Researchers in various studies looking for participants

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

 

Genetic and environmental risks factors and neurodegenerative disease

Adults with symptoms of dementia are needed for a research study on genetic and environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease.

The purpose of this research study is to discover new combinations of genetic and environmental risk factors that may contribute to the development of memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, Lewy body disease and Friedreich ataxia. Researchers are focusing on risk factors that are likely to occur in rural Indiana. 

The sibling pairs must:

• Be 60-80 years old.
• Be of the same sex (e.g., two brothers or two sisters).
• Have lived in rural Indiana area for at least the first two years of their life.
• Have one person with at least moderate symptoms of neurodegenerative disease and one who does not.

Each person will be compensated $80 for one two-hour session. For more information, contact Monica Bozymski at 765-496-4823 at mbozymsk@purdue.edu. IRB-2022-814.

 

Vitamin D-enriched mushroom nutrition study

This research study is assessing the effects of including vitamin D-enriched mushrooms as a part of participants' usual eating patterns on measures of immune function, inflammatory status and vitamin D status.

This study seeks men and women who are willing to consume vitamin D-enriched mushrooms or portioned, dried study powder for 12 weeks. Vitamin D-enriched mushrooms will be provided. Participants are required to attend six study visits at the research site over approximately a four-month period. Participants will be compensated $200 for participating in this study.

Interested participants should be ages 30 to 69, in general good health, nonsmokers, and nonpregnant. Other criteria for study participation apply. If you are interested in participating in this study, contact Luz Comboni at lcomboni@purdue.edu and mention the “Vitamin D-Enriched Mushroom Study.”

The principal investigator is Wayne Campbell, professor in the Department of Nutrition Science. IRB# IRB-2022-750.

 

Study on the relation between pronunciation and comprehensibility

This study investigates how pronunciation could influence comprehensibility. Researchers are looking for native speakers of English to rate comprehensibility.

The participant will listen to English sentences pronounced by non-native speakers and rate how easy it is to understand them. They will also be asked to provide information on the proficiency in the language(s) they speak. Participation in the study will take approximately 40 minutes. Individuals will participate online at the time and place of their choice. Participants will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card.

Those interested in participating should contact co-principal investigator Chien-Min Kuo at kuo79@purdue.edu. IRB-2022-724.

 

Research study for breast cancer survivors and their partners

Purdue researchers are looking for breast cancer survivors and their romantic partners to complete a study exploring how relationships and stress affect couples' health during survivorship. The study is looking for couples who live together and who have completed breast cancer treatment. Researchers are interested in relationships that are going well and those that are experiencing difficulties.

Participants may be compensated up to $250 as a couple for their time. This study has multiple ways to participate, depending on interests and availability. Participation could involve an online survey followed by a seven-day diary study with short questionnaires on a mobile app; completing one study visit as a couple (two hours) at Purdue; and/or wearing a heart rate monitor and collecting blood samples from the convenience of home.

Click this link to fill out the screening questionnaire. For more information, email RelationshipsAndHealthLab@Purdue.edu, call 812-518-9498, or visit the study website. The principal investigator is Rosie Shrout, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science. IRB No. IRB-2022-538.

 

Research study on adults with hearing loss

Researchers are recruiting adults who wear a hearing aid or who think they need a hearing aid. The studies are being conducted by the Experimental Amplification Research (EAR) Laboratory at Purdue to understand the difficulties individuals with hearing loss have when listening to speech in noise and how hearing aid technology can be improved.

Participants will be paid $20 an hour for several one or two-hour sessions. The principal investigator is Joshua Alexander, associate professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. For more information, contact the Purdue EAR Lab at PurdueEarlab@gmail.com. IRB#: 1406014978.

 

Study on cognitive autonomy for humans

The Jain Research Lab in the School of Mechanical Engineering is looking for volunteers who are willing to participate in a virtual quadrotor flying task and answer questions regarding their cognitive states during the completion of the task. 

Participants must:

• Be age 18 or older.
• Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (glasses or contact lenses are acceptable). 
• Not have known hearing impairments. 

The experiment will last approximately 45 minutes. Upon completion, participants will earn at least $20/hour. Participation in this study is completely voluntary and volunteers can withdraw from the study at any time. If participants leave before completion, they will be paid at least $5 per 20 minutes of time completed (rounded to the nearest 20-minute interval).

