Project Mentor

Dr. Megan O’Grady
Department of Public Health Sciences

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Drug overdoses are at an all-time high, contributing to over 100,000 deaths per year. Opioids have been a major contributor to these mortality rates. The research assistant will have the opportunity to work at the Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics (CPES) at UConn Health on projects that are evaluating opioid prevention and overdose initiatives across Connecticut. The research assistant will work with the CPES team to examine data, conduct research interviews, and create presentations and reports from evaluation activities.
Project Direction	The Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics (CPES) at UConn Health has 2 federally funded grants to evaluate efforts to improve overdose and opioid misuse prevention activities that will be occurring over the next several years. The summer project contributes to the larger goal of evaluating these activities over several years.
Mentorship and Supervision	Dr. O’Grady or designated research supervisor will meet with the research assistant individually weekly to review progress, provide feedback, and identify learning opportunities. Training will be provided by a mix of reading, online, and in person didactic modalities. In addition, the research assistant will join regular weekly research team meetings in order to review progress and get feedback. Regular interaction via teams, email, and in office check ins will be available.
Student Qualifications	Coursework in statistics, research methods in behavioral sciences, public health, psychology/human behavior, and data visualization is recommended. Student should be interested in substance use/addiction and/or mental health topics. Skills in data collection and analysis are desired. Exposure to data collection and analysis software (e.g., Qualtrics, SPSS/SAS) is recommended.
Summer Schedule Options	Student can work between the hours of 8am-6pm Monday through Friday. A hybrid of working in person and virtually can be arranged depending on current project needs and student preference.
Project Continuation	Fall 2024, Spring 2025
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/HRP24-23. The application deadline is Monday, January 29, 2024.

This application requires a Resume or CV, Cover Letter, Unofficial Transcript, GPA, Science GPA, Statement of Qualifications, Statement of Research Interests, and Statement of Career Interests. References should be available upon request.