Research Participants Needed

Researchers at The University of Alabama seek participants in studies. Brief descriptions of active projects in need of volunteers are provided along with contact information.

UA Study Seeks African American Adults for MRI Research

Psychology researchers seek participants who identify as African Americans aged 50-65 for a study on how stress and other lifestyle factors can protect mental and brain health. Results can help in understanding risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other difficult situations. All information collected will be kept confidential. The study involves two visits lasting 2-3 hours each, with one involving an MRI. Participants will receive $75 for completion. For more information, email Dr. Ian McDonough at mac2research@ua.edu or leave a voicemail at 205-348-2808.

Children, Young Adults Needed for Research Studies

Researchers with the Center for Youth Development and Intervention at The University of Alabama are conducting several research studies seeking child, teen and young adult participants. They include:

Study on link between emotions and facial expressions

Children ages 6-11 are needed for a study on how they understand emotions through facial expression. Participation includes one study session at UA for about 3 hours along with computer tasks completed by children and a questionnaire completed by parents and children. Families can earn $85 for completing the study. For eligibility, contact cydi@ua.edu or call 205-348-3534.

Clinical trial for children 6-11 with behavior issues

One study evaluates a new computerized treatment for children ages 6-11 with certain difficulties, including low empathy or concern for others, which can put them at risk for developing behavioral problems. The therapy is called FAST: Facial Affect Sensitivity Training for Young Children. Participants will be randomized to either receive therapy or placed in a no-treatment control group. The program is free. Families will be paid up to $300 for finishing the study in either group. Children will earn small toys and a total of $40. For more information, contact coordinator Nicole Powell at cydi@ua.edu

Nutrition Researchers Seek Volunteers

Researchers in the UA Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management seek volunteers ages 22-45 for a study to compare different methods of estimating body composition, which is the percent of body fat and fat-free mass. Participation requires one visit lasting about an hour to the Human Nutrition Metabolism Laboratory in Russell Hall. Participants will receive results of the testing. For more information, contact Sorour Sarihi at ssarihi@crimson.ua.edu, Dylis-Judith Mensah at dfmensah@crimson.ua.edu or call 1-844-348-7057.

Sleep Study Seeks Participants

African American and white adults ages 40 to 70 are needed to participate in a sleep research study within the UA Department of Psychology. Each person will come to the campus sleep laboratory for 2.5 to 3 hours, and then be sent home with a sleep monitor. After one week, participants will return the monitor to receive a personalized sleep report. Participants can be paid up to $75. For more information visit the Capstone Sleep Lab or email capstonesleeplab@gmail.com. 

Study Seeks Adults with Autism

Adults with autism will receive a $25 Visa gift card for participating in a study on the relationship between autism and competency to stand trial in court. Participants choose a time for a session lasting between 45-90 minutes conducted over Zoom. The researcher will show brief video clips, read short stories and ask questions about hypothetical scenarios. No previous legal experience or knowledge is expected. For more information, contact jkhayes2@crimson.ua.edu.

Teens and Parents Needed for Study

The UA Department of Psychology seeks teenagers aged 13-15 with behavioral or emotional issues and a parent to participate in a free screening. About an hour will required to come to campus for questionnaires and role-play activities that examine personality and behavior, receiving feedback on whether the teen should receive formal diagnostic testing as well as resources to seek out testing. For completion, families will receive $40, split between the teen and parents, and be entered into a drawing for one of three Amazon gift cards valued at $100, $75 and $25. For eligibility requirements, please provide information online or contact researchers at 205-614–3378, PASBAstudy@gmail.com or visit Dr. Randall Salekin’s lab website.

Children Needed for Reading Study

A study investigating difficulties in reading comprehension in autistic children needs autistic children and typically-developing children ages 7-13 to investigate brain structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, technology. Participation involves about 3-4 hours of testing outside the scanner with breaks in between sections and an hour-and-a-half fMRI scan. Participants can be compensated up to $125 for the first scan and tests with an additional $125 for the follow-up scan and tests, 12 weeks later. If interested, please call 205-202-0616, email cbralab@ua.edu or fill out a form on study’s webpage at cbra.ua.edu/brainread.html.