Experimental sessions will be scheduled through Dec. 31 with timeslots available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The experiment will take place in the Herrick Laboratories, Room 44.

Individuals interested in participating should complete the interest survey. For more information, email Jain Research Lab at Purdue.CPS@gmail.com.

The principal investigators are Brandon Pitts, assistant professor of industrial engineering; Tahira Reid Smith, adjunct professor of mechanical engineering; Inseok Hwang, professor of aeronautics and astronautics; and Neera Jain, associate professor of mechanical engineering. IRB-2020-755.

  

Baby Exploration Project

Researchers are inviting families with babies up to 2-years-old in the West Lafayette-Lafayette and surrounding areas to participate in a study of how babies explore their home environment.

A researcher will visit participants at home for two to three hours while families and the baby go about daily activities. Participants will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.

For more information, visit www.baby-exploration-project.org. To sign up, contact Paige Thompson at motordev@purdue.edu.

The principal investigator is Laura Claxton, associate professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. Purdue IRB# 2021-1249/ NYU IRB# FY2021-5660.

 

An hour in the life of babies at home

Researchers are inviting 1,000 families across the United States with babies up to 2-years-old to participate in a study.

A researcher will visit participants at home for two to three hours while families and the baby go about daily activities. Participants will receive $50 for participating.

For more information on how to sign up, visit www.anhourinthelife.org or contact the Purdue Motor Development Lab in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at motordev@purdue.edu. The principal investigator is Laura Claxton, associate professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. BRANY IRB# 18-017-600 / Purdue IRB# 2019-26.

 

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.

 

Linguistics study for advanced learners of Chinese

Advanced speakers of Mandarin Chinese who are native English speakers (i.e., grew up in a household where English was a main language and completed schooling in English) are wanted for a linguistics study on sentence processing and production. Participants will read and say sentences displayed on a computer. The study takes place online or in a campus lab and compensates $15 for 80 minutes.

Criteria for participating:

• Located in the United States.
• 18-65 years old. 
• Did not grow up with Mandarin-speaking family. 
• Have taken or tested into five semesters of college-level courses in Mandarin (i.e., 301, high-intermediate level), OR equivalent from immersion or living abroad.

The principal investigator is Elaine Francis, professor of English. E-mail sheuv@purdue.edu for more information. IRB-2022-387.

 

Study sexual health care needs of older adults

Adults ages 50 and older are being sought for a study focusing on the sexual health care needs of older adults.

Individuals will participate in 60- to 90-minute interviews to assess their sexual health care needs. These interviews can take place either on Purdue's campus or over Zoom. Participants will receive a $40 Amazon gift card.  

The principal investigator listed is Randy Hubach, associate professor in the Department of Public Health. For more information, email Madeline Brown at brow1473@purdue.edu. IRB-2023-1042.

 

 

Word learning study for preschool children with speech-language delays

Researchers are seeking 4- and 5-year-old children with speech-language delays to participate in a study of word learning.

There will be one to two sessions of testing to determine eligibility, followed by six research sessions if eligible. Each research session also includes general language enrichment activities centered on children’s books. Families receive $10 per session and a speech, language and hearing evaluation for their child. These one-hour sessions are scheduled at Purdue in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Lyles-Porter Hall.

The principal investigator is Laurence Leonard, professor of speech, language and hearing sciences. For more information, contact Pat Deevy at 765-496-1821 or deevy@purdue.edu. IRB#: 1603017480  

 

Word learning study for preschool children

Researchers are seeking children to participate in a study of word learning. Children ages 4 to 5 ½ years old are eligible (stated in terms of age in months: 49 months through 70 months).

Families receive $10 per session and a speech, language and hearing evaluation for their child. Six one-hour sessions are scheduled at Purdue in the Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences in Lyles-Porter Hall.

The principal investigator is Laurence Leonard, professor of speech, language and hearing sciences. For more information, contact Pat Deevy at 765-496-1821 or deevy@purdue.edu. IRB#: 1603017480.

 

 

Study on how the brain combines sight and sound for children with language difficulty

Children who have language difficulty are needed for a study on how the brain combines sight and sound.

