Research
Our focus
Mission & Core Identity
The RESTORE Hub (Research, Education, Service, Transition, and Outreach through Reflective Engagement) is a social and behavioral sciences research institute. Our primary mission is to improve the quality of life for all communities through services, research, education, innovation, and collaboration.
Research Strategy
Our research agenda is grounded in "Implementation Science"—bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application. We utilize rigorous scientific methods to support vulnerable populations and improve community outcomes. Our strategic focus areas include:
- Assessment of Enabling Technologies: We investigate how emerging technologies, such as VR and AI, can be utilized to empower individuals with disabilities, rather than developing the hardware ourselves.
- Measurement & Psychometrics: We engage in the creation of new valid assessment tools, as well as the evaluation of pre-existing measures, to ensure accurate data regarding family and community wellness.
- Population Health Analysis: We utilize large-scale datasets, such as the Arkansas All-Payer Claims Database, to identify comorbidity patterns, service utilization trends, and costs across the state.
- Program Evaluation: We design and implement frameworks to gauge the performance and success of grant-funded consortiums and transition programs.
- Intervention Efficacy: We conduct controlled trials (including RCTs) to determine the effectiveness of psycho-educational interventions and digital coaching tools for reducing anxiety and increasing knowledge.
- Longitudinal Wellness Tracking: We commit to long-term data collection to monitor shifts in health, wellbeing, and belongingness among student and community populations over time.
Current Projects
AstateCampus Wellness Initiative (CWI)
The Campus Wellness Initiative is a longitudinal study designed to collect data on student health, wellbeing, and belongingness semesterly. By performing in-depth analyses of this data, we aim to produce regular reports and peer-reviewed publications that track the evolving wellness landscape of our campus community.
Enabling Technology Analysis (Simply Home)
Through a partnership with the Department of Human Services (DHS), we analyze data regarding "Enabling Technologies". Our work involves creating categorization taxonomies to standardize how these varied technologies are reported and developing code structures to handle large, complex data tables. This analysis supports the evaluation of technology efficacy for independent living.
TPSID (Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities)
Following the awarding of the TPSID grant, this project focuses on building a foundation for a consortium that supports students with intellectual disabilities. Our research team develops and finalizes internal measures to gauge the consortium's performance and uphold its future success.
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Family Engagement Measure
This project focuses on developing and validating a survey instrument to capture families' perceptions of engagement and cultural responsiveness in early childhood settings (Birth–5). We utilize psychometric methods, including factor analysis, to refine the measure for broad use across childcare branches and family home centers.
Arkansas All-Payer Claims Database (APCD)
The RESTORE Hub utilizes the APCD, a statewide resource aggregating de-identified health care claims, to conduct population-level research. This project explores patterns of health conditions and service use to inform public health decisions and support future grant activities.
Videos for Families with Children in Transition
This is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to deliver psycho-educational sessions to families of children with disabilities. The study compares the effectiveness of static video content against an AI-powered conversational coach in reducing parental anxiety and increasing service navigation knowledge.
Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Health Care: A Systematic Review of Implementation
This project is a systematic review focused on how artificial intelligence tools are being implemented in surgical and perioperative care settings. We synthesize evidence on adoption, implementation strategies, barriers and facilitators (including organizational and workflow factors), and reported outcomes tied to real-world use. The goal is to produce a rigorous summary that clarifies what “AI” looks like in practice across studies and provides actionable insights for health systems, clinicians, and researchers considering implementation.
Opportunities
The RESTORE Hub offers students distinct opportunities to gain hands-on experience in social science research. We are looking for motivated undergraduate and graduate students eager to develop skills that are highly valued in both academic and professional settings.
How to Join
Students interested in gaining research experience should complete the Volunteer Interest Form: Become a Research Volunteer – Fill out form.
Skill Development Opportunities
Our volunteers assist with various aspects of the research lifecycle. By joining our team, you can gain experience in:
- Scientific Writing: Assisting with the drafting of manuscripts, reports, and publication strategies.
- Literature Reviews: Conducting comprehensive reviews to inform the creation of new studies and fidelity checklists.
- Data Management: Learning to code, clean, and organize large datasets for analysis.
- Psychometrics: Participating in the development and validation of survey scales and measurement tools.
- Statistical Analysis: Gaining exposure to analysis methods ranging from basic descriptive statistics to complex factor analysis.