Project Mentor

Dr. Megan O’Grady
Department of Public Health Sciences

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The State of Connecticut has recently legalized recreational cannabis for adults. This change in policy may have impacts on public health, making it imperative that data be monitored and analyzed to study the impacts on youth and adult health across the State. This summer research opportunity will support the Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics at UConn Health in a research project related to cannabis legalization, specifically by contributing to a systematic review and policy analysis of data monitoring for adult cannabis legalization and preparation of a manuscript describing the findings.
Project Direction	The Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics at UConn leads evaluation and research funded by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to understand the implementation and outcomes of substance use prevention initiatives and policies throughout the State, including projects with funding allocated by the federal government to address the opioid epidemic and other substance use. The research opportunity is part of these ongoing research and evaluation projects that are occurring through 2024.
Mentorship and Supervision	The research assistant would receive training on substance use and data related topics through online trainings, readings, and meetings with Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics staff. They would join our regular team meetings that occur weekly, as well as meet weekly individually with the Center coordinator to ensure they are meeting expectations and to support their learning and development. Written and verbal feedback will be provided on work products and the student will have access to all team members for questions and feedback.
Student Qualifications	The applicant should have an interest in public health as it relates to substance use and mental health prevention and programming. The applicant should also have interest in data and its analysis and visualization. Students are recommended to have coursework in statistics, public health, and/or psychology.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 22 to July 28, 2023 Schedule: Hours could be 9am-5pm, 9:30am-5:30pm, or 10am-6pm, Monday through Friday.
Project Continuation	Fall 2023, Spring 2024
Academic Year Time Commitment	3-9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP23-28. The application deadline is Monday, January 30, 2023.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, and an unofficial transcript. References should be available upon request.