• You are exceptional! Tell us why

Your mental health, talents, and abilities are all connected. Join this research and make a difference by helping us understand how the brain impacts quality of life.

 

  • This research is helping us answer some important questions about how the human brain develops and functions, while also helping us better understand the needs and challenges related to mental health and how to best cultivate strengths.
  • We want everyone to participate, especially if you have a diagnosis related to mental health.
  • Both talent and mental illness are known to run in families. Because of this, we’re eager to have your family members participate as well.
  • To help us understand how genes play a role in mental illness, talents, and abilities, we will ask you to contribute your DNA (e.g. a saliva sample).
  • Depending on the results of your participation, you may be invited to participate in an MRI scan. This will help us learn more about how brain structure and function contribute to mental health and cognitive ability. If the scan is successful, we will make a 3D print of your brain as a token of our gratitude for your participation.

Me?

How to qualify for our brain research:

  • Have a brain! We are seeking individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to participate in our study.
  • If you have a diagnosis related to mental health, we’re especially eager to have you participate.

 

What's Involved?

 

 

You and your family can join our study today:

  • Step 1: Register by clicking the “Enroll Today” button on this page.
  • Step 2: Share your unique perspective on your mental health, personality, and activities through online surveys.
  • Step 3: Give a DNA sample (e.g. saliva sample). We’ll send you a kit in the mail. 
  • Additional steps (optional): Complete an interview and some assessments and games. You may also be asked to participate in an IQ test and an MRI session (brain scan). These additional steps bring additional compensation (e.g. gift cards, payment by check, etc.).  

Compensation:

  • $20 e-gift card for completing the online surveys and returning a completed DNA kit
  • $20 e-gift card for participating in the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test)
  • $50 e-gift card for participating in a data collection session at the Michaelson lab + an IQ test
  • $95 check for participating in an MRI scan (and potentially, a 3D printed model of your brain)

 

Join now!

To participate in the study, please click the “Enroll Today” button below to learn more and provide consent, after which you will be able to access our online surveys.

If you have additional questions, please contact our team at michaelson-lab@uiowa.edu or (319) 335-8882. We’re happy to help!

 

Your privacy is important to us

  • An independent ethics panel supervises all aspects of our research
  • Identifiable information is replaced with a code, and only qualified researchers will be able to access any de-identified information
  • Personal information is stored in a secure, encrypted, password- protected database and will never be shared with third parties
  • We will never publish research or media articles that identify anyone without that person’s expressed permission

 

 

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa- sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact a research team member of the Michaelson lab at the UI Carver College of Medicine in advance at (319) 335-8882 or michaelson-lab@uiowa.edu.

 

 
 
This project is being conducted by the University of Iowa Michaelson Lab in collaboration with the Iowa Neuroscience Institute and the Belin-Blank Honors Center.