Center for Biobehavioral Research
At the Center for Biobehavioral Research, we work to study complex behaviors and biological factors in laboratory and natural settings. Learn more about the Center’s three research divisions and its areas of interest.
Division of Behavioral Research
The Behavioral Division is devoted to studying behavior and behavioral processes in clinical samples. Our primary research focuses are eating disorders and bariatric surgery patients, but we collaborate with colleagues on a national and international level to examine other topics of interest as well. Researchers gather data in both laboratory and natural settings and are especially interested in cognitive, affective and behavioral variables that relate to a variety of clinical phenomena.
Current major areas of focus include:
- A study of a treatment model of binge eating disorder
- Changes in reinforcement and driving impairment associated with alcohol intake before and after bariatric surgery
- Momentary states and behaviors and the prediction of depression and weight regain after bariatric surgery
- Self-regulation and eating disorder behavior
- Loss of control eating in adolescents
- Study of the habits associated with the maintenance of anorexia nervosa
Division of Biomedical Research
生物医学研究部门追求理解如何生物因素促成疾病，并寻找可能的药理学治疗策略。研究人员目前正在研究的领域包括饮食失调、肥胖和减肥手术。我们进行临床研究，包括健康的人类志愿者、患有各种疾病的人类志愿者，以及将接受或已经接受减肥手术的人类志愿者。我们也在传统的实验室环境中进行科学实验。
Current major areas of focus include:
- The role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of disease and as a modulator of weight
- The effects of bariatric surgery on pharmacokinetics (e.g., drug absorption and metabolism)
- The effects of bariatric surgery on alcohol use
- Weight regain following bariatric surgery
- Mechanisms responsible for drug-associated weight change
- Pharmacological treatment approaches for weight gain
Division of Biomedical Statistics
The Division of Biomedical Statistics provides support to the Center for Biobehavioral Research and its collaborators in five major areas. They are:
- 资助写作支持:协助研究设计;发电功率分析和样本量;制定统计分析计划;并进行数据管理和存储。
- Research support: Development of data collection systems; research training; preparing and updating manuals of operation; data tracking and monitoring; data management, verification and cleaning; data report generation; data exploring; syntax creation and setup; and data analysis and interpretation.
- Presentation/publication support: Support for abstract writing, presentations, papers, graphs and tables.
- Consulting services: Serves as grant consultants, assisting with research design; and completing associated statistical analyses.
- Teaching and mentoring: Provides assistance with research courses, training grants, T32 postdoctoral students, workshops and seminars.
Resources
Our Team
Meet the Team
Stephen A. Wonderlich, PhD
Vice President Research, Sanford Health
Co-Director, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Scientist
Ross D. Crosby, PhD
Co-Director, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Director of Biomedical Statistics
Scientist
Scott Engel, PhD
Co-Director, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Associate Scientist
Lauren M. Schaefer, PhD
Assistant Scientist
Gail Williams-Kerver, PhD
Assistant Scientist
James E. Mitchell, MD
Scientist
Kristine Steffen, PharmD, PhD
Director of Biomedical Research, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University
Jason M. Lavendar, PhD
Adjunct Faculty, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Deputy Director of Research, MiCOR
Associate Professor, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
James L. Roerig, PharmD, BCPP
Adjunct Faculty, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Kathyrn戈登博士
Assistant Scientist
Psychologist, Sanford Health
Leah A. Irish, PhD
Adjunct Faculty, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University
Jeff Johnson, PhD
Adjunct Faculty, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Associate Professor, North Dakota State University
Benjamin Balas, PhD
Adjunct Faculty, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University
Nicola Herting, PhD
Adjunct Faculty, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Mental Health Director, Red River Children's Advocacy Center
Paul D. Rokke, PhD
Adjunct Faculty, Center for Biobehavioral Research
Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University
Emily Sargent, PhD
Clinical Investigator, Center for Biobehavioral Research, Sanford Research
Post-Doctoral Psychology Resident, Sanford Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical research?
Clinical research involves scientific studies that are conducted with human participants. Often times it includes patient oriented research which promotes a better understanding of human disease, new treatments, and scientific tests of such treatments. Clinical research may also attempt to clarify how particular diseases or disorders develop in the population.
为什么开展研究很重要?
Research helps us to better understand how people, and the world in which they live, function and operate. As scientific research helps us to gain a better understanding of our world, we are also able to create solutions which are most likely to be helpful. When we are talking about medically oriented research, we are often talking about the origins of various diseases and disorders and the development of new strategies and treatments to help patients who are afflicted.
What happens when I sign up for a study?
If you sign-up for a study, the research staff from the study will call you to complete a phone screen to see if you qualify. The phone screen is usually pretty short and will take five to 10 minutes. Typically, the next step will have you come in to our facility for further assessment. Each study protocol is different so the next step could include a physical, blood draw, and drug screen or completing interviews with our assessors and filling out surveys. Staff will assist you every step of the way through the study to ensure your safety and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Do I have to get stuck with a needle?
有一些研究需要在整个研究过程中抽血。如果这不是你想做的事情，请确保选择另一个适合你的舒适水平的研究。
Can I be on medication and still be in a research study?
有些研究不受您目前药物状态的影响。每项研究都有纳入和排除标准。我们会让你知道如果任何药物干扰参与。
Will I get paid?
Compensation for studies can be dispersed by check through mail or gift cards, depending on the study protocol.
Are there overnight studies?
CBR没有一夜之间进行的研究。CBR与每个参与者密切合作，在他或她的时间表中找到最适合的日期和时间来完成一天的学习。有些研究只进行几个小时，而有些则长达8小时。其他的研究是在一天内完成的，而有些则是连续进行几天，或者中间间隔一段时间。
How can I sign up to participate?
If you would like to sign up or to learn about ongoing studies, call us at(701) 293-1335oremail us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Required Information
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