Project Description: STRONG Kids 2  

This transdisciplinary project will provide unique insights into how individual biology interacts with the family environment to promote healthy eating habits in young children. It is one of the first studies to take a longitudinal look at the interaction between biological and environmental factors in predicting eating habits, including milk and dairy consumption, from birth. The project is supported by the National Dairy Council with a $3M grant over 12 years.

The study sample includes over 400 infants and their families located in small urban communities in central Illinois. Biological samples and height and weight measurements from infants and toddlers are collected at 6 weeks, 3, 12, 18, 24, 36 months and 4, 5, 6, and 7 years. Mothers are surveyed about weaning, dietary habits, household routines, children’s emotions, feeding styles, and milk and dairy consumption. Additional measures such as maternal height and weight are also being collected.

The project is part of the larger STRONG Kids Program based at the Family Resiliency Center and housed in Doris Kelley Christopher Hall.  STRONG Kids 2 is built upon previous research with preschool aged children, documenting the relationship among genetic, child, and family factors in predicting BMI and dietary habits.    

Job Description:   

As a research assistant with the STRONG Kids 2 study, you will play an integral role in the study’s participant data collection as well as in data entry.

This position will be part-time, for up to 10 hours a week. This position offers an hourly rate of $13 an hour.

The job responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:   

  • Conducting home visits with a fellow research assistant
    • Travelling to participant’s homes (up to a 90 min drive) to collect data   
    • Data collection: using a bio-electric impedance scale, measuring height and weight for mom and child, running a veggie meter analysis, conducting a pantry inventory, and picking up a stool and saliva sample.  
  • Data entry   
    • Entering participant survey responses and anthropometric data  
  • Participant communication   
    • Calling and emailing participants regarding their home visits, surveys, or other questions related to the study  
  • Stool kit and saliva kit distribution and sample collection  
    • Creating stool kits/saliva kits and dropping them off at the post office   
    • Collecting stool and saliva samples from participant homes and dropping them off at Bevier Hall  
  • Other office tasks and projects as assigned  

Anticipated Start Dates:

  • Summer 2023 Position: Monday, May 15th, 2023 
  • Fall 2023/Spring 2024 Position: Monday August 21st , 2023

 Requirements:   

  • Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and must have a car on campus to drive to and from home visits.   
  • Applicants must be available to be scheduled for at least 2 of the 3 following shifts:   
    • Tuesdays 4-7 pm  
    • Wednesdays 5-8 pm  
    • Thursdays 4-7 pm  
  • Applicants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19  

Skills:  

  • Attention to detail  
  • Strong interpersonal skills  
  • Comfortable working with young children  

To apply: