Research Opportunities

PROJECT SUMMARY: The purpose of this multi-site clinical trial is to compare the cost-effectiveness of two combined pharmacologic and behavioral smoking cessation treatments for smokers newly diagnosed with cancer. TREND Research Scholars have opportunity for exposure to behavioral intervention trial methodology and may assist with literature reviews, survey data collection, patient interviews, data analyses and dissemination of study findings.

LOCATION: MSK

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jamie Ostroff, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: The purpose of this multi-site cluster randomized clinical trial is to examine the effectiveness of three systems-level change strategies: (1. staff training and clinical reminders, 2. provider feedback and 3. pay-for- performance) for improving implementation of tobacco dependence treatment in dental care settings serving low income smokers. TREND Research Scholars have opportunity for exposure to dissemination and implementation science, behavioral intervention trial methodology and may assist with literature reviews, patient exit interviews, data analyses and dissemination of study findings.

LOCATION: MSK

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jamie Ostroff, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: The purpose of this multi-site clinical trial is to compare the cost-effectiveness of two combined pharmacologic and behavioral smoking cessation treatments for smokers newly diagnosed with cancer. TREND Research Scholars have opportunity for exposure to behavioral intervention trial methodology and may assist with literature reviews, survey data collection, patient interviews, data analyses and dissemination of study findings.

LOCATION: MSK

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jamie Ostroff, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: The purpose of this of this community-engaged study is to identify potential patient, provider and systems-level barriers and prevent disparities associated with implementing lung cancer screening and tobacco treatment in ethnically and racially diverse adult smokers at risk for lung cancer. TREND Scholars have opportunity for gaining exposure to dissemination and implementation research, systematic review methodology and may assist with coding focus group interviews, literature reviews, survey data collection, data analyses and dissemination of study findings.

LOCATION: MSK

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jamie Ostroff, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: The purpose of this pilot study is to test the feasibility and promise of an interactive game intervention designed to help smokers rehearse effective coping strategies, increase quitting self efficacy and decrease relapse to smoking among hospitalized cancer patients. TREND Research Scholars have opportunity for gaining exposure to games for health promotion research and may assist with coding focus group interviews, literature reviews, survey data collection, data analyses and dissemination of study findings.

LOCATION: MSK

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jamie Ostroff, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: This study will build upon prior work to develop and collect pilot data on a narrative intervention to promote cancer prevention and control of head and neck cancer. A qualitative analysis of head and neck cancer survivor stories will be conducted. TREND Research Scholars would gain exposure to health communication research and may assist in qualitative coding of illness narratives, thematic analysis, literature reviews and dissemination of study findings.

LOCATION: MSK

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Smita Banerjee, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: This project is investigating the effects of post-diagnosis smoking on bladder cancer recurrence. We are recruiting 600 bladder cancer patients and obtaining urine and saliva specimens from them at three time points during their care to see if exposure to nicotine after diagnosis affects their risk of recurrence. TREND Research Scholars will learn basic epidemiology concepts, patient recruitment, data collection, basic statistical concepts, and how to biochemically verify recent nicotine exposure.  This study is funded by the American Cancer Society.

LOCATION: MSK

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Helena Furberg, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: Tobacco use is a leading contributor to racial and socioeconomic health disparities in the US primarily due to an unequal burden of tobacco-related disease from a disproportionate share of smokers in lower socioeconomic (SES) and African American groups. Unlike many other health risk behaviors, tobacco-related health disparities are increasing despite a large treatment network of free telephone and in-person counseling services, in part due to the significant disparities in treatment outcomes. The goal of this project is to revise the standard treatment for tobacco dependence to address key factors associated with treatment outcome disparities and more fully meet the needs of lower SES and African American smokers thereby reducing disparities in tobacco dependence treatment outcomes, the alarming increase in tobacco-related health disparities, a leading cause of racial and socioeconomic health disparities in the US. TREND Research Scholars may assist with data analysis, interpretation of results, literature reviews; prepare tables, graphs, and written reports summarizing research results. Opportunity to work as a member of a team in a research field.
LOCATION: CCNY

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Christine Sheffer, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: Many smokers make multiple quit attempts, but most reverse this decision and relapse to smoking again within one year. This project seeks to improve the knowledge of these decision making processes and potentially improve the treatment of tobacco dependence by examining the feasibility of using a brain stimulation technique, rTMS, to improve the efficacy of a brief treatment for tobacco dependence. Exposure to outcome assessment follow up, patient interviews and baseline assessment, data collection and data analysis. TREND Research Scholars will assist in conducting research including recruitment and/or interviewing subjects. Opportunity to analyze, interpret and document research findings. Learn how to work as a member of a team and assist with literature reviews.
LOCATION: CCNY

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Christine Sheffer, Ph.D

PROJECT SUMMARY: An opportunity is available in the laboratory of Prof. Levitt to study the effects of early postnatal experience on brain development; this will lead to better understanding of why certain individuals could be more susceptible to tobacco use, or resistant to interventions to quit. TREND Research Scholars will learn basic histological techniques, immuno- and histochemistry, and microscopy.

LOCATION: CCNY

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jonathan Levitt, Ph.D