Reaction Time Variability Study
The Reaction Time Variability Study, or RTV Study, is a research project that focuses on investigating the brain regions that are involved in children’s attentional abilities and what happens when they are not working as well as they should. The goal of this research is to improve assessment and treatment of common mental health disorders like ADHD.
Participation in research is an educational and fun way to introduce families to the scientific community. My favorite part of my job is getting to know families and being a part of a child’s first experience with the research community. Kids always have a fun time, especially with the MRI portion of the study. They get to pick out a movie to watch, play games, and in the end — receive a picture of their brain in the mail.
Contact: Kisbel Espinal
Cohort Study on HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse in Miami
This study is led by principal investigator Dr. Marianna Baum and supported by a team of master’s and doctoral students. The study builds on the existing Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort turning its focus to liver disease, one of the major causes of mortality in HIV-infected individuals in the United States. To assess for liver fibrosis, we use magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), a novel and noninvasive approach that eliminates the risks commonly associated with invasive procedures such as liver biopsy.
Contact: Leslie Seminario
Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study
The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, or ABCD, is a nation-wide, longitudinal with over 21 sites across the country and over 11,000 participants enrolled. FIU is proud to be one of the 21 sites with a total enrollment of 600+ participants with a high Hispanic population. The study follows participants starting from ages 8 or 9 all the way up to 19 or 20 years old. The purpose of the ABCD study is to see how the brain develops overtime. My job as a research assistant is very rewarding, because I get to watch the participants grow up. The participants love getting their brain scanned and enjoy playing the money game inside the MRI machine. They receive a brand new ABCD t-shirt every MRI year and they most look forward to picking a prize at the end of their appointment.
Contact: Diamela Arencibia Proenza