Spit for Science the VCU Student Survey is an effort led by researchers at VCU to create a university-wide research opportunity for VCU students. All incoming freshmen who are 18 years of age or older for Fall 2024 are invited to be participants. Participants will receive up to $40 in compensation ($20 compensation for completing the survey and $20 for providing an optional DNA sample)

The scientific focus of the project is to understand why some people are more likely than others to develop problems associated with the use of alcohol and other substances, and difficulties with emotional health.  The project aims to understand how genes come together with the environment to contribute to these outcomes. 

We know that 1 in 4 people over the age of 18 are affected by substance use or mental health problems. This project is an opportunity for students at VCU to work together with some of the leading researchers in the world to try and understand and prevent these important and widespread problems. We then use the findings from the project to feed back into programming at VCU to benefit our VCU students and community.

In addition, participation in Spit for Science doesn’t end at the time of graduation! Our participants are invited to take part in research opportunities into adulthood too. These post-VCU studies aim to help scientists better understand how behaviors and habits in the formative years of college can influence health and behavior outcomes in later years. So S4S participants are valued across their lifespan!

Closing soon: Spit for Science Survey Underway for VCU Freshmen (age 18+):  We are excited to announce an opportunity for current VCU freshmen (ages 18+) to take part in Spit for Science: The VCU Student Survey.  This survey aims to learn about the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the use of alcohol and other substance and emotional health of VCU students. Check your VCU email inbox for the survey invitation. If you complete the survey, you’ll receive $20 (cash) as compensation for your time. Please contact us at Spit4Science@vcu.edu with any questions. ***UPDATE: Our fall survey is closing at 11:59 pm on Tuesday October 22, 2024. 

Spit for Science seeking undergraduate research assistants for Spring 2025! Undergraduate team members will assist with project recruitment, education and outreach, and work in teams to develop research questions and analyze Spit for Science data. Students from all majors and at all class levels are welcome to apply. Enrollment will be for 3 credits (A-F grading system) and includes service learning. The application deadline is Oct 25 at 5PM. Please use the application link below and/or email Dr. Smith (smithr22@vcu.edu) with any questions. https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=7NPJM8TPR3LE8D4H