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Research Participation


The CTSI Research Participation Core supports a group of liaisons, who are research staff with unique expertise in engagement of varied populations across the lifespan. These liaisons are supported by a “mind bank” of faculty with expertise in research across the lifespan which helps investigators and liaisons develop strategies to integrate more participants into their studies and engage new research.

Annual Lifespan Conference

Lifespan CONFERENCE icon

Research Participation Core Services

  • Advise researchers on the participant dimensions of cohorts included in their research. 
  • Help formulate hypotheses relevant to participants.
  • Identify research gaps, opportunities, and collaborators that facilitate a more wide-reaching approach to recruitment. 
  • Provide guidance on best practices for recruitment, specimen collection, and research methodologies. 
  • Help identify resources that may facilitate outreach opportunities. 
  • Minimize any perceived or real barriers that may impact participant recruitment. 
  • Foster relationships between local communities and the research community in partnership with the CTSI Community PARTners Program.

Team & Contact Info

Dr. Mylynda Massart

Core Co-director, Research Participation
Phone: 412-648-4243
E-mail: massartmb@upmc.edu

Denise Smalley

Core Program Manager, Research Participation
Phone: 412-648-4243
E-mail: smalleyd@pitt.edu