Goals

The long-term goal of the work conducted by SKYE Research Lab is to reduce fatal and non-fatal injuries among children and youth, especially unintentional injuries and suicides. The projects for AY 2025-2026 (described below) build on previous work led by PI Osborne. For instance, the PI, along with her co-I and student researcher team, previously surveyed evidence-based home visiting providers regarding their experiences with and attitudes toward secure firearm storage counseling (Osborne et al., 2024). Findings from this study are incorporated into the current intervention development work. Additionally, one paper has already been presented using data from the survey of U.S. parents listed above; that study examined the frequency that parents ask other caregivers about firearms in the home environment (Osborne et al., 2024).

students utilizing virtual reality headset

The goals of the current projects for AY 2025-2026 are:

  1. Survey of U.S. Parents: Use structural equation modeling to assess the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior as they relate to parents’ firearm storage behaviors.
  2. Immersive Virtual Reality Program: (2a) Complete pilot testing of the program; and (2b) Conduct an efficacy trial using a randomized controlled trial study design (Note: Goal 2b will extend into future academic years).
  3. Secure Storage Module: (3a) Identify resource constraints from program leaders; and (3b) Generate the initial intervention in preparation for pilot testing.

References:

Osborne, M.C., Guastaferro, K., Banks, S.*, Vedantam, H.*, & Self-Brown, S. (2024). Firearm screening and secure storage counseling among home visiting providers: A cross-sectional study of SafeCare® providers in the U.S. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, Article 1324656. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1324656.

Osborne, M.C., Matheny, L., & Banks, S.* (October 2024) "I never thought to ask:” A cross-sectional study exploring U.S. parents’ experiences discussing firearms with other caregivers. Poster presented at the American Public Health Association 2024 Annual Meeting and Expo, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

*indicates student author

 

 

Experience Gained

Students are actively involved in the research. Activities that students may take part in include:

  • Literature reviews
  • Data analysis
  • Qualtrics survey creation
  • IRB application development
  • Recruitment of study participants
  • Data management
  • Contributing to writing manuscripts and conference abstracts
  • Engagement with community partners
  • Design and development of technological components of behavioral interventions

Additionally, students participate in interdisciplinary team meetings that include journal article discussions, project updates, and training on special topics. All student team members will receive the training needed for their assigned tasks and will complete training on the responsible conduct of research with human subjects.

Majors and Interests Needed

  • Computer Game Design and Development
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science & Analysis
  • Early childhood Education Birth through Kindergarten Education
  • Health and Physical Activity Leadership
  • Human Services
  • Integrated Health Science
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Public Health Education
  • Software Engineering

Team Advisor

Melissa Osborne, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Email: mcowart3@kennesaw.edu