Despite identification of modifiable behavioral targets for childhood obesity prevention, prevalence of obesity remains historically high in the United States and the most severe forms are increasing among young children. Disparities in obesity have been exacerbated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this project is to examine the effects of social needs (eg food insecurity, housing needs), neighborhood factors, and use of social service referrals on childhood obesity before and after COVID-19. The data scholar will gain hands-on experience with data cleaning, merging, and visualizations. If appropriate to skill level, checking code and conducting analytic tests may be part of the learning experience. Opportunities for abstract and manuscript co-authorship may be possible for exceptional Scholars.

Selected candidate(s) can receive a stipend directly from the faculty advisor. This is not a guarantee of payment, and the total amount is subject to available funding.

Faculty Advisor

  • Professor: Jennifer Woo Baidal
  • Center/Lab: Pediatrics
  • Location: Medical Campus, Presbyterian Hospital building
  • We use health services research methdologies to study early life etiologies of childhood obesity and develop interventions to eliminate racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic dispariteis in childhood obesity. We use large datasets, electronic health records, and mobile health technologies and employ a variety of study designs spanning longitudinal observational data, natural experiments, and randomized trials.

Project Timeline

  • Earliest starting date: 10/15/2022
  • End date: 7/31/2023
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Fall 2022: ~10

Candidate requirements

  • Skill sets: Completion of Data Science 1, SAS computing, or equivalent required; Understanding of study design, DAGs, hypothesis testing, and generalized/longitudinal models preferred
  • Student eligibility: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, master’s
  • International students on F1 or J1 visa: NOT eligible
  • Academic Credit Possible: No
  • Additional comments: ability to work on-site at medical campus