To participate, children must meet the following criteria:

• 8-12 years old.
• Normal nonverbal intelligence.
• Have difficulty using or understanding language, which may include some of the following: 

• • Small vocabulary.
  • Slow to process written/oral language or have difficulty following instructions.
  • Grammatical errors when speaking (such as sometimes omitting the past tense -ed or the plural -s) 
  • Poor short-term memory for language. 
  • Speak in sentences that are shorter or simpler than typical for their age.
  • May have a diagnosis of learning disability, language delay, or sound processing disorder.

• No neurological disorders such as autism, seizures or cerebral palsy (we can include children with ADHD/ADD).
• Can be either monolingual or bilingual. However, if bilingual, English must be the primary language. 

Children will participate in up to eight research sessions. Each session will last 1.5-2 hours. During the first two sessions, standardized tests will be administered that will evaluate children’s nonverbal intelligence and language skills. During the last six session, children’s brain activity will be recorded with the help of a special cap with built-in electrodes (similar to EEG recordings) while they are doing different tasks. There is no discomfort involved, and the method has been safely used with infants, children and adults. Families can withdraw at any time.

Benefits for families:

• Parents receive a detailed report on hearing and vision screening, nonverbal intelligence and comprehensive language and literacy skills of their child.
• Children are paid $10/hour and receive a small toy for each visit.
• Parents are paid $10/session to help with gas expenses.

For more information or to participate, contact Jennifer Schumaker at jschumak@purdue.edu or 765-494-4445 (leave a message). Learn more about the lab online.

The primary investigator is Natalya Kaganovich, Natalya Kaganovich, associate professor of speech, language and hearing sciences and psychological sciences. IRB#: 0909008484.

  

Study on how the brain combines sight and sound for school-aged children 

School-aged children are needed for the study on how the brain combines sight and sound.

To participate, children must meet the following criteria: 

• 8- to 12-year-old boys and 8-year-old girls.
• Normal nonverbal intelligence.
• Typical language skills.
• Right-handed.
• No neurological disorders such as autism, seizures or cerebral palsy (we can include children with ADHD/ADD).
• Can be either monolingual or bilingual. However, if bilingual, English must be the primary language. 

Children will participate in up to eight research sessions. Each session will last 1.5-2 hours. During the first two sessions, standardized tests will be administered that will evaluate children’s nonverbal intelligence and language skills. During the last six session, children’s brain activity will be recorded with the help of a special cap with built-in electrodes (similar to EEG recordings) while they are doing different tasks. There is no discomfort involved, and the method has been safely used with infants, children and adults. Families can withdraw at any time.

Benefits for families:

• Parents receive a detailed report on hearing and vision screening, nonverbal intelligence and comprehensive language and literacy skills of their child.
• Children are paid $10/hour and receive a small toy for each visit.
• Parents are paid $10/session to help with gas expenses.

For more information or to participate, contact Jennifer Schumaker at jschumak@purdue.edu or 765-494-4445 (leave a message). Learn more about the lab online.

The primary investigator is Natalya Kaganovich, Natalya Kaganovich, associate professor of speech, language and hearing sciences and psychological sciences. IRB#: 0909008484.

 

Study on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and mindfulness activity on cognition

Young adults ages 18-30 are needed to participate in a research study on how cognitive changes occur as a result of HIIT and mindfulness activity. 

Participants will be compensated $45 total for completing the study. Participation requires one visit to the Lambert Fieldhouse. The visit may last 2.5-3 hours, involving questionnaires, computer games, interval 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. Professor Shih-Chun Kao in the Department of Health and Kinesiology is the principal investigator. IRB-2022-1416.

 

Multi-fingerprint data collection

The International Center for Biometric Research is looking for participants to test the performance of multiple fingerprint recognition systems. Outcomes of the study will help in furthering the understanding of the performance and how to improve the fingerprint recognition systems based on the collected data. 
 
Participants should be age 18 and older and know and understand English. The study will consist of one 40-minute lab visit at Young Hall, Room B020. Participants will receive compensation of $20 at the completion of their visit.

Those interested in participating should follow the instructions below:  

1. Sign up by clicking here.

1. Select “Multi-Fingerprint Test.”

1. Pick a day and time that works for you.

1. Fill in the required information.

The principal investigator is Stephen Elliott, head of the Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation. Any questions regarding the study can be addressed to elliott@purdue.edu. IRB-2022-1378.
  

