University at Buffalo (UB)
Multiple Days of Work in the Heat
Seeking students to actively collect data for an exercise study to improve worker health and safety in a hot environment. Help determine the impact of multiple days of work in the heat on physiological strain, hydration, and fatigue!
Project description
We are looking for students interested in learning during a hands-on research study in the Hydration, Exercise, and Thermoregulation (HEAT) Lab on UB's South Campus (Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions). Our team studies worker and Warfighter health and safety in extreme environments such as heat and humidity. We are beginning a research study comparing physiological responses (body temperatures, heart rate, fatigue, hydration, etc.) to work in the heat across 3 consecutive days ("3 Day Work").
Students will experience all aspects of the research process including participant recruitment and management, eligibility screenings, and active data collection while working with Dr. Pryor and a team of graduate students and research technicians. Students interested in taking a deeper look into the topic have the opportunity to determine results of the study and present our findings at local conferences. We are looking for students who are eager to learn on the job, are interested and engaged in the topic, have great organizational and problem-solving skills, and can work independently. Previous research experience or exercise science knowledge is not required, but is a plus. Ideally, students can commit to at least 2 semesters. The volunteer position is flexible and has a changing schedule based on participant availability, typically requiring 5-15 hours per week, anywhere from 6am-7pm on weekdays and weekends.
Interested in learning more? Send an email to Dr. Riana Pryor describing your interest and background (rpryor@buffalo.edu).
Project outcome
Project outcomes will be mutually agreed upon by the student and Dr. Pryor during our initial meetings, but can include ability to run study appointments independently after training, creating lab protocols, poster presentations, publishing a research paper, etc.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Ideally multiple semesters |
| Start time | Anytime |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-person |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Academic credit and volunteer experience |
| Who is eligible | All undergraduate students |
Project mentor
Riana Pryor
Assistant Professor
Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Phone: (716) 829-5456
Email: rpryor@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
- Complete CITI ethics training
- Complete biohazard safety training
- Read consecutive work article
Keywords
Exercise, work, fatigue, hydration, environment, hot, physiology, biology, Biological Sciences, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences