Thank you for your interest in our research!
We have several research studies that are currently enrolling participants - particularly families who have at least one family member with a condition like autism, language impairment, or another neurodevelopmental disorder. Initial involvement in our studies can be completed from the comfort of your own home via online surveys!
Please don't hesitate to contact our research team with any questions you may have.
Email: michaelson-lab@uiowa.edu
Phone: (319) 335-8882
Genetics of Neurodevelopmental Conditions (devGenes)
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.
You and your family can join our study today:
- Step 1: Register by going to the following website: https://redcap.link/devGenes.
- 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.).
Research assistant Camilla Strathearn takes vitals on a research study participant.
The Genetics of Language
The study of language genetics needs a rapid, scalable assessment which can detect a wide range of ability levels. We are developing a web-based language screening tool composed of a mixture of established and new assessments with an eye to detecting meaningful variation in the language ability of adults.
Graduate student Lucas Casten presents a research talk on one of our language-related projects.
"The Booth"
Our first deployment of a language assessment or screener was in a soundproof booth in a hospital clinic waiting room. Participants were asked to complete various language performance tasks, such as listing as many words that started with a particular letter and reading as quickly as they could. Individuals also completed a mood survey, allowing us to assess the potential impact of mood on the various language tasks.
Interested in participating?
You can find the Booth on the first floor of the University of Iowa Health Care: Scott Boulevard Clinic.
The Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder
In collaboration with other researchers at the University of Iowa, the Michaelson Lab is aiming to understand the neurobiology of bipolar disorder.
The team's mission is to accelerate the discovery and development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the condition.
Do you have bipolar disorder or another mood disorder and are interested in participating in this research?
Bipolar Disorder: From all Angles
Read more about the interdisciplinary team unraveling the neurobiology of bipolar disorder from multiple angles.