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Project Response

Earn up to $990 participating in a research study designed to assess psychological and metabolic responses to different foods!

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About Project Response

Project Response is an NIH-funded clinical trial investigating how the brain’s reward system responds to different foods. Your involvement will help the researchers understand more about how today's food environment contributes to eating behavior and health.

This study consists of 6 in-person assessments that don’t require you to change your eating or activity habits. Upon completion of the study, you can earn up to $990.00.

To see if you’re eligible, click HERE to take our survey.

About Dr. LaFata’s Research

Dr. LaFata's research examines how the modern food environment contributes to problematic eating behaviors and obesity. Specifically, she assesses whether ultra-processed foods may be capable of triggering addictive biological and behavioral responses and adapts evidence-based interventions for substance-use disorders to help individuals decrease ultra-processed food intake. Read more about Dr. LaFata's research.

Meet the Team

Dr. LaFata’s lab is composed of her research coordinator (Chloe Hessler), masters students (Kate Worwag and Madison Corso), and research assistants who are all thrilled to contribute to this important project and guide you through the study. Please contact projectresponse@drexel.edu with any questions or concerns.

Dr. Erica LaFata

Erica LaFata, PhD

Chloe Hessler standing next to presentation.

Chloe Hessler

Kate Worwag standing in front of nature scenery.

Kate Worwag

Madison Corso

Madison Corso

Your Involvement in Project Response

Appointments & Time Commitment

  • Interest survey: take a short series of questionnaires to see if you’re eligible for the study
    • If you’re found eligible, you will be guided to a page where you can sign up for a remote clinical interview to confirm your eligibility
  • Remote clinical interview: a remote Zoom interview with our staff to review your survey responses and confirm your eligibility
    • If you are still deemed eligible, our staff will help you schedule a baseline appointment on the call
  • Baseline appointment: two hours long and can occur at any point between 9 AM and 5 PM at 3701 Market St (Monday-Friday)
    • This appointment consists of behavioral tasks and one small blood draw to test your HbA1c. If you are found eligible after this appointment, you will attend four food consumption assessments.
  • Food consumption assessments (FCAs) are three hours long and are scheduled from 2:00-5:00 PM at 3701 Market St (Monday-Friday)
    • There are 4 FCAs total, and each involves eating different snack foods, taking questionnaires, receiving 4 small blood draws, and 2 finger pricks. In between each appointment, we will ask you to take surveys and log your food intake on mobile apps. Once all four food consumption assessments are complete, the follow up assessment will be scheduled.
  • Follow up appointments are one hour long and can occur at any point between 9 AM and 5 PM at Stratton Hall, 3201 Chestnut St (Monday-Friday)
    • Behavioral tasks and questionnaires