Healthy Volunteer Studies
If you would like to participate in health research as the healthy volunteer, below is a list of studies accepting healthy volunteers.
Baby formula and health
Lead Researcher: Bridget Young
Participation in this study involves one visit that will last for about four hours
at your home or the Strong Memorial Hospital Clinical Research Center. Procedures
include infant glucose test, timed infant urine collection, infant heel pricks, and
infant body size measurements.
View Study Details
COVID-19 Vaccine Studies
Lead Researcher: Ann Falsey
URMC is studying several variations of a COVID-19 vaccine. Compensation: $500-$900.
Participation Requirements: Age 18+; Have not been infected with COVID-19. To volunteer,
take our survey to find out if you qualify: https://redcap.urmc.rochester.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=XHH9MC8RMK
View Study Details
Exercise Intervention for LGBT Cancer Survivors
Lead Researcher: Charles Kamen
The purpose of this study is to test preliminary efficacy, as well as acceptability
and feasibility, of a dyadic exercise intervention, the current study will randomize
LGBT cancer survivors and their non-professional caregivers as dyads to either an
individual or a dyadic Exercise for Cancer Patients (EXCAP) intervention. The primary
outcome assessed will be psychological distress. Analyses will involve pre-post comparisons
of outcomes across the study arms, testing the hypothesis that a 6 week, daily, dyadic
exercise intervention will result in greater improvements in psychological distress
than an individual intervention.
View Study Details
Future Contact Database/Repository for Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Research
Lead Researcher: Jennifer Anolik
Autoimmune diseases affect the immune system and are typically chronic conditions
in which the immune system has an overactive response against substances and tissues
that are normally present in the body. How autoimmunity develops, progresses, induces
immunological abnormalities and leads to disease remains largely unknown, producing
the need for further research. However, because the necessary samples are unique and
somewhat rare, the ability to do research can at times be hindered.
One purpose of this protocol is to establish a database that will serve as both a
contact and research database. Subjects who are currently participating in one of
our studies as well as those who are interested in participating in future research
at the University of Rochester will be consented so that we may store their personal
information in a division database. We will also store data collected during the conduct
of IRB approved studies which reference this protocol.
Healthy controls and individuals with diseases affecting the immune system may be
consented and enrolled into this protocol.
View Study Details
HOPE-Helping Older People Engage
Lead Researcher: Kimberly Van orden
The purpose of this study is to compare two activities — reflecting on one’s past
(called “life review”) and volunteering in the community (“volunteering”). We are
interested in learning how these activities may improve social connectedness and well-being
among adults age 60 and older. Additionally, we may ask questions about social distancing,
so to that end this study is relevant to managing the psychosocial implications of
COVID-19. Volunteering involves participate weekly in a flexible volunteer program
with Lifespan that involves a menu of options including helping at senior centers,
co-leading classes, mentoring/tutoring and many other options. Life review involves
participating in a one-year reminiscence program that is self-guided and involves
completing monthly exercises such as writing about one’s memories.
View Study Details
Improving Well-Being for Older Adult Family Dementia Caregivers
Lead Researcher: Kathi Heffner
The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress
Reduction (MBSR) program and the Living Well (LW) for Dementia Caregivers program,
compared to any usual care, to see if the programs might be associated with better
immune function, physical and emotional health, and well-being.
This study is looking for individuals age 55 and up who are caring for a loved one
(such as a spouse, parent, close friend) who has dementia. Participation includes
attending a weekly small group meeting over eight weeks for one of two study programs
(determined randomly). Both programs address ways of improving physical and emotional
well-being in the context of dementia caregiving.
View Study Details
Observational Study of ICU Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)
Lead Researcher: Anthony Pietropaoli
An observational research study of subjects admitted to the ICU with severe SIRS (and/or
sepsis). For ICU subjects enrolled, the study involves blood and urine testing and
research measurements of blood flow using ultrasound.
At selected time points, healthy subjects will also be recruited as needed for collection
of healthy blood samples for comparison studies.
View Study Details
Ovarian Ultrasound for Healthy Women and Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Lead Researcher: Kathleen Hoeger
This study aims to characterize the affect of age and weight on the size and shape
of ovaries. We will compare ovary size and shape in women of varying ages and body
sizes. You are eligible if you are female, age 18-45. We plan to recruit up to 120
women with regular menstrual cycles and up to 120 women with histories of Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome. This study is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Lujan’s lab
at Cornell University.
View Study Details
Parent and Children Conversations about COVID-19
Lead Researcher: Karl Rosengren
This is a study that will examine conversations parents are having with their children
with respect to the situation caused by COVID-19. Furthermore, we will examine how
stress related to the pandemic influences family dynamics. Rochester area parents
with at least one child ages 3-7 may be eligible to complete this survey. Participants
will fill out a 35-minute online survey. Participants that complete the survey will
be eligible to win a $25 gift card.
View Study Details
Studying Infant Nutrition and Blood Sugar in Breastfed Infants
Lead Researcher: Bridget Young
This study is for pregnant women who plan on breastfeeding their baby for at least
5 months. You and your baby will have two study visits over the first 6 months of
your baby's life at the University of Rochester Medical Center. We will ask for some
blood and some breast milk from you. We will ask for some urine and stool, and a heel
prick from your baby.
View Study Details