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.
Aging and Information Processing
Lead Researcher: Robert Chapman
The purpose of our study is to better understand functional differences in brain activity
between healthy aging and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's Disease.
To do this, our lab uses a noninvasive and inexpensive technique to collect brain
measurements called electroencephalogram (EEG). By recording EEG while participants
do certain memory and other cognitive tests, we can link specific brain signals by
brain location and time to cognitive activities (such as trying to memorize a stimulus).
We collect the EEG, as well as traditional pen-and-paper cognitive test results, from
participants every year. Using these brain measurements, we aim to discover differences
between the healthy aging brain and brains struck by age-related cognitive disorders.
Combining different brain measures together may help us develop better tests for these
disorders.
View Study Details
An EEG Study of Auditory Perception in People with and without Schizophrenia
Lead Researcher: Judy Thompson
The purpose of our study is to better understand how the brain processes sounds, including
speech. We are investigating this in people with and without psychiatric conditions.
One of our primary aims is to determine how these processes may relate to specific
experiences and symptoms in conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder,
and schizophreniform disorder, with the goal of using this knowledge to develop more
effective treatments. In order to study how the brain processes sounds, we use a technique
called electroencephalography, or EEG. For EEG, a person wears a comfortable elastic
cap with sensors attached to it that are able to record brain activity. In these sessions,
subjects listen to short audio clips while EEG is recording; this allows us to measure
brain responses to sounds. This study also includes interviews about current and past
psychiatric symptoms and treatment, as well as a few short tasks, questionnaires,
and a hearing test. The study typically involves 3-4 visits, with each about 2-3 hours
long. Subjects are paid $30 an hour, as well as a $30 bonus if they complete all study
activities. Transportation costs are also covered, and free snacks are provided.
View Study Details
BEGIN - A Breastfeeding Study
Lead Researcher: Bridget Young
This study will enroll 120 breastfeeding mothers into a study that lasts between 1-4
months postpartum. Mothers will collect a small breast milk sample very single day
and store it in their freezer for researchers. They will also collect samples from
their infant including urine and stool from the diaper. All sample collections are
done in the home.
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
Ethnic Differences in Iron Absorption (FeGenes)
Lead Researcher: Eva Pressman
Iron is a very important nutrient in our diet. Many individuals do not have enough
iron and can develop anemia, while other individuals are at an increased risk of accumulating
excess iron in their bodies.
This study aims to: (1) investigate population differences in iron absorption between
East Asian and Northern European adults, (2) assess hormonal and biochemical determinants
of iron absorption between East Asian and Northern European adults, and (3) investigate
genetic contributions to iron absorption, iron status and iron regulatory hormones
between East Asian and Northern European adults.
View Study Details
FLIGHT - Family Dynamics
Lead Researcher: Melissa Sturge-apple
This study examines family dynamics and how they may impact childhood development.
We are seeking participation from parents and their child (between the ages of 6-9
years old). Participants will complete computer games, have discussions with each
other, and will be compensated for their time. For the first visit, a full-family
(mom, dad, child) will be paid $250 and the child will be given a toy. For a family
to qualify for this study, 1) parents need to have been living together as a couple
with their child for at least one year; 2) parents need to be the biological parent
of the child; 3) the child needs to be 6-8 years old at the first visit.
View Study Details
Hearing Study: Sensitivity to Features of Speech Sounds
Lead Researcher: Laurel Carney
The purpose of this study is to better understand the sensitivity of listeners to
the fast changes in frequency or amplitude of sounds that occur in speech. The investigators
are studying ways to manipulate these aspects of sounds in an effort to make speech
sounds more clear. We are recruiting listeners with either normal hearing or hearing
loss. All listeners will have their hearing tested at the beginning of the study.
View Study Details
Nicotine Vapor Sensory Study
Lead Researcher: Deborah Ossip
This study aims to develop reliable and valid measures of sensory experiences that
are unique to e-cigarette use. In particular, we are interested in the experience
commonly described as a "throat hit," which is a function of the type/concentration
of nicotine and the carrier liquid. Participants will vape e-liquids we provide and
answer questionnaires - all over Zoom. To be included in this study, participants
must meet the following criteria: 1) Age 21-55; 2) Current daily vapers of products
containing nicotine; 3) Not using other tobacco products; 4) No taste or smell deficits
including from allergies (specifically active, untreated, seasonal allergies that
would interfere with smell or taste procedures); 5) Access to video-conference or
telephone
View Study Details
Roc Romantic Relationships Study
Lead Researcher: Bonnie Le
The study will look at how different types of communication and emotional expressions
impact relationships dynamics in a four-part study including 1) an online starter
survey, 2) an in-lab social interaction held on-campus at the University of Rochester,
3) a two-week daily experience survey, and 4) a follow-up survey three months later.
View Study Details
Wisdom Tooth Study
Lead Researcher: Hans Malmstrom
If you take part in the research, you will be asked to complete several questionnaires,
to take a pain medication that's provided, and you will be asked to wear an activity
monitor for 72 hours. It will take about 15 minutes during your surgery visit and
post-operative visit to complete questionnaires. During the post-operative period
you will receive electronic messages (via text or email) in the morning and evening.
The messages will ask you to complete an eDiary on your smartphone to record pain
levels, which will take about 2-3 minutes for each entry. Participants must be age
18+, have at least one wisdom tooth impacted in the lower jaw, and be in generally
good health and able to take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and
hydrocodone.
View Study Details