Lavender Lab Teen Advisory Board

What is the Teen Advisory Board?

The Teen Advisory Board is a youth committee that is designed to empower teens to share their experiences, ideas, perspectives to inform and strengthen the research work being done in the Dr. Ethan Mereish’s Lavender Lab at the University of Maryland. The teen members of the advisory board will be involved in: 1) Reviewing and reflecting on Lavender Lab’s study materials, procedures, and activities; 2) Providing direct feedback, recommendations, and suggestions regarding the Lavender Lab’s research studies; 3) Participating in professional development activities and workshops; and 4) Building community with other diverse teens on the board. 

Who serves on the Teen Advisory Board?

The Teen Advisory Board consists of a diverse group of 10 adolescents and young adults, ages 13 to 17 years, from regions across the United States. These young adults are chosen based on their leadership potential, their passion for understanding how stigma and stress impacts teens’ substance use behaviors and mental health, and their willingness to serve as teen representatives for their communities. Teen candidates from diverse backgrounds (including, but not limited to: racial/ethnic diversity, gender diversity, sexual identity diversity, geographical diversity) are especially encouraged to apply and join the Teen Advisory Board.

What is the structure of the Teen Advisory Board?

The TAB will conduct all meetings and Board business virtually. The TAB will hold monthly, 1 hour and 30-minute meetings, held virtually over Zoom. Meetings will occur in the evenings in order to accommodate school schedules. The length of membership will be yearly, beginning in October 2024 and ending in August 2025, subject to interest and renewal.

Compensation for your participation on the board will be provided.