Supervising Faculty: Sarah Pedersen, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology
Contact: Hollis Edvardsson, edvardssonhm@upmc.edu (CREATE Coordinator), cc Sarah Pedersen, pedersensl@upmc.edu
Area of Research: Cannabis and substance use, clinical psychology
Description of Research: The CREATE study recruits young adults 18-25 who use cannabis on a weekly or more basis. This study examines experiences and behaviors through interviews, smart-phone based surveys, and in lab-based visits. Our lab focuses on a community-engaged research approach to examine reasons for using cannabis, type of cannabis use and method of use, experiences while using cannabis, and outcomes of use.
Duties of Students: Students will be involved in study recruitment and screening, data entry, observation of lab-based protocol, learn more about community engaged research, and completion of their individual research project.
Requirements:
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- 12 credits of Psychology (including current term)
- STAT 0200/1000/1100 Statistics
- PSY 0036 Research Methods Lecture
- PSY 0037 Research Methods Lab
- Minimum of 2 credit hours per semester to facilitate training in lab-based protocol
Recruitment Process: All students are asked to submit an unofficial transcript and resume. Meetings with Dr. Pedersen are scheduled for all students who demonstrate academic excellence in psychology coursework and preferentially for those with interest in cannabis and substance use research. During the meeting, Dr. Pedersen introduces herself describing her educational background (research and clinical), provides an overview of the research study aims, the range of student responsibilities, and student expectations with an emphasis on research integrity and professionalism. Students are asked about their experience and comfort working with participants. They are also asked to describe their goals for participation in directed research and how this lab aligns with their future career goals. They are told that they do not have to decide immediately and instead should consider if the lab/project is a good fit for them and respond by e-mail once they have decided. Students will be enrolled with a rolling acceptance until all spots are filled. In the case that more students simultaneously apply than spots are available, preference will be given to students who have comfort with the research methods and protocol. Our lab is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, students who demonstrate understanding of the socio-historically based structural disadvantage that affects people of color and/or knowledge of stigma and discrimination against the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ+) community are preferred.
Terms offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Number of Students: 2
Lab website: http://yfrp.pitt.edu/research/current-studies