Supervising Faculty: Traci Kennedy, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Contact: Traci Kennedy, tmk78@pitt.edu
Area of Research: Clinical Psychology; Developmental Psychology
Description of Research: Several projects at different phases are examining the use of technology to support individuals with ADHD.
1) Symptom Tracking for ADHD in Real Time using Smartphones (START Smart) Study:
This study has concluded, and students have the opportunity to analyze data for their directed research projects. The goal of the START Smart Study was to explore whether smartphones can be used to help young adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their everyday lives by tracking and giving feedback on their behavior. This study enrolled 72 young adults between age 18-21 with ADHD who completed a 3-week daily smartphone symptom tracking intervention. Participants provided pre- and post-intervention data on teir ADHD symptoms, impairment, feasibility of the intervention, and many other domains.
2) Training Inhibitory Control using Personalized Strategies (TIPS) Study:
This study is ongoing. The TIPS study is an extension of START Smart, in which we are testing the addition of personalized strategies provided to young adults aged 18-25 with ADHD throughout their daily lives to help with ADHD symptoms and related behaviors. We have completed pilot phases in which we have designed and refined the intervention, and we are now completing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of about 70 participants who use the intervention or an active control for 4.5 weeks. As in START Smart, participants complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and other measures. We also work closely with a community advisory board to continue working toward improving the intervention. Involvement in this study is entirely virtual.
3) LemurDx: Passively Sensing Hyperactivity using Smartwatches and Machine Learning:
This study will begin recruiting participants in Fall, 2025. This is a collaboration among computer scientists at CMU, psychologists at Pitt, and a software development team at NuRelm, a local company. In this study, we will test LemurDx, a smartwatch app that uses passive sensing to detect heightened hyperactivity, in 100 children aged 5-11 with ADHD. Children will wear the watch during two separate days in the lab (one on medication, one off medication), and for 1 week in their everyday lives. Involvement in this study is mostly in-person.
Duties of Students:
- Participate in virtual and in-person participant visits (e.g., provide instructions for study questionnaire; observe clinical ADHD diagnostic assessments and other interviews; provide supervision to children between lab tasks)
- Help schedule participant visits via email
- Conduct participant eligibility screens by phone
- Support participant recruitment efforts (e.g., facilitate class announcements; post flyers on campus and throughout Pittsburgh)
- Code videos of children’s behavior during lab visits
- Conduct literature reviews
- Code and enter quantitative data
- Transcribe qualitative interviews
- Code qualitative interviews
- Help develop study codebooks
- Program Qualtrics and REDCap measures
- Test and provide feedback on digital intervention and digital surveys
- Attend weekly lab meetings, lab-wide journal club and educational seminars, and relevant didactics offered during the semester (e.g., diversity, equity, inclusion brownbags; departmental talks relevant to our research)
- Develop, conduct, and present directed research project with mentorship
Requirements:
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- 12 credits of Psychology (including current term)
- STAT 0200/1000/1100 Statistics
- PSY 0036 Research Methods Lecture
- PSY 0037 Research Methods Lab
- Students must have some experience working with children in some capacity to be eligible for the LemurDx project.
- Experience with SPSS is preferred, but not required.
- No minimum term commitment required, though at least 2 semesters will typically permit a more enriching research experience
Recruitment Process:
Students will first submit a resume or CV, unofficial transcript, and brief (1-sentence) statement of their interest in my research for their directed research experience. I will meet with students who contact me to describe the research opportunities in my lab, outline expectations, and learn more about the student’s experiences related to research and their interest in my lab. Through this meeting, I will assess the student’s fit with my research lab and my ability to support their goals for directed research.
Students will be enrolled with a rolling acceptance until all spots are filled. In the case that more students simultaneously apply than spots are available, preference will be given to students who have comfort with the research methods and protocol. In line with the YFRP commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, students who demonstrate understanding of the socio-historically based structural disadvantage that affects people of color and/or knowledge of stigma and discrimination against the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ+) community and nerodivergent individuals are preferred.
Terms offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Number of Students: 4
Lab website: http://www.yfrp.pitt.edu/start-smart
To apply: Complete the application located at: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Pmk3VEoWROf8Ts. Once you have completed the application, click this link to email Dr. Kennedy to indicate that you have completed the application.