Seven Years of Spit: An update on the Spit for Science project

Seven years ago, we launched a university-wide research study aimed at understanding genetic and environmental influences on substance use and mental health outcomes among college students.  With nearly 70% participation... [ view full abstract ]

Seven years ago, we launched a university-wide research study aimed at understanding genetic and environmental influences on substance use and mental health outcomes among college students.  With nearly 70% participation rates, and almost 10,000 students enrolled, we have created a registry of emerging adults followed longitudinally across their college years and beyond.  There are now more than 60 faculty from 18 different departments across the campus working with the data, and spin-off projects on selected subjects that range from imaging studies to prevention trials.  This talk will provide an update on the project and new findings coming out of it, and discuss the translational partnerships that are building bridges from basic science to prevention/intervention.