Another Research Opportunity /  by Brett Welch

Do you hate the way you sound when you talk? 

Do you loathe how your voice sounds? 

Do you have vocal dysphoria?

 Believe it or not, these are common complaints in society-at-large, but little to no formal research on these experiences has been reported. If you would like to share your lived experience with us to improve understanding of what we call “communicative dysphoria,” please consider completing our survey by clicking the link or scanning the QR code below. We estimate it will take up to 30 minutes to complete. While we have vetted this survey with members of the cisgender, transgender, and non-binary community to minimize triggers, we recognize that reflecting and reporting on your experiences could still feel painful.  Take care of yourself; please remember that you can close the survey at any time. If you participate, you will have a one-in-100 opportunity to receive an Amazon or Target gift code/credit for $100. And no, you won’t have to record or listen to your own voice or speech.  Thank you for considering sharing your experiences with us!

Click here to participate!

Participate in Research! /  by Brett Welch

Hi! Yes, I’m terrible at keeping this blog up to date.

But, as you may know, I am working on my PhD at the University of Pittsburgh, and our lab is conducting some really cool research studies. I wanted to share this one with you -

Our lab at the University of Pittsburgh is conducting a research study to measure how people experience stress. If you are a US citizen or resident between the ages of 18-65 years old, you are eligible to participate! The study involves filling out some questionnaires about how stress manifests itself in your body. Depending on your unique stress response, the survey could take as little as 5 minutes or up to approximately 15 minutes to complete. To compensate you for completing the survey, you can choose to have your name entered for the opportunity to receive an iPad. You may also elect to do the survey as a volunteer without compensation (i.e., without having your name entered to receive an iPad).

Some respondents may be invited to fill out the survey a second time at a later date and will again have the opportunity to receive compensation.

If you'd like to participate, please click this link: https://redcap.link/gpvgjiil

#BLM /  by Brett Welch

I have sat here the last week mourning the ruthless murder of George Floyd and the subsequent violent murders of others in the Black and Trans Communities since last Monday. This is not the first time. My heart breaks, yet again. Once more, I’m livid.

Yesterday I announced on social media that I will be donating all profits made in the month of June to black-owned organizations in support of protestors and black communities. If you haven’t noticed, I’m terrible at keeping a blog going, so I’m a little late - but I believe it’s worth posting here as well. I’m proud of this decision. I hope that you will consider donating to different organizations across the country to help with the unjustified violence against the Black Community. If you’re unable to protest or donate, sign petitions. There are many ways you can help. See here: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

Listen to black voices; raise their voices up. Actively be anti-racist. Work on better understanding your privilege and how you can use your privilege to help others. I’m trying. I hope you will too.