Communication and Ethnic-Racial Identity

Led by Dr. Jordan Soliz

Project Overview:

A series of interview and survey studies examining (a) identity development for individuals with mixed ethnic-racial backgrounds (e.g., biracial identity) to understand how communication with family, friends, and/or in professional domains are associated with secure identity and well-being, (b) socialization process related to identity and well-being for individuals from minoritized ethnic-racial groups including how these socialization processes buffer against effects of experiencing discrimination and bias, and (c) processes that reduce ethnic-racial bias. Students will have the opportunity to engage in data analysis, reporting findings, and drafting academic manuscripts. Depending on COVID-19 related guidelines, there may be opportunities for data collection via interviews and focus groups. Ideal assistants will have at least one class on quantitative data (i.e., statistical) analysis and familiarity with SPSS or SAS.

Heteroflexibility, Arousal and Substance use Habits (HASH)

Led by Dr. Tierney Lorenz

Project Overview:

This is a pilot study examining sexual arousal and reward processing among heterosexual and sexual minority women. RA duties include running participants through some experimental sessions including collection of heart rate variability via electrocardiography (ECG) and sexual arousal via vaginal photoplethysmography, and behavioral testing of reward processing.

Cycle effects on mood, behaviors, and inflammation in trauma survivors (CyMBIoTS)

Led by Dr. Tierney Lorenz

Project Overview:

This is an study of changes in endocrine and immune response over the menstrual cycle in women with and without history of sexual trauma. RA dutiesTO include: managing recruitment and scheduling, running orientation sessions for participants, picking up saliva samples from participants’ homes, and data entry. You will also have the opportunity to observe and assist with assay of hormones and immune markers in the Salivary Bioscience Core.

COVID-19 in Meatpacking Areas

Led by Dr. Trey Andrews

Project Overview:

This study centers on interviews with Latinx populations in meatpacking areas in Nebraska. We ask them about exposure to COVID, loss of loved ones or fear of losing loved ones due to COVID, mental health, vaccine acceptance, and service access. Students will help assist with interviews and data organization.

Stress and substance use

Led by Dr. Trey Andrews

Project Overview:

This is an NIH-funded study that rigorously examines the role of stress and trauma exposure in substance use. It uses lab-based portions and mobile surveys to understand how physiological stress regulation impacts moment-to-moment experiences of stress. Students will assist with setting up the mobile surveys and responding to participant challenges with surveys.

Immigration trauma

Led by Dr. Trey Andrews

Project Overview:

This study focuses on evaluating immigration itself as a traumatic event. Participants recount their immigration experience while wearing devices that assess heart rate and skin conductance (how sweaty they are). It will link these responses to mental health outcomes. Students will conduct these interviews and assist with data recording. This study will resume in summer 2021 (currently paused due to COVID).