Study of transition support program seeks young people with autism spectrum disorder

People with autism spectrum disorder aged 16-25 and a parent or informant are needed for an up to 18-week study testing the impact of the Stepped Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Education Success program, which is designed to support transition to growing independence among autistic adolescents and young adults. STEPS is highly individualized to meet the unique needs of each person. If found eligible, the individual would be randomly assigned to get either STEPS or community-based services. Participants can earn up to $240 for completion of study requirements. Contact abmcclain@ua.edu if interested or visit its webpage.

Postmenopausal Women Needed for Study on Cardiometabolic Health

Postmenopausal women aged 55 to 69 are needed for a study evaluating the influence of spices and yogurt on gut microbiota composition and measures of cardiometabolic health. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in the maintenance of health and well-being, and the diet is among one of its strongest influencers. Participants cannot smoke or have cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders or liver disease. Participants will be compensated up to $250 for completion of the study visits. For more information, email Katelyn Senkus at kesenkus@crimson.ua.edu or Dr. Kristi Crowe-White at kcrowe@ches.ua.edu.

Institute for Rural Health Research Seeks Participants for National Research Study

“All of Us,” the largest and most diverse health research program funded by the National Institutes for Health, needs participants to provide health information so researchers can learn more about community health. Managed locally by the Institute for Rural Health Research, the research program provides a $25 gift card after completing the enrollment journey. To learn more about the program, please call 205-348-6991, email at allofus@ua.edu or visit joinallofus.org/uamedcenter. 

UA Study Seeks Older Adults for Virtual Maze Test

Adults aged 60 or older with no history of neurological disease are needed for UA research into detection of early signs of cognitive decline. Participants are asked to complete two 90-minute visits that measures spatial navigation skills through a virtual reality floor maze. Participant can receive up to $100 for completing the study. For more information, contact Dr. Dario Martelli at dmartelli@ua.edu or Dr. Ian McDonough, immcdonough@ua.edu.

Sleep Study Seeks Participants

A study led by health science researchers seek participants for a one-week sleep study that investigates the relationship between body composition and sleep and their role in developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Study include collection of health data in the lab and a sleep study and assessment with provided Fitbits at home. Study participants will receive a $200 gift card and results from all cardiovascular and metabolic tests conducted. For more information on the study and to sign up, visit uasleepstudy.com.

Study on Oral Microbiome’s Connection to Vascular Health Needs Middle-Aged Men

Researchers in the UA Department of Human Nutrition need males age 40 to 60 for a research study to evaluate the relationship between the oral microbiome and blood pressure. The research will characterize the oral microbiome among individuals with different blood pressure classifications and determine dietary habits that support a healthy oral microbiome. Participants will attend a one-hour clinic visit in Russell Hall for a vascular assessment, blood and saliva sample, and a dietary questionnaire. Participants may qualify if they do not have cardiovascular or periodontal disease. Compensation includes $10 and information about current cardiovascular health. If interested in participating or obtaining more information, contact Katelyn Senkus at kesenkus@crimson.ua.edu.

African American Participants Needed for Study on Stress and Health

Participants are needed for a research study from the UA Department of Psychology. Those eligible will wear a blood pressure cuff while completing brief, anonymous questionnaires that assess social interactions, stress and blood pressure on a cell phone for four days. An initial, hour-long visit with researchers is required. Participants will receive $100 for completing the study. Participants must be aged 35-70. People are not eligible if they have Stage 2 hypertension or a resting blood pressure greater 160/100 mmHg, frequent illicit drug use, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, permanent neurological deficit, shift work schedule, or current pregnancy. To find out if you’re eligible and let us know you’re interested, please complete this survey. For more information, contact herdlab3@gmail.com or 205-578-8542.

Teens, Caregivers Wanted for Sleep Study

To learn more about the sleep health of high school students, researchers in the UA Department of Psychology seek participants aged 14-17 along with their families for the Teen Sleep Health Study. This study can be completed via mail or online from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Adolescents who complete both parts of the study can receive up to $63, and their parent can receive up to $48. Those interested in participating and learning more can email the researchers at sleephealth@ua.edu as well as call or text at 205-523-5520.