Discover our Fascinating Research Studies
We have many ongoing projects that are actively recruiting participants. All provide compensation for your time. If there is a study that interests you, please register your contact information, and we will get in touch with you.
Thank you so much for your interest!
Prenatal Exposure and Child Brain and Mental Health (PEACH)
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol (PAE), and affects 4% of individuals in Canada. Key features of FASD are learning, growth and behaviour problems, and most people with FASD (>90%) also have mental health problems. Depression and anxiety are among the most common. However, treatments for depression and anxiety are much less likely to be effective in individuals with PAE. This is, in part, because we do not understand the brain differences in youth PAE, and how these underlie mental health difficulties. A better knowledge of brain development in children and youth with PAE, and how brain features are related to mental health symptoms, would enable us to target treatments to the right time, place, and individual.
Gift card compensation given at all time points!
*We are also recruiting control participants with no alcohol exposure.
IMmune system and Microbiome changes: Understanding alterations in NEurodevelopmental conditions to improve Health and Emotional Regulation Outcomes in children (IMMUNE HERO)
The importance of the gut microbiome to overall health and development has become increasingly evident, however, little, research has been done to examine the effects of prenatal exposure on this system. The IMMUNE-HERO [IMmune system and Microbiome changes: Understanding alterations in NEurodevelopmental (IMMUNE) conditions to improve Health and Emotional Regulation Outcomes in children (HERO)] study goal is to better understand whole-body health in children with the aim to better explore the interconnection of the gut microbiome, immune system, and cardiac health in relation to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder with a special focus on youth mental health. Better understanding FASD and ASD from a whole-body perspective could lead to new approaches in health care for these individuals.
Gift card compensation given!
Impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on adult health outcomes
We're studying how prenatal alcohol exposure affects health long-term, especially in adulthood. While it is known that drinking during pregnancy can impact childhood development, we want to understand its effects on the immune system, metabolism, aging, and brain function later in life. Our goal is to provide insights that help professionals support adults with prenatal alcohol exposure through better medical and social services.
Gift card compensation given!
