathered in this study is intended to be used to develop ways to help improve parent-adolescent relationship quality and adolescents’ well-being.

Each participant will receive $30 per lab visit (cash) and $5 per daily diary (Amazon gift cards). Families completing both lab visits and all 14 days of the daily diary will receive $130 for the child and $100 for each parent.

For more information, visit the study website or email bdl@purdue.edu and mention “The Parent-Adolescent Interaction Project.” To check eligibility, take this survey. The principal investigator is Kristine Marceau, associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science. IRB-2023-1734.

Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on sensory systems and ingestive behavior

This study, funded by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, aims to explore how medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists — commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management — may impact taste, smell and eating behaviors. Results from this study may help develop improved dietary guidelines for those using these medications.

What to expect:

• In-person visits: Two sessions at Purdue, each lasting around one hour
• At-home tasks: Three days of dietary tracking and questionnaires to complete at home

Eligibility:

• Men and women ages 18-65 years
• Body Mass Index (BMI) >30 kg/m²
• Stable medication use
• People who:
  • Are eligible to take GLP-1 drugs but haven’t started treatment yet
  • OR who have been taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management for approximately 1 month (±0.5 months)
  • OR approximately six months (±0.5 months)
• No known sensitivity or allergy to the study solutions, which include sucrose solution, salt solution, citric acid solution, urea solutions, linoleic acid and milk

The research team will ask participants about their allergies and note that all test substances are common ingredients in the U.S. diet.

Participants will receive $100 for completing the study, with $50 provided for each session attended. The principal investigator is Richard Mattes, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Nutrition Science.

Those with questions or who want to express interest in participating can contact Giorgia at grutigli@purdue.edu or 765-421-0205. IRB-2024-1407

Health effects of grain foods in adults

Participants are needed by the Department of Nutrition Science to study the health effects of grain foods.

Participants must:

• Be age 18 and older
• Have a hemoglobin A1c of 5.7%-6.4%
• Be a nonsmoker
• Have no sensitivity or allergy to grain foods

Participants can earn up to $1,000 in 14 weeks. Contact Giorgia at grutigli@purdue.edu to participate or for more information. The principal investigator is Richard Mattes, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Nutrition Science. IRB-2023-1071

Study on how perimenopausal menorrhagia affects women’s quality of life and cognitive function

The Department of Nutrition Science is conducting a study to investigate the relations among nutrition, brain function and quality of life in women who are experiencing heavy blood loss as they transition to menopause.

Those interested are required to complete a brief screening via phone. Eligible participants will visit the Purdue Clinical Research Center in Stone Hall to complete questionnaires and computer tasks about quality of life, mood, family relationships and brain function at the beginning and end of the study (four months later). They will also undergo a small blood draw (less than 0.5 tablespoon) at the beginning and end of the study. Participants will be randomized to one of two groups (intervention or placebo) and will consume either an iron supplement or a placebo daily between the beginning and end of the study.

The study’s principal investigator is Laura Murray-Kolb, professor and head of the Department of Nutrition Science. For more information, contact Julia Choi, graduate student, at DrMurray-KolbLab@purdue.edu. IRB-2024-506

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 litlang@purdue.edu. The principal investigator is Catherine McBride, Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Family Science. IRB-2024-626.

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.

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.