Project Background
Our work in the HEART Lab (
https://heartlab.psych.utah.edu/) focuses on the critical role close relationships play in our health and everyday lives. Lifestyle (e.g., physical activity, nutrition) is heavily influenced by our social context, yet few "lifestyle interventions" systematically include close others.
Our team worked closely with a Community Advisory Board of 12 community members with lived and/or professional experience with type 2 diabetes to develop a couple-based lifestyle intervention, PreventT2 Together. In addition to incorporating romantic partners into the intervention, we sought to increase the applicability of the program to a broader range of individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes. We updated examples throughout the program to more accurately represent the diversity of adults in the United States, and increase its emphasis on communities disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (e.g., people of color).
Our on-going 5-year project (2024-2029) examines the efficacy of PreventT2 Together in increasing physical activity among individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes. Starting in early 2025, we will recruit 26-28 couples approximately every 6 months to participate in one of the year-long lifestyle interventions. Couples will be randomly assigned to either participate in PreventT2 Together as a couple, or for partner(s) at high risk for type 2 diabetes to participate in PreventT2 individually. By simultaneously targeting lifestyle and support from romantic partners, we think there is a high likelihood of creating lasting changes in both.
Student Role
The SPUR trainee will contribute to: (1) recruiting participants, (2) screening participants by administering point-of-care a1c tests, (3) initializing and distributing activity monitors for objective assessment of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, & (4) otherwise contributing to data collection and management (e.g., review, entry, cleaning, editing). Although it is recommended that SPUR participants have some exposure to research, it is not required. Previous trainees have come to the HEART Lab with a range of prior experiences, from no research experience to several years of experience. We will work collaboratively with the trainee to set individualized goals to make the experience most beneficial to the student. The trainee will work closely with Dr. Baucom, other trainees in the HEART Lab, and other University of Utah researchers. There may be opportunities to be involved with the Community Advisory Board, which will meet 3 times per year for the duration of the project.
Student Learning Outcomes and Benefits
This SPUR experience has a number of research-related benefits, including development and enhancement of transferable skills related to the research process (e.g., communicating with participants and other research team members, data collection and management). There may be opportunities for involvement with presentations/publications related to the project if that is of interest to the trainee. There may also be the opportunity for continued involvement with the project (several hours/week) in a paid capacity following SPUR. Following SPUR 2024, we hired both of our two trainees to be involved with this project.
This hands-on experience and the skills gained would also increase the competitiveness of the SPUR student's application to graduate school. HEART Lab alumni have gone on to research and applied graduate programs (e.g., Ph.D. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, MD, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master's in Social Work, Physician's Assistant, and other programs), paid research positions in our lab and others, and jobs in psychology-relevant fields. This intensive research experience can help SPUR participant(s) determine their long-term career goals or move a step closer to them through the development of higher-level skills and involvement in more hands-on activities than is typical for an undergraduate student.
Katie Baucom
Assistant Professor
Social & Behavioral Science
Psychology
Consistent with our research focus, we view a strong and supportive student-mentor relationship as essential for professional success. A SPUR student can expect regular contact with Dr. Baucom and the rest of the HEART Lab research team (lab manager, project coordinators, PhD students, and other undergraduate and post-baccalaureate RAs), including daily interactions with team members and contact with Dr. Baucom, the HEART Lab Manager, and the primary PhD student on the project multiple times per week.
An individualized training plan will be developed, and the SPUR trainee will receive intensive training in all aspects of the project with which they will be involved (e.g., survey development and distribution in Qualtrics, data management in SPSS) as well as in general research skills (e.g., project management, organizational skills) and other areas of interest to the trainee. SPUR students will have support from the entire HEART Lab team in achieving their individualized SPUR training goals.
THE HEART LAB
HEalth & Adaptation in Relationships Team
https://heartlab.psych.utah.edu/index.php
Opportunities for Students
Graduate Student opportunities
I am NOT reviewing Clinical area PhD student applications this admissions cycle (i.e., to begin Fall 2024). More information on the program is available here.
RA opportunities
RAs in the HEART Lab are involved with several studies related to relationships and health. Course credit is available for interested U students, but not required. More information is available on my lab website (see "Want to become a Research Assistant at the HEART Lab?").
