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Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors (CARE)

The Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors, or CARE, is directed by Dr. Kelsie Forbush. CARE is a designated research center within the Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas.

CARE & COPE Updates

Undergraduate Research Assistant Opportunities

There are ample opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved in our research center! Currently, research internships are for credit through PSYCH 480. Interns can expect to devote three semester hours per week (9 hours of lab work plus 1-hour lab meeting, a total of 10 hours per week).

Please visit the following link for more information on responsibilities and to apply to be an undergraduate research assistant in our center.

Center for Overcoming Problem Eating (COPE Lab)

The Center for Overcoming Problem Eating, or COPE Lab, is composed of a skilled team of clinical psychologists, graduate and post-doctoral researchers, and research assistants who are dedicated to providing treatment that is efficient, engaging, convenient, and efficacious.

Center Support

CARE has been supported through generous donations, industry-sponsored awards, and research grants, including the M. Erik Wright Endowment, Clifford B. Kinley Trust, National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), Healthy Weight Research Network, National Institute of Health (NIH), and University of Kansas (KU) New Faculty General Research Fund and Strategic Initiatives Grant.

CARE News

Stock photo of woman's hands with psychologist in consultation office for assessment or evaluation.

Research aims to identify underlying causes for linked mental health issues

A researcher from the University of Kansas has led a large-scale study of veterans to better understand how psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders are connected.
Angleine Bottera

Q & A: Six Questions with Angeline Bottera

Angeline Bottera focuses on developing accessible interventions for individuals with co-occurring sleep conditions and eating disorders.
An illustration of a woman in a dress seated on a darkened floor tying ballet shoes

Access to CARE: How KU research seeks solutions for eating disorders

KU’s new Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors is changing the way we talk about eating disorders—and helping a broader range of patients get the treatment they need.
woman holding a baby

Disparities in Black maternal health fuel KU research project to find better ways to identify eating disorders in pregnant and postpartum individuals

In an effort to improve healthcare disparities among Black and pregnant or postpartum individuals, Mari Thomeczek, a KU graduate student at the Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors (CARE) recently finished an important phase of work to improve eating disorder screening questions.

CARE's 2024 Impact

23
scientific papers published by CARE researchers between 2023 and 2024
18
first author posters and presentations from CARE researchers at both national and international conferences
$7.7M
in grant funding for active studies and projects that wrapped up in 2024

TRAC_Study_Poster

Support Our Mission

With your contribution, CARE can continue our mission to positively impact the lives of those struggling with an eating disorder.