Depression is associated with memory impairments but the underlying causes of these impairments are poorly understood. This project uses neuroimaging to investigate the neural systems underlying depression-associated episodic memory impairments in adults across the lifespan, including older age. We will enroll Mexican American and Non-Hispanic White adults from the Austin and surrounding area between 18-65 years of age for this project. Research assistants will help support community outreach efforts (i.e. attending community events), health screening, enrollment, and cognitive and neuroimaging data collection. Research assistants will have the opportunity, if they choose, to learn data analysis and interpretation and participate in scientific presentations and publications.
Interpersonal skills (phone, in person)
Willingness to work in a team and with adults of all ages and walks of life
Bilingual Spanish and English
Professionalism and maturity to handle asking potential participants sensitive health information
Some basic computer skills
Sensitivity to people with depression
Proactive, positive attitude, friendly, confident
This is a long-term project and research assistants can participate for as long as they are able to, with a minimum commitment of 2 semesters. Positions available immediately. Availability for some evening/weekends for community events is highly desirable though regular business hours are also required for participant testing.
Community outreach (talking to people about the research project, opportunities to participate, etc.)
Sometimes communicating with people in the community in Spanish
Screening people over the phone for health conditions (i.e. dementia, stroke, etc.)
Communicating with research participants by phone, email, and in person
Performing cognitive assessments with participants in person (paper and pencil and computer)
Assisting graduate students and postdocs with neuroimaging data collection
