SMRC

In 2021, when the Behavior & Technology Lab (BATLab) existed at UNC-Chapel Hill, the Youth Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Council merged, rebranded, and redefined mutually endorsed guidelines and goals. We also recognized the need to engage youth through all parts of research and as such all members were formally hired as part-time employees and given the title of Research Consultants. Formal employment recognizes their central importance to research, allows us to better respond to evolving study needs, and offers employees extensive resources and training opportunities. This conglomerate has varying education levels and professional and lived experiences. In October 2022, the BATLab and the Research Consultants began transitioning to Florida State University, and the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation was birthed. The IDHI continues to establish young people as more integral to research study teams and maximize professional development.

We would like to acknowledge the former staff members who led and facilitated the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at various points from 2016 – 2021 before the merge. Thank you to Karina Soni, Drew McGee, Afua Osei, and Skye Wilson. We sincerely thank them for their exemplary service.