Child-mother storytelling and play study, and child behavior in the preschool

Researchers in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies are seeking families with children between the ages of 40 and 66 months (approximately 3.5-5.5 years) to participate in a study on child-mother interactions and storytelling.

Participation in the study includes two short visits (15 minutes and 10 minutes) in the participant’s home and one laboratory visit on Purdue's campus (90-100 minutes). In addition, mothers will answer some questionnaires. Parents must be 18 years or older to be eligible to participate. A payment of $30 will be given to participating mothers as appreciation for their time.

The principal investigator is German Posada, professor of human development and family studies. Individuals who are interested and/or want more information should contact German Posada at 765-494-1029 or gposada@purdue.edu, Geurim Kim at kim2959@purdue.edu or Muqing Liu at liu2547@purdue.edu or at familyinteractionslab@purdue.edu. Individuals area asked to indicate their child’s name and date of birth, their name, telephone or email, and best time to be contacted. IRB No. 2021-1189.

   

Studies looking for Asian and multiracial individuals and families

Researcher in the Antiracism, Resistance, Identity, Socialization, and Equity (ARISE) Lab study how talking about race, ethnicity and culture impacts identity development and mental health.

Researchers are recruiting:

• 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.

 

Study examining adaptable bimanual grasping behaviors 

Researchers are looking for generally healthy young people ages18-35 for a research study being conducted at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. This study examines bimanual prehensile behavior by measuring the ability of healthy individuals to grasp and move hand-held objects.

Participation requires one visit to the lab for about one hour. The participant will fill out questionnaires, complete tests pertaining to manual function and then perform computer-based tasks in which they track a target on a screen by moving a hand-held object. Participants will receive $15 for completing the study.

If interested, contact the research team at naik20@purdue.edu or call 765-772-8840. The principal investigator for this study is Satyajit Ambike (sambike@purdue.edu), assistant professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. IRB#: IRB-2023-48.

 

 

Skeletal muscle microvascular dysfunction in obesity

Men and women ages 18-40 are sought for a study investigating skeletal muscle blood vessel function in individuals with and without obesity.

This study will involve procedures including blood draw, muscle biopsy and analysis of blood vessel function. Compensation includes $150 payment upon completion of the entire project.

Participants must: 

• Be healthy.
• Be 18-40 years old. 
• Be sedentary (exercise less than three days per week, 20 minutes per day). 
• Have no known cardiovascular or metabolic disease. 
• Be nonsmoking.

The principal investigator is Timothy Gavin, professor of health and kinesiology. To participate, contact Lundon Burton at Purdue’s Wastl Human Performance Laboratory at burto119@purdue.edu. IRB#: 2020-1849.

 

How children think and feel during and after exercise 

Children ages 8-10 are needed for a research study on how children think and feel during and after exercise.

Participation in this study requires two visits on separate days to the Physical Activity and NeuroCognitive Health (PANCH) Laboratory in Lambert Fieldhouse. The first visit may last approximately three hours and involve computer games and a fitness test. The second visit may last about three hours and involve health-related and demographic questionnaires, two sessions of 20-minute aerobic exercise, and recoding of brain waves using techniques such as electroencephalogram (EEG). Participation in this study will be compensated by a maximum total of $100.

Shih-Chun Kao, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology, is the principal investigator. To participate or for more information, email panchlaboratory@purdue.edu or call 765-496-7781. IRB-2021-955.

 

Study on probiotics and lactose intolerance symptoms

The Department of Nutrition Science is conducting a study to see how probiotics impact lactose intolerance symptoms.

Participants must be healthy, nonsmoking, ages 18-65, and not allergic to milk but believe they are lactose intolerant. Other criteria for study participation apply.

This study will consist of a screening day and two testing days approximately 14 days apart. Participants will be required to come to Stone Hall for approximately two consecutive hours on the screening day and eight hours for each testing day.  Participants also will be asked to track any symptoms related to lactose intolerance for two weeks following their last testing day. Participants will receive up to $200 for completing the study.

The principal investigator is Dennis Savaiano, the Virginia C. Meredith Professor of Nutrition Policy. Those interested in participating should contact Anne Wilcox at akwilcox@purdue.edu. IRB# 2021-1099.