-
About
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
COVID-19 Response
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Return to Research
Explore
-
Return to Teaching
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
- Creative Approaches to Teaching: Where to Start
- Adapting to Mixed-Mode, Remote, or Web-Based Teaching and Learning
- Assessments and Academic Integrity
- Policy and Safety Updates
- Technology and Library Resources
- Resources to Assist Faculty and Staff Support Student Welfare
- Remote Teaching and Learning
- Contact tracing in the classroom
- Supporting students in quarantine and isolation
-
Additional Resources and References
Explore
- Acknowledgement of Risk
- Travel Guidelines
-
Return to Research
- Environmental Health
- Overview of the College
- Meet the Dean
-
News and Events
Explore
-
Events
Explore
-
Profiles
Explore
-
Diversity and Inclusion
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Awards
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
College Awards
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Carol Clark Ford Staff Achievement Award
Explore
-
HHD Faculty Sustainability Award
Explore
-
Joyce Hopson-King Diversity Achievement Award
Explore
-
Ann C. Crouter Early Career Faculty Award
Explore
-
Evelyn R. Saubel Faculty Award
Explore
-
HHD Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Award
Explore
-
Leadership in Outreach Award
Explore
-
Evan G. and Helen G. Pattishall Outstanding Research Achievement Award
Explore
-
Pauline Schmitt Russell Distinguished Research Career Award
Explore
-
Carol Clark Ford Staff Achievement Award
-
HHD Alumni Society Awards
Explore
-
College Awards
-
Commencement
Explore
- Employers and Industry
- Our Valued Partners
- History
-
Strategic Plans 2014-19
Explore
-
Strategic Plan 2021-25
Explore
- Subscribe, Listen, Learn: College Podcasts
- Donate
- Contact
-
COVID-19 Response
-
Undergraduate
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Getting Started
Explore
-
Majors and Minors
Explore
-
Honors Program
Explore
-
Advising
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Academic Integrity
Explore
- Academic Progress
- Advising Resources
-
Change of Campus
Explore
- Declaring a Major/Minor
-
Enforcement of Recommended Preparation
Explore
- Learning Support
- Petitions to University Policies and Procedures
-
Policies and Procedures
Explore
- Schedule an Appointment with Your Adviser
-
Undergraduate Adviser and Student Handbook
Explore
-
Contact
Explore
- Dean's List
-
Academic Integrity
- Student Organizations
-
Student Profiles
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Biobehavioral Health
Explore
-
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Explore
-
Health Policy and Administration
Explore
-
Hospitality Management
Explore
-
Human Development and Family Studies
Explore
-
Kinesiology
Explore
-
Nutritional Sciences
Explore
-
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Explore
-
Student Research
Explore
-
Biobehavioral Health
-
Study Abroad
Explore
- Take a Professor to Lunch
-
Financial Aid and College Scholarships
Explore
-
Leadership Initiative
Explore
-
Summer Session
Explore
- Dean's Welcome Meeting
- Parents and Family Association
-
Visit and Apply
Explore
-
Contact
Explore
-
Discover HHD
Explore
-
Career and Professional Development
Explore
-
HHD Instagram Ambassadors
Explore
- Undergraduate Research Grants
- Undergraduate Activities and Events
-
Getting Started
-
Graduate
Explore
-
Alumni
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Events
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Alumni Virtual Events
Explore
-
Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
- 2021 - Derrick Campana
- 2019 - Ariel Clatty
- 2018 - James Fitzgerald
- 2018 - Susan Robinson
- 2017 - Janet Rosenzweig
- 2015 - Scott M. Smith
- 2014 - Mark McCamish
- 2013 - Patricia Hillkirk
- 2012 - Jill Jayne
- 2011 - Robert E. Hillman
- 2010 - Joanne Finegan
- 2009 - Mario Lafortune
- 2008 - Mary Ellen Clark
- 2007 - Wendy A. Owen
-
Alumni Virtual Events
-
Biobehavioral Health
Explore
-
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Explore
-
News
Explore
-
Get Involved
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
- Alumni Awards
-
Mentor a Student
Explore
-
Join an Affiliate Program Group
ExploreUp a level (this gets replaced in JS)
-
Biobehavioral Health APG
Explore
-
Communication Sciences and Disorders APG
Explore
-
Health Policy and Administration APG
Explore
-
Human Development and Family Studies APG
Explore
-
Kinesiology APG
Explore
-
Nutrition and Dietetics Alumni Society (NDAS)
Explore
-
Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society (PSHRS)
Explore
-
Recreation Park and Tourism Management APG
Explore
- Get Involved with an Affiliate Program Group
-
Professional Golf Management APG
Explore
-
Biobehavioral Health APG
-
HHD Alumni Society
Explore
-
Health Policy and Administration
Explore
-
Awards
Explore
-
Hospitality Management
Explore
- Kinesiology
-
Alumni Profiles
Explore
- Nutritional Sciences
- Alumni Magazine
- Career Resources for Alumni
- Update Your Contact Information
- Volunteer Leaders
- Donate
- Contact
-
Events
-
Research
Explore
-
Contact
Explore
-
Departments
Explore
-
Outreach
Explore
For Parents
For Parents
Thank you for your interest in the Metabolic Kitchen and Children’s Eating Behavior Laboratory at Penn State! We are currently recruiting children and parents for our studies related to nutrition and eating behavior. We are interested in identifying factors that can help prevent nutritional disorders and obesity.
