The Monell Chemical Senses Center is a not-for-profit research institute in West Philadelphia. Our research programs include studies on taste, smell, and sensory perception, as well as research to understand human health, development and behavior.
This page lists Monell studies that currently are seeking volunteer participants. We invite you to look below for studies that may interest you.
Questions about individual studies should be addressed to the research coordinator listed and general questions about this page and its content should be addressed to Dennis at 267-519-4813 or .
All studies have been approved by the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Review Board.
GENERAL PUBLIC
Asthma Study
- Do you have asthma? Are you between 18-55 years old?
- You may qualify for a scientific study about fragrances and asthma
- Time requirement: One long visit about 3 hours. One short visit the following day for 15-20 minutes.
- The tests will take place at the Monell Center (located between 34th and 36th Streets.
- Compensation for time and travel is provided.
- Who to Contact: Any questions that you may have about this research can be answered by emailing .or by calling Cristina at (267) 519-4797.
- Ad posted 1/26/2010 and recruitment is open until 6/10/2010.
How Your Brain Processes Sensory Information
- In this study we will measure your brain responses to smells, sounds, sights, and tastes by placing a cap containing recording electrodes on your head (EEG).
- Eligible to healthy adults (men and women) ages 18-35.
- Compensation is $15 for the first 1/2 hour and $10 for each additional 1/2 hour.
- For more information about this research: call (267) 519-4693 or email .
- Ad posted 12/18/09 and recruitment is open until 12/9/2010.
Sex Differences in Olfaction
- Two visits are required.
- Visit 1 is a 1h training session.
- Visit 2 is a 1h session where we will investigate how your brain responds to odors using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning.
- Eligible to healty adults (men and women) ages 18-35.
- Compensation: $80 for 2 hours (for both sessions) of your time.
- Contact us at (267)519-4693 or email .
- Ad posted 11/17/09 and recruitment is open until 11/9/2010.
Sensory Assessment Study
- Your ability to smell, taste, see, and hear different stimuli will be assessed.
- Eligible to healthy adults (men and women) ages 18-45.
- Compensation based on time will be given upon completion.
- For more information: call (267)519-4693 or (267)519-4691. Email .
- Ad posted 6/29/09 and recruitment is open until 6/16/2010.
STUDIES FOR WOMEN
Research Study
- Mothers whose infants are less than 3 months of age and are currently feeding milk-based formulas (such as Enfamil, Similac, or Good Start) are needed for a research study on infant feeding behaviors.
- Mothers will be paid for their participation.
- If interested, please call the Monell Center at (267)519-4888, or email Alison at .
- Ad posted 6/15/2009 and recruitment is open until 5/1/2010.
Stress Reduction and Effects on Mood
- Women between the ages of 18-45 may qualify for a research study looking at the affect of stress and relaxation on physiological state and psychological functioning.
- This study involves 4 visits to the Monell Center: three visits lasting 30 minutes each and a final visit lasting up to 2 hours.
- Ideally these visits will all take place within a single week.
- For more information email or call Tamika at (267)519-4817.
- Ad posted 2/23/2010 and recruitment is open until 11/29/2010.
STUDIES FOR CHILDREN
Taste Preferences and Health
- Mothers and their children (5-10 years) are needed for a 2-session research study on taste preferences and health at the Monell Center in Philadelphia.
- Mothers will be paid for their participation.
- If interested, please call Susana at 267-519-4889.
- Ad posted 1/26/2010 and recruitment is open until 1/14/2011.
