Affiliations: | Race and Ethnic Studies Research Leadership |
Project Leader: | Benjamin Montemayor, Ph.D. bnmontemayor@tamu.edu Health Behavior |
Meeting Times:
|
TBA |
Team Size:
|
3 |
Open Spots: | 0 |
Special Opportunities:
|
Joining The Research on Alcohol, Cannabis, and other Health Behaviors (REACH) Lab offers students more than just a typical research experience; it offers a chance to actively contribute to significant projects and gain recognition for their work. As members of our lab, students don’t just perform routine tasks—they are integral parts of the research process and are credited as such.
Past members of our lab have achieved remarkable accomplishments: presenting their research across Texas and other states, winning monetary prizes during TAMU Research Week for their poster presentations, and contributing to numerous scholarly articles. Additionally, students have opportunities to join the prestigious Aggie Research Program and be selected as Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (which one of my students has been selected for), and more. In the REACH Lab, you’re not just assisting research—you’re driving it forward and building a foundation for a future in scientific inquiry and innovation. |
Team Needs:
|
Literature review skills -Using academic database engines (PubMed, Google Scholar, APA PsycInfo, etc.) -Summarizing key information in articles -Writing scientific/research articles -Conceiving study ideas -Generating/conceptualizing abstractsData collection instrument skills -Creating survey items and/or interview/focus group questions -Using survey platforms to create surveys (Qualtrics, Google Forms, Survey Monkey, etc.) -Pilot testing surveys and interview/focus group guides -Synthesizing feedback from pilot testingGraphic design skills -Graphic design experience requested -Using graphic design websites and platforms to create graphic designs, infographics, flyers, etc. (Canva, Creately, Infogram, VistaCreate, Piktochart, Adobe Design, etc.) Presentation skills (poster’s mainly)Data analysis skills -Comprehending data output findings -Creating a frequency table -Writing results based on data |
Description:
|
Currently, substance misuse and mental health issues are notably prevalent among college students across the U.S., particularly within racial and ethnic minority populations. More specifically, Hispanic college students show high levels of depression and anxiety and are less likely to seek help for these issues, which can adversely affect their health, academic success, and school retention. Our study at Texas A&M, a recognized Hispanic Serving Institution, aims to examine the psychosocial and mental health factors influencing substance use and help-seeking behaviors among Hispanic undergraduates aged 18 to 24. By utilizing a combination of online surveys and in-person interviews, we seek to understand these dynamics better. The findings from this study will be crucial in developing targeted prevention and intervention programs specifically designed to support the wellbeing of this population, thereby boosting students’ health, academic performance, and school retention. |