Healthy Lifestyles for Bipolar Disorder
Sheri Johnson, Professor
Psychology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2025 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2025.
This project explores how specific dietary interventions—time-restricted eating and the Mediterranean diet—impact symptoms and quality of life in individuals with bipolar disorder. By examining the relationship between eating patterns and mood regulation, the study aims to identify potential lifestyle-based approaches to improve mental health outcomes.
Role: The undergraduate research assistant will support participant recruitment by reaching out to mental health organizations, clinics, hospitals, and providers both locally and internationally. Tasks include creating and distributing recruitment materials, managing social media posts, and attending community events to raise study awareness. The assistant will also help train participants in self-administered data collection and assist with data management and quality control.
Through this role, the student will gain practical experience in research recruitment and outreach strategies, data collection methods, and ethical conduct in human subjects research. Additionally, they will develop communication, organizational, and teamwork skills while contributing to a clinical research study on bipolar disorder and dietary interventions.
Qualifications: Applicants should have strong communication skills and feel comfortable reaching out to community organizations and healthcare providers. An interest in mental health, clinical research, or public health is important. Compassion and sensitivity toward individuals with mental health concerns are essential qualities for this role. The ability to work independently and reliably, with attention to detail, is also required. Basic computer skills, including familiarity with social media platforms and data management tools, are necessary. Professionalism in maintaining confidentiality and following ethical research guidelines is expected. Prior research experience is a plus but not required.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Nandini Rajgopal, Staff Researcher
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Some work will be at our lab in Berkeley Way West, but much will be done remotely.
Related website: https://calm.berkeley.edu/
Social Sciences Education, Cognition & Psychology