For more information, please visit the following links:
- Tour Our Facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do we study?
-
We study eating behaviors in young children, in particular, how they develop and how are they related to risk for obesity and other nutrition-related diseases in life. We are using techniques such as brain imaging and genetic screening to provide insight into how food preferences and eating behaviors develop. Also, we are researching the impact of food marketing and branding on these eating behaviors.
- Where are you located?
-
We are in room 311 of Chandlee Lab, located at the University Park campus of Penn State University, across from Old Main. We do our brain imaging work in the SLEIC facility, in the basement of Chandlee Lab.
- Is parking available?
-
Yes. The Metabolic Kitchen and Children’s Eating Behavior Lab has free parking passes for study volunteers. You will be parking immediately to the rear of Chandlee Lab. For studies at the SLEIC, we will also provide you with a parking pass. Please see the Contact section of our site for more detailed driving directions and parking information.
- What age volunteers are we studying?
-
We conduct multiple studies with children of many different age ranges. Currently our studies are looking for children ages 3 to 17. We anticipate different age ranges in future studies. Even if your child is younger or older than these ages, we would be glad to take your contact information and inform you of relevant upcoming studies as they begin.
- If we choose to participate, what types of tasks will my child and I complete?
-
In many of our studies, we ask parents to fill out questionnaires describing family demographics, parenting style, children's eating behavior, and food preferences and intake.
Each study presents different participation opportunities for your child. Some examples include completing taste tests, picking out cartoon characters for vegetable containers, using a laptop computer to answer questions about food preferences, selecting which foods they would like to eat for a meal, or playing educational nutrition games.
At the SLEIC, your child may view pictures of common foods and food packages while we collect information and pictures from your child's brain. In combination with the use of our pediatric gustometer (“tasting machine”), they may even taste beverages while the camera takes pictures of your child’s brain.
- What is fMRI and is it safe?
-
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) measures activity by tracking the amount of blood flow as your child performs a task. It is a very strong magnet and is able to measure small changes in blood flow. When your child is in the fMRI, he/she may be viewing pictures or tasting small amounts of liquids.
Many parents and children may be concerned when they see the fMRI scanner. It is really a big camera, but it may be scary for some children. We have special training procedures to explain the scanner to children. All of our staff have specialized training to work with children. They will first go through a training protocol in the “mock” or pretend scanner to teach your child how to keep their body still. We will teach your child how to relax and speak to us in “mission control” without moving around during the scan. For some children, this may be difficult. We expect this and it’s okay if your child has to leave the scan early. The study is voluntary. Our goal is to make sure you and your child have a fun, comfortable, and rewarding experience at our lab.
- What is a gustometer and how does it work?
-
We are interested in studying how your child’s brain response to foods and beverages. To study this, we have a special device called a “gustometer.” It delivers small samples of beverages (milk, soda, milkshake) to a child or adult who is undergoing fMRI. Ours is specially designed to fit a child’s mouth comfortably. Outside the fMRI environment, a laptop computer provides small samples of drink for your child at special times during the scan. We will train your child prior to the scan so they know exactly what to expect.
- Are there any risks or benefits to participating?
-
There are no risks associated with participating in our studies. While there is no direct benefit to your child, by participating you will be adding to our understanding of childhood eating behaviors.
- Will I be paid for participating in your study?
-
We do pay for participating in our studies. In addition, several of our studies give children who participate a prize as a thank you.
- Will I be with my child the whole time?
-
Yes, if you wish to. We have multiple observation rooms where you can watch your child participate in the different components of the study.
- What happens when I arrive?
-
When your visit is scheduled, we will immediately send you a letter of introduction describing what to expect at your first visit, a map of the campus, and a parking pass. At your appointment, we will greet you in the rear parking lot behind Chandlee Lab, show you where to park, and assist you and your family to our lab in 311 Chandlee Lab.
The researcher in charge of the data collection will ask you to read and sign a consent form first. They will explain the study in detail, make sure all your related questions are answered, and will give you a copy of the consent form to take home with you.
- When are studies scheduled?
-
We know that families are very busy and it can be difficult to make time for research. As such, we do our best to schedule visits that are convenient for you.
- Can I bring my other child(ren) with me to the study?
-
Yes! Depending on the age of your child(ren), they can either stay with you during the study or we can arrange to have one research assistant play with them in our Reception Room. Please let us know before you come to the appointment.
- How can I get involved?
-
If you have received a contact information form (LINK) from us, please complete it and mail it back to us. A researcher will then contact you. If you have not received a form from us but are interested in participating in any of our studies, please contact Terri Cravener, our Research Coordinator (814-863-9841).