Joining the CHEER Study

Redefining Research with Patient Voices at the Center

It’s been quiet here, but for good reason—something exciting has been brewing.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined the CHEER Study, a project based out of the University of Colorado focused on the “science of engagement.” In this study, physician-researchers are partnering with a remote team of patient advocates—myself included—to explore how to make research more inclusive, transparent, and human.

Unlike traditional studies, patient advocates here are treated as co-investigators, collaborating directly with researchers on study design and strategy.

Together, we’re exploring important questions:

• What motivates people to participate in scientific research?

• How do we reach and retain underrepresented populations?

• What keeps participants engaged long-term?

  
  

The team has already made a strong first impression. On our kickoff call, the researchers emphasized respect for our time and confirmed that patient advocates will be compensated for their contributions. (I’ll share specifics when I have them.) But I didn’t join for the money, but because it felt like a chance to do meaningful, people-centered research in a new domain for me: social psychology.

My background is in quantitative science: wet lab work in undergrad, followed by building workflows for computationally-driven teams at Genentech and ImYoo. CHEER is my introduction to qualitative research. My curiosity about psychology has totally taken off this past year—I’ve been soaking up everything I can and now I’m diving headfirst into landing more hands-on research roles in the field.

So, what do I bring to the CHEER Study? I hope to amplify your voice. Yes, you. The person who’s never joined a study—not because you didn’t want to, but because you weren’t sure how.

I’ve been lucky to be a kind of “guinea pig” at the startups I’ve worked with, getting hands-on access to my data and collaborating closely with scientists. That intimacy, transparency, and sense of partnership made the experience deeply engaging for me—and it shaped how I think research should feel.

Now, I want to hear from you: What do you think would make research more engaging?

Drop a comment or tag me in a social post with your thoughts. Let’s make research feel more human—together.