Research

The Minority Stress & Trauma (MST) Lab at the University of Rhode Island is currently recruiting participants for two paid research studies focused on improving mental and behavioral health care for LGBTQ+ communities.

Our studies center LGBTQ+ people’s lived experiences, including trauma, stress, coping, alcohol use, and mental health. All projects are approved by the University of Rhode Island Institutional Review Board.

You may be eligible for one or more of the studies below.

Project DAWN

For LGBTQ+ adults interested in a longer research study including surveys and a lab visit

Project DAWN examines how trauma, stress, and coping show up in daily life and in the body. This study includes surveys, Zoom visits, and an in-person lab session at our Providence, RI location.

What’s involved:

  • Eligibility screener
  • Extended Zoom assessment
  • Online survey
  • In-person lab visit in Providence, RI
  • Brief daily surveys for 23 days
  • Eligibility screener
  • Time commitment: ~10–17 hours over 5–7 weeks
  • Compensation: Up to $235 in Amazon gift cards (with bonuses)

Why participate?

Your voice helps shape more supportive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive mental health tools for LGBTQ+ communities. Our goal is to use this research to improve access to care and develop interventions that reflect real needs and lived experiences.

Participation is voluntary, confidential, and you may stop at any time.

📧 Questions?

If you’re interested or want to learn more, please contact:

Minority Stress & Trauma Lab
📩 mstlab-group@uri.edu

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Jillian Scheer
📩 jillian.scheer@uri.edu