Please scroll down to see which opportunities are compatible with your major, field of interest, or future career objectives, then contact Dr. Andreatta to request an interview for the project you are interested in pursuing.
Opportunities below are open to all UK undergraduate majors, not just those in CHS!
Research opportunities offered through the College of Health Sciences Undergraduate Research Program are only available for academic credit.
Title of Opportunity: Discovering Mechanisms of Injury and Recovery in the Lower Extremity (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brian Noehren
Department: Physical Therapy
Position Type: Academic Credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023 and into Spring 2023
Description: Our lab is focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of several common injuries that occur in the lower extremity. We use a variety of methods to answer our research questions, including:
Students working in our lab serve in a variety of capacities, such as observing clinical evaluations, assisting in data collection, and processing data. The undergraduate students working in our lab gain an understanding of anatomy, common clinical assessment techniques, and joint mechanics. Students also have an opportunity to assist physical therapists in research treatment studies ongoing in the laboratory. Students that work in the laboratory for an extended period of time also have the opportunity to present research at national conferences. Leadership opportunities also exist for students who return for a second semester to help train and supervise newer students.
We are looking for 2 students to join our lab who have excellent attention to detail, a strong work ethic, are interested in a future career in the medical field, and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 9-7-23
Title of Opportunity: University of Kentucky Aphasia Lab Research Projects (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Christen Page, PhD, CCC-SLP
Department: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of functional strategies and support services on life participation (how individuals participate in previously enjoyed activities). Using the life participation approach to aphasia (LPAA Project Group, 2001), the University of Kentucky Aphasia Lab aims to provide long-term functional support services for individuals with chronic aphasia and their caregivers (participants). The support services within the Aphasia Lab will provide mechanisms to increase communication opportunities and confidence for individuals with aphasia (communication deficits following a stroke) and awareness of communication competence by their caregivers/co-survivors. With these services, participants will re-engage as active members of a communicating society. Support services will include:
Students who are chosen to participate in this undergraduate research experience will learn research skills through the following tasks:
Dr. Page has multiple years of experience mentoring undergraduate students as they complete research projects. She provides clear instructions with examples/resources and is available and happy to answer any questions that may arise. While this project may require multiple semesters to complete, students could potentially present findings at a state or national conference.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 8/15/23
Title of Opportunity: Acute changes in the brain following exercise sessions (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Matt Hoch, PhD, ATC
Graduate Student: Ke'La Porter, MS, ATC
Department: Athletic Training & Clinical Nutrition and the UK Sports Medicine Research Institute (SMRI)
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: The UK Sports Medicine Research Institute (SMRI) is currently conducting studies involving the addition of perceptual and cognitive challenges (i.e., reaction time, attention, and memory) to movement assessments and exercise programs to improve the overall performance of traditional athletes and those who are in the military, firefighting, and law enforcement. The goal of this research work is to reduce the rate of injury that these groups suffer during competitive athletic events or during the execution of critical field work performed by military personnel, law enforcement and first responders.
As an undergraduate student you will help with data collection and analysis involving novel physical performance assessments and training sessions. Students will gain experience in assessing novel measures of physical performance and cognitive function, instructing participants during data collection, and data management. This opportunity is available for the Fall semester but may be extended longer based on the interest of the student and needs of the research team. No prior experience is required; however, being comfortable using technology is important. Specific training will be provided.
Students selected to participate in this research project will gain experience working as part of a large research team, and potentially gain valuable publication and presentation experience as well.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 8/9/2023
Title of Opportunity: Research at the Center for Telehealth Education, Research, and Outreach (OPEN)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Joneen Lowman, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA-F
Department: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: The Center for Telehealth Education, Research, and Outreach (CTERO) seeks to improve patients’ access to healthcare across the lifespan and settings through telehealth. CTERO believes that e-health is only as strong as the quality of the providers, the evidence supporting the telehealth services, and the relationship with the patient and community. To that end CTERO has multiple research projects looking at provider and patient education, the efficacy of telehealth services, and methods for engaging users.
CTERO seeks to add energetic, forward-thinking, and creative student researchers to our team. Selected students will be assigned to projects that match their interests and skill sets. Projects include but are not limited to developing interactive online learning, transcribing and analyzing interviews and user responses, conducting literature searches, designing evaluation tools, and promoting telehealth best practices via social media channels.
