You may have seen the incredible research or programs that stem from the Social Media and Adolescent Health Research Team, but have you ever met the masterminds behind the scenes? These masterminds, also known as our wonderful staff members, contribute to the integrity of SMAHRT on a daily basis. Whether this is planning our annual Summer Scholars, leading projects or mentoring our interns, our staff members are the glue that holds our team together. No matter how long they have been with us, our staff always brings new ideas and fresh perspectives relating to social media and adolescent health.
Some of our staff have been with us for a short time, and some have been here several years. One of those who have been a SMAHRTie for ages is Brad Kerr, one of our current Clinical Research Associates. Kerr graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in Psychology and English in 2010 and joined the team in the summer of 2011. This was back when the team was called the Adolescent Health Research Team (AHRT) and was located in Wisconsin. The team’s focus on college students tied in well with Brad’s interest in research and higher education. During this time, Kerr also completed a Master’s in Administrative Leadership, specializing in Higher Education Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2013.
Kerr never imagined his time at AHRT would lead him to a career in Seattle, and also never thought the team’s name and focus would change. After the re-location from Wisconsin to Washington, AHRT quickly became SMAHRT, incorporating social media in the team’s research. Why the switch? In black and white, when the team moved to Seattle Children’s there was already an “Adolescent Health Research Team” in the area and the goal was to distinguish between the two teams. Additionally, the change was deemed appropriate given the ever-increasing significance of social media in society. There is one more aspect of the new name that is especially great in Kerr’s eyes: the endless opportunities to make puns on the team acronym. It was a SMAHRT idea to tie in social media in the study of adolescent health, and the team has capitalized on the various opportunities to study different aspects of this relationship.
As a Clinical Research Associate, Kerr plays a role in leading projects; ensuring data collection is completed, while also collecting data himself. His favorite project thus far on SMAHRT was the team’s study that evaluated college students’ alcohol and substance references on Facebook over a five-year period. This project always kept him on his toes – there was always something new, interesting and challenging because Facebook was constantly changing and he found this aspect