The RAD Lab conducts research surrounding adolescent depression, mood disorders, self-harm, and suicide. In addition, the lab has a special focus on brain development across adolescence. 

If you are interested in participating in a study or would like more information, please contact us at [email protected]. 

The lab has a number of active studies at any given time. See below for more information about current studies and opportunities:

MIDB Imagination Studio

watercolor artwork with a poem called "the World Inside Me"

Eligibility:

  • 12-17 years of age
  • Depression symptoms

About the Study:

This study explores how engaging in creative activities may be helpful for mental health and wellbeing in adolescents. Study participants will attend weekly art workshops which involves a range of different arts activities and fill out some surveys.

For more information, please visit our page dedicated to the MIDB Imagination Studio Study

Imagination Central

Watercolor art of a neuron

Eligibility:

  • 13-17 years of age

About the Study:

University of Minnesota researchers are studying ways to understand, measure and promote creativity in adolescents. This research study consists of a free weekly arts and science course at the University of Minnesota. Alongside college students, teens will discover and fully express their own imagination through creative arts activities while helping scientists and artists create new ways to measure creativity in the brain. 

For more information, please visit our page dedicated to the Imagination Central Study.

*This study is no longer open to recruitment.

SMARTMind Study

facebook post containing information about the study and a QR code

Eligibility

  • 13-17 years old
  • Diagnosed with ADHD
  • History of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
  • Own a smartphone

About the Study:

The purpose of this study is to investigate how thoughts and feelings interact over time in adolescents with a history of both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and self-injury. Using a smartphone-based app, we will capture in-the-moment thoughts and emotions in adolescents.

For more information, please visit our page dedicated to the SMARTMind Study.

*This study is no longer open to recruitment.