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.

Brain Training to Promote Health in Family Dementia Caregivers

Lead Researcher: Kathi Heffner

The purpose of the study is to determine whether two types of in-home “brain-training” programs may have beneficial health effects, including reduced stress and improved immune health, for individuals caring for a loved one (spouse, parent, friend, etc) who has dementia. Participation involves completing one of our brain training programs with the use of a computer at home a few times a week (when convenient for you), over eight weeks. Experience or skill with computers is not necessary. If you do not own a computer, one may be provided for you to use during the program period.

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Collaborating with Caregivers

Lead Researcher: Aparajita Kuriyan

The purpose of this study is to understand the barriers that parents face when they seek mental health care for their children and to think about possible solutions.If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete 1 survey that will take about 10 minutes to complete. The survey is available online.

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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. These 8-week programs typically begin in late August at Monroe Community Hospital.

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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.

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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.

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SUPER-PD: Sensor Use to Monitor Progression and Evaluate Symptoms Remotely in Parkinson’s Disease

Lead Researcher: Earl Dorsey

We are seeking healthy controls and individuals with Parkinson disease over the age of 30. Our study will test and compare multiple technologies, including a smartphone application, wearable sensors, a home monitoring device, and a video tool. Participants will complete 5 in-person visits over the course of about 2 years. They will also choose at least one remote technology to use and perform some activities at home. Participants may be compensated up to $880 throughout the study. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this research, please complete the Contact Form below. We'd love to give you more information!

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The LGBTQI parental experience with newborn nutrition

Lead Researcher: Rita Dadiz

Eligible participants include parents of a newborn child born within the past 1 year from time of recruitment. Parents must have identified as LGBTQI during the birthing and initial newborn hospitalization period. Adopted parents are eligible if they were involved in the birthing process. Parents must be at least 18 years old. The study includes two brief surveys which can be done online or on paper and a 60-90 minute interview done either in person or through video conferencing. A $50 prepaid Visa gift card will be provided for taking part in this study (one per family).

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