OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN VALUABLE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE – BEGINNING FALL SEMESTER 2026
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether an adaptation of a couple-based preventive intervention at the transition to parenthood reduces obesity risk among infants and parents in military families via improved interparental support and coordination around health lifestyle behaviors and parenting.
The Healthy Family Foundations project is seeking perceptive undergraduates to code video interactions with parents and their 6-12 month old babies.
Coders will
- Receive training in coding parent-child interactions.
- Make a commitment of a minimum of 9 hours per week, and for 2 semesters (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027).
- Code cases on a flexible basis that fits your schedule.
- Receive valuable experience for resume and graduate school.
Coders can
- Receive academic credit (HDFS 496 – Independent Study)
- Possibly get paid after first semester
- Get permission to conduct an honors thesis using the data
Contact us now to find out more!
Contact:
Michelle Hostetler,
Assistant Research Professor
mxh14@psu.edu
Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center
BBH Building
General Expectations:
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All research assistants must commit to a minimum of 2 semesters.
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3 credits = about 9 hours per week
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Learn observational coding system and become reliable
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Complete homework on time
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Accurately enter your codes into your data entry spreadsheet
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Attend weekly discussion meetings
Please contact Dr. Michelle Hostetler (mxh14@psu.edu) for questions and for application instructions.