Selected students must be team-oriented, open to learning, think creatively, and be self-motivated. Students will have the opportunity to increase their general knowledge of telehealth and gain experience with various research methodologies including the use of various technologies. Selected students may assist with
• Participant recruitment
• Development of online training
• Organizing and managing data
• Transcribing and analyzing interviews and videos
• Conducting literature searches
• Managing outreach activities
No prior experience is required; however, general comfort in using and learning about technology is preferred. Training will be provided.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 8/4/2023
Title of Opportunity: Older Adults’ Acceptance of Telehealth as a Treatment Modality (OPEN)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Joneen Lowman, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA-F
Department: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: Telehealth uses videoconferencing platforms like Zoom to connect healthcare providers with patients. Many claim that telehealth is the answer to increasing older adults’ access to healthcare. However, the availability of telehealth does not equal acceptance, which is the first step toward actual use. This study sought to validate a tool for measuring older adults acceptance of telehealth. The study’s results can inform how providers make decisions regarding the support and education required to help older adults successfully use telehealth.
As part of the study, we interviewed older adults about their perception of telehealth. We are currently seeking two motivated students to assist with coding the interviews and assisting us in identifying themes. As part of the team, you will learn about telehealth and how patient input can help you deliver quality care as a future provider. Students selected to participate in this research project will gain experience transcribing and analyzing qualitative data, working as part of a research team, and potentially gaining valuable publication and presentation experience as well.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 8/4/2023
Title of Opportunity: mHealth Technology and Invisible Chronic Illness (Interviewing for Spring 2024 start date)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Jami Warren, PhD
Department: Health and Clinical Sciences (HHS, MLS, CLM)
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Interviewing for Spring 2024 start date
Description: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is an invisible chronic illness that affects between 500,000 and 3,000,000 people in the United States annually. Individuals with POTS often experience delays to diagnosis as well as misdiagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Recently, POTS has gained press coverage because symptoms of POTS are being noted among patients who have had COVID-19. In our recent research with POTS patients, mobile and connected health technology (e.g., smartphones wearable sensors) were mentioned as a potential way to help patients decrease their time to diagnosis by providing them with a means to record objective data to give to their physicians. Mobile Health (mHealth)—the use of mobile information and communication technology in improving health--can provide key health information to physicians throughout a patient’s diagnostic journey.
In this phase of our study, we will be utilizing focus group feedback from our previous work to develop and test a mobile health app in a small clinical trial with diagnosis-seeking POTS patients. Our lab needs additional students to begin in January 2024. The student will help with study-related tasks such as communicating with participants, managing online surveys, compiling, and possibly helping to analyze data.
Students selected to participate in this research project will gain experience conducting focus group interviews, transcribing and analyzing qualitative data, working as part of a research team, and potentially gaining valuable publication and presentation experience as well.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 7/17/2023
Title of Opportunity: Patient-Centered Outcomes in the ICU Recovery Clinic (Please email Dr. Andreatta to check for availability)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kirby Mayer
Graduate Student Mentor name (If applicable): Lindsey Jubina
Department: Physical Therapy
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: We are looking for 1-2 undergraduate students to assist with our research initiatives and become an integral part of our research team. The ICU Recovery Clinic at the University of Kentucky Clinic provides care to ICU survivors through an interdisciplinary approach. Students entering any health profession will encounter patients with complex needs and who are ICU and COVID-19 survivors. Our research will allow the undergraduate students to better understand recovery and trajectory of care after hospital discharge. Our lab, REBOUND, has many ongoing research projects that students will have the opportunity to be involved with. We are creating a large data base of all the patients we serve in the clinic for current and future research initiatives.
Participating students will have the opportunity to understand and help with the process of retrospective studies, data analysis, and manuscript creation. We are looking for undergraduate students to assist with data organization and extraction through our electronic medical record system called EPIC. The time requirement for each student will be 3-5 hours per week minimum.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 7/6/2023
Title of Opportunity: Promoting the Health of the Equestrian Athlete Initiative (OPEN)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Kimberly Tumlin, PhD
Department: Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Summer 2023 and Fall 2023
Description: The Equestrian Athlete Initiative in the UK Sports Medicine Research Institute (SMRI) is performing groundbreaking research on equestrian athlete. We are conducting various exercise-based experiments and motion-capture data analysis to promote increased occupational and recreational longevity of athletes in equestrian sports. As an undergraduate research student, you would help conduct surveys, strength, flexibility, body composition, balance, and reaction time tests that are currently part of our experimental procedures. Both field and lab-based opportunities are possible during this project. For any field experiences, you must have your own means of transportation to the off-campus location. Both Summer and Fall 2023 opportunities exist.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 4/24/23
Title of Opportunity: Study, develop and testing of mobile and gaming health technologies to improve the health outcomes of families of critical care patients and cancer patients suffering from cognitive impairment. (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Anthony Faiola
Department: Health and Clinical Sciences (HHS, CLM, MLS)
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: This experience will focus on research projects involved with two digital interventions that support family and patient care.
Student Teamwork: For Project 1, our research team is collaborating on identifying a strategy to study the efficacy of FamCare+ on cancer patient NOK mental health in rural Kentucky, particularly those with socioeconomic disparities. Clinical studies using FamCare+ with families at two Markey Cancer Center Research Network locations is currently in progress and will continue through 2023-24. For Project 2, our research team will continue to test the game in clinics through 2023-24. If clinical patient outcomes prove positive, we intend to convert the game to a virtual reality environment.
Summary of Learning: Students will learn (from both projects): 1) how to coordinate within a research team to perform a range of research duties, 2) how to assist in the testing of the two digital health technologies in the ICU, cancer infusion center, and other healthcare facilities, 3) how to collect data that can validate the use of these new mHealth technology. Students may also be involved with collecting, sorting, and reviewing background literature reviews for research posters and papers submitted for publication.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 8/1/23
Title of Opportunity: Voice and Speech Rehabilitation Research Lab [VSRR] Projects (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Keiko Ishikawa
Department: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023 and possible Summer 2023
Description: The Voice and Speech Rehabilitation Research Lab (VSRR) is in search of highly motivated undergraduate students who wish to participate and be a part of an exciting new opportunity in voice and voice therapy. The VSRR lab is looking for research assistants who are CSD students and who have a strong interest in voice production. Strong preference will be given to students who are rising Juniors.
The VSRR Lab will study how real-world environments can affect a person’s ability to maintain learned voice and speech therapy techniques to ensure positive treatment outcomes. Since this is a new lab, the first group of students selected to participate will be specifically helping Dr. Ishikawa develop her new lab at UK, so flexibility and an interest in helping to set up the new lab are required. In general, students are needed to help in the following VSRR lab activities:
Selected students will have the opportunity to participate in the development of conference presentations and journal publications. No prior experience is needed to participate in this research opportunity. Training will be provided for you.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 3/10/23
Title of Opportunity: Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute: Firefighter Health Research Initiative (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nick Heebner
Graduate Student Mentors: Ms. Jen Tinsley
Department: Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Summer 2023 and Fall 2023
Description: This opportunity will be supporting injury and health research with the Lexington Fire Department. We work with firefighters to improve thier health and wellness throughout their career and conduct research studies to learn more about how we can improve their well-being and reduce the risk of injury and chronic pain. Most of the work will be assisting with data input, data collection, and data processing. The hours will be flexible but a minimum of 5 hours a week is requested. This opportunity is posted for the Spring semester but can be extended longer if the student and research team are interested. Our lab group is looking for at least 2 students to join our team.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 2/28/23
Title of Opportunity: Ankle Sprain Prevention Research Study (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Emily Gabriel, PhD, ATC
Department: Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Summer 2023
Description: Our lab’s research study is centered on determining what motivates individuals with a history of ankle sprain to be compliant with a home injury prevention program. We are also wanting to determine if the injury prevention program improves both self-reported function and measured functions assessed in the lab (strength, range of motion, balance, agility). Students will learn how to assess different measures of function related to the ankle including administering the Y-Balance Test, using an EasyAngle to assess range of motion, and using an EasyForce device to assess strength. Students will gain experience on instructing participants on performing home exercises designed to prevent future ankle sprain injuries. This experience would specifically be impactful for a student wanting to pursue a career in a health profession such as athletic training and physical therapy, but all majors are welcomed to interview.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 1/19/23
Title of Opportunity: Educating Healthcare Providers about the Impact of Disabilities on Care (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Patrick Kitzman, PhD
Department: Physical Therapy
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023 and Spring and Fall 2024
Description: Individuals with disabilities routinely express challenges and barriers to accessing healthcare or being listened to effectively by healthcare workers. Several challenges affecting access include provider knowledge and personal/professional biases about disability. This project will examine what educational experiences exist or don't exist for training healthcare providers to work with individuals with a variety of disability types. We will also directly examine the biases that students in healthcare professional programs bring to their education. The results of this work will lead to the development and testing of new educational materials (multiple mediums) aimed at decreasing biases about disability. Students will assist with literature reviews of biases and stereotypes about disability in healthcare. They will also examine existing training materials and educational offerings provided by national support organizations to assess their quality and usefulness. Students will also assist with developing new educational materials, infographics, and evaluation forms for use in our own research.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 1/18/23
Title of Opportunity: UK Rehab MakerSpace: Joint rehab project between "All About Communication” (AAC) - Research Lab and The Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network (KARRN) (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentors: Drs. Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker, Janine Schmedding-Bartley, Judith L. Page from CSD and Dr. Patrick Kitzman from PT.
