Preventing suicide in college students using innovative technology
Official title: Exploratory Research Project - LEMURS
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11056019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help college students who might be at risk for suicide by using information from their smartphones to spot warning signs and connect them with support when they need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $268,048 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MH129701-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are college students who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not enrolled in college or who do not have access to smartphone technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel screening technology to identify and monitor suicide risk among college-aged individuals, a demographic significantly affected by suicide. By utilizing data from students' smartphones, such as GPS and contact patterns, the project aims to create a more accessible and effective method for detecting suicidal ideation. The study will assess the needs and feasibility of this technology, as well as explore its integration with existing suicide risk interventions. The goal is to overcome barriers that prevent students from receiving necessary care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and support for college students at risk of suicide, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health applications for mental health screening, indicating potential success for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boudreaux, Edwin D — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Boudreaux, Edwin D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding HIV-1 Env shapes to boost immune attack against infected cells
Aimed at helping people living with HIV, this project explores how specific HIV-1 envelope structures attract or resist immune attack so future therapies could better help the body clear hidden virus.
-
Reprogramming metabolism to power alternative fat-burning modes
A new project will explore how fat cells burn calories in different ways to help combat obesity.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Gut microbes and brain function in autism
Researchers are exploring how gut bacteria may influence brain signals and behavior in autism, using worm models to uncover possible links that could someday inform human therapies.
-
Chlamydia and gonorrhea interaction: how host interferons influence co-infection
A human-health focused project looks at how the body’s interferon signals during chlamydia infection affect the way gonorrhea behaves, with potential implications for people vulnerable to both infections.
-
Conquering High Blood Pressure in Vietnamese Cities
A program to adapt and test a proven plan for lowering high blood pressure in urban Vietnam using a mobile health platform and integrated care approach.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.