Departments: Communication Sciences & Disorders and Physical Therapy
Position Type: Academic credit for Fall and Spring. Volunteering activities are possible for Summer 2022.
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: The All About Communication Research Lab (AAC) (https://www.uky.edu/chs/aac-lab) and the Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network (KARRN) (https://www.uky.edu/chs/karrn) have created a “makerspace” to experiment and create useful rehabilitation/habilitation aids for individuals with a variety of different disorders that affect their quality of life. By sharing ideas, tools, and knowledge, we can improve their participation in life and foster better and greater interaction with their surroundings. Our "makerspace" is an inclusive place to create, build, collaborate, explore, and learn together.
We are looking for students who like to physically create things with their hands and are willing and not afraid to dive in and learn some technical skills including basic electronics, programming, using craft tools, 3-D printing, and learning how real-world signals are converted for use by digital equipment (computers, iPhones, iPads), to name a few. No prior experience is needed to participate in this research opportunity. Training by one of the faculty will be provided for you...or we'll work to together to figure out how to do something!
All participating students must be available on Wednesdays between 3 and 4 pm for in-person and/or on-line Zoom meetings among lab participants. Current makerspace tools and technology include:
Our UK Rehab Makerspace is in search of student research aides to participate in several ongoing as well as developing new projects including:
Prerequisites:
Posted: 1-21-23
Title of Opportunity: "All About Communication” - Research Lab Projects (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Drs. Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker, Janine Schmedding-Bartley, & Judith L. Page
Department: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Position Type: Academic credit only
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: The All About Communication Research Lab (AAC) is comprised of 3 faculty members in the Dept of Communication Sciences & Disorders (Drs. Cooley-Hidecker, Schmedding-Bartley, & Page) who together investigate communication assessments and various treatments for children and adults with complex communication needs.
The AAC Research Lab faculty are in search of several student research aides to assist with the overall work of the lab in several ongoing projects. The undergraduate positions offered by the AAC Lab will provide an opportunity for students to become actively involved in one or more ongoing projects with different combinations of faculty and doctoral students. All students will have an opportunity to assist with a variety of tasks including: application preparation for human subjects approval, transcription of client data, data entry, data cleaning, data coding, data management and library research, research poster preparation and presentation, and lastly material preparation for use in assessments and interventions.
No prior experience is needed to participate in this research opportunity. Training will be provided for you. All participating students must be available on Wednesdays between 2 and 4 pm for on-line Zoom meetings among lab participants.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 1/21/23
Title of Opportunity: Dementia Simulation and Person-Centered Care (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Christen Page, PhD, CCC-SLP
Department: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: Currently, 55 million individuals worldwide live with dementia. This number is expected to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050 (WHO, 2021). Individuals with dementia present cognitive-linguistic deficits in the areas of attention, memory, language (speaking, reading, writing, understanding), and executive functions as well as reduced mobility and sensation (hearing and vision. Speech-language pathologists (SLP) are qualified to provide compensatory strategies to enhance the individual’s independence, and reduce responsive behaviors associated with dementia. Addressing these physical, psychological, and social needs of a person with dementia aligns with person-centered care (PCC). An SLP’s understanding and appreciation of PCC can begin during academic training. A pedagogical approach gaining acceptance in Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) involves simulation-based learning. Simulation provides realistic learning opportunities through interactive, experiential techniques that mimic real-world experiences. The purpose of this study is to describe graduate CSD students’ perceptions of an in-person dementia simulation on future clinical practices in relation to PCC.
Participating in this undergraduate research experience will facilitate your learning of research by completing the following tasks:
Dr. Page has multiple years of experience mentoring undergraduate students as they complete research projects. She provides clear instructions with examples/resources and is available and happy to answer any questions that may arise. While this project may require multiple semesters to complete, students could potentially present findings at a state or national conference.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 11/7/22
Title of Opportunity: COVID-19 influence on student, faculty, and staff anxiety (FULL)
Contact: Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Randa Remer, PhD & Cheryl Vanderford, PA-C
Department: Health and Clinical Sciences
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023
Description: The purpose of our study is to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on student, faculty, and staff anxiety with an aim to identify if specified factors pose a risk for higher anxiety perceived by students, faculty, and staff. Using a data-driven approach, gaps in student support will be identified to inform further actions to enhance student success. Additionally, areas of support will be identified to help faculty and staff who are also experiencing anxiety.
Students interested in this project will assist with one or more of the following activities:
Participating students will learn more about the impact of anxiety on overall health, wellness, and academic outcomes. Further, they will gain experience with conducting research, interpreting results, and participating in poster presentations, speaker presentations, and/or publication of research.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 9-28-22
Title of Opportunity: Mobile Health System to Support Cancer Navigation and Rehab (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Ming-Yuan Chih, PhD
Department: Health and Clinical Sciences
Associated Center: Markey Cancer Center
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: Fall 2023 and Spring 2024
Description: Dr. Ming-Yuan Chih’s mHealth research lab is working to develop and evaluate several mobile technology-based interventions to enhance patient health and improve care. Students who are interested in joining his mHealth research lab will have the opportunity to work on a project designed to improve cancer care navigation and rehab services via mobile technologies (e.g., smartphones or wearables) for underserved patient populations, including those from the Appalachian region of Kentucky. The primary responsibility of the student researcher is to assist Dr. Chih and his team in preparing and executing research activities. Students will assist with patient education, technical support, data collection and analysis. Students will have exposure to mHealth research and acquire skills in patient communication, research methods, and data management. The student researcher will work with Dr. Chih to define the scope of work and the learning objectives for the research experience.
Prerequisites:
Posted: 9-27-22
Title of Opportunity: Recovery of skeletal muscle following ACL injury (FULL)
Contact person: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faulty Mentor: Dr. Christopher Fry
Department: Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: TBA
Description: Our lab is interested in promoting skeletal muscle health and strength. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries result in significant weakness that is not restored with traditional rehabilitation strategies. This weakness prevents a return to sports/activity, increases re-injury rates, and promotes overall poor health outcomes. We have recently shown that ACL injury up-regulates myostatin signaling in quadriceps muscle, which promotes muscle fiber atrophy along with dysregulated activity of other cells residing within muscle (muscle stem cells) to reduce muscle quality through fibrosis. These changes likely promote weakness after ACL injury, and our lab is interested in preventing these molecular changes to improve functional recovery after injury. We have collected clinical muscle samples from patients with ACL tears, and the student will have the opportunity to perform immunohistochemical laboratory techniques on muscle fibers from these human samples to assess molecular and cellular changes to skeletal muscle and how different types of physical therapy may impact muscle health after the injury. We have also developed a mouse model to simulate the clinical condition in which we will probe the mechanistic role of myostatin on muscle adaptations after ACL transection. We will be utilizing multiple transgenic mouse models along with a pharmacological inhibitor or myostatin, and the student will have the opportunity to be involved in immunohistochemical, biochemical, and/or in vivo functional strength experiments using mouse skeletal muscle. Additionally, the student will have the valuable opportunity to be a co-author on a peer reviewed research article.
Prerequisites:
Re-posted: TBA
Title of Opportunity: Emerging Practices in Quality, Safety, and Patient Experience (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Karen Clancy, PhD
Department: Health and Clinical Sciences
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: TBA
Description:
Recent legislative changes have highlighted the need to understand how quality, safety, and patient experiences fit into the mainstream of healthcare management strategies. These factors, combined with the global pandemic response to COVID-19, are influencing the re-design of health delivery organizational frameworks and many healthcare practices. Our research group is seeking student assistance to help us further our research work in these areas.
We are seeking student help to prepare a comprehensive literature review on emerging trends and practices in health care related to quality, safety, and patient experience. Student help in preparation of this review will be invaluable for developing publications and grants that will help further extend the research work performed by our group. Selected students may also have additional opportunities helping support associated faculty and graduate student research as well. Selected students can expect to learn about the research process, the use of research databases, writing skills associated with creating annotated bibliographies, and learn how to produce a literature review. All of these skills are easily translatable to the student’s own academic and clinical work.
Prerequisites:
Posted: TBA
Title of Opportunity: Study of the link between oral/dental diseases and systemic diseases. (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Oelisoa Mireille Andriankaja
College/Department: College of Dentistry
Position Type: Academic credit only
Position Availability: TBA
Description: This research project is entitled "Lipid lowering agents use in periodontitis and diabetes Study (LLIPDS)". This project was originally conducted at the University of Puerto Rico from 2017 to 2020. The study assesses mechanisms that may explain the link between diabetes and gum disease (or periodontal disease) by investigating the relationship between typical cholesterol lowering medications (e.g., statins) and inflammation. Cholesterol-lowering medication use may be associated with reduced occurrence of gum disease among diabetic patients. Findings from this study will be highly relevant for public health given the high prevalence of gum disease among diabetic patients, and would be informative for developing new strategies and treatments to prevent gum disease as well as to help develop new local delivery of the medication to treat the disease in the future.
Students who are selected to participate in this project will contribute to the study and will learn to conduct a literature review, present (poster or oral) his/her work, learn to write and publish a manuscript, and learn to write a new research project. These are important skills for students to develop for future academic and clinical work.
Prerequisites:
Posted: TBA
Title of Opportunity: Understanding the Pathogenesis of Periodontal Disease (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Octavio Gonzalez
Department/College: College of Dentistry
Position Type: Academic credit ONLY
Position Availability: TBA
Description:
Our group is interested in identifying the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, particularly associated with: 1) the role of host-bacteria interactions and 2) the effects of aging on the gingival innate immune responses. These studies seek to identify new molecular pathways that would provide the foundation to prevent/treat periodontal disease, which is still affecting 50% of the US adult population. For this, we use in vitro (cell cultures) and animal models combined with several molecular techniques. Previous undergraduate students have had very productive experiences in our group with the opportunity to present the main findings at local scientific meetings as well as co-authoring publications in top dental and immunological journals.
Prerequisites:
Re-posted: TBA
Title of Opportunity: Sports Medicine Research Institute: Perceptual Cognitive Deficits in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Danielle Torp (Postdoctoral Scholar)
Department: Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: TBA
Description:
The current research opportunity is designed to support current and future studies at the Sports Medicine Research Institute focused on identifying the perceptual and cognitive impact of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries in human participants. Injuries such as these can lead to an inability of individuals to return to activities that the person engaged in previously and may also result in an overall diminished quality of life. Our lab is devoted to uncovering underlying mechanisms that might cause someone to experience negative long-term outcomes after joint injury, specifically ankle sprains.
Students selected to join our lab group will have the opportunity to assist with subject recruitment, data collection, and analysis using methods such as 3D biomechanics (using motion capture), muscle activity (using electromyography), wearable sensors, balance measures, ultrasound, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the development of conference presentations and journal publications.
Prerequisites:
Posted: TBA
Past Research Projects - CLOSED
Title of Opportunity: Muscle Adaptations After Massage (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Esther Dupont-Versteegden
Department: Physical Therapy
Position Type: Academic credit ONLY
Position Availability: TBA
Description: Our laboratory is studying the effect of massage on muscle function and their biological/cellular effects. We use both animals (rats) and humans to test how muscle tissue changes in response to massage as an intervention and as a therapy. We are currently looking at the anabolic effects of massage, but we are also interested in studying the changes in the inflammatory response environment and the changes to the extracellular matrix of the tissue.
Students will participate in the analysis of muscle tissue collected from rats and humans after atrophy and following massage. The student will learn about:the research process in basic science, techniques related to analyzing muscle tissue, muscle biology, and the impact that therapeutic interventions have on the biology of muscle tissues
Prerequisites:
Re-posted: TBA
Title of Opportunity: Analyzing muscle changes in female rats following massage (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Esther Dupont-Versteegden, PhD
Graduate Mentor: Alex Sklivas
Department: Rehab Sciences Doctoral Program
Position Type: Undergraduate academic credit
Position Availability: TBA
Description: Due to the aging population, there is a growing need for discovering different therapeutic methods that may be able to recover some of the lost muscle function and mass following an injury that may leave an individual sedentary. The loss of muscle function due to a lack of use is called disuse atrophy and, in our lab, this is studied using elderly animals (rats) to test different functional and structural muscle changes resulting from conditions that mimic disuse in the human. Previous work from our lab has found that muscle massage may have important therapeutic effects on the muscles of old rats following disuse atrophy of their hind limbs. We are currently working on examining and comparing the sex differences (male vs. female) in animals that may be present during muscle recovery using therapeutic massage.
Our lab is seeking motivated students with an interest in muscle biology and who wish to gain hands-on experience in laboratory skills that are used to study muscle physiology. Students will be assisting in the preparation and analysis of muscle samples taken from treated animals. Students will learn how to cut and collect muscle sections onto slides, how to chemically stain tissue samples for different features of interest, and how to analyze and quantify these findings using software packages. Additionally, this opportunity will familiarize students with how a basic science lab operates, as well as learn how to handle tissue samples, conduct lab tests, and analyze data.
Prerequisites:
Posted: TBA
Title of Opportunity: Building Skills in Nutrient Analysis (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Jean Fry, PhD, RD
Graduate Student Mentor: Brooke Munson, MA, RD
Department: Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition
Position Type: Academic Credit
Position Availability: TBA
Description: Our lab is analyzing dietary data collected in a research study performed by our colleagues. The study investigated how the diabetes drug metformin affects older adults' adaptations to progressive resistance exercise training (PRT). This research found that participants taking metformin do not gain as much skeletal muscle in response to PRT when compared to those taking a placebo. The participants in the study completed 4-day diet records both before and after 14 weeks of PRT. For this current research opportunity, we are interested in taking these participant diet records and discovering whether dietary factors may have affected the participants' response to PRT. We are looking for a student researcher to assist in analyzing these diet records.
Our lab is seeking a motivated student with an interest in nutrition and exercise and who is excited to gain experience in nutrition analyses. By participating in this research, the student can expect to learn how to utilize the gold standard nutrient analysis software, Nutrient Data System for Research (NDSR), and the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) program to calculate the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) from the NDSR data. Students can also expect to gain knowledge about how older adults in the community typically eat and manage their nutrition. We are looking for a student who is available 6-15 hours/week, working 3+ hours on the days that they are scheduled. Students with an interest in continuing past the Fall semester are preferred. If the student performs well during their research experience, this opportunity has the potential to transition to a paid position after the initial semester of work.
Prerequisites:
Posted: TBA
Title of Opportunity: Shoulder Rehabilitation Research Studies (FULL)
Contact: Dr. Richard Andreatta (richard.andreatta@uky.edu)
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Tim Uhl
Departments: Physical Therapy
Position Type: Academic credit
Position Availability: TBA
Description: Our research group is in search of an undergraduate student interested in pursuing a research opportunity to work on experiments related to rehabilitation. Our group has a number of research projects that are combined together in this opportunity that can offer students the ability to analyze data and contribute to the write-up of manuscripts for publication or the development of conference presentations.
The overall project is called SCALPEL – “Surgeons can avoid lasting pain through exercise literacy.” This project was designed to examine exercise interventions for surgeons with neck pain. One of the studies in SCALPEL is a weight-bearing and strengthening experiment in which we are investigating different weight-bearing exercises to strengthen the shoulder musculature of surgeons and help mitigate neck pain during procedures in the operating theater. We are looking for students with good verbal skills, strong writing capabilities, and who have some experience in managing data in Excel and statistical programs.
Prerequisites:
Minimum GPA of 3.2
Availability: In-person preferred but can be performed through Zoom with variable days.
Major in HHS with interest in PT, AT, or Biomedical Engineering.
Students must be detail-oriented, very organized, reliable, and responsive to email.
Students must be willing to take direction and instruction and not be afraid of making mistakes.
Friendly and able to work as part of an interactive and collaborative team.
Posted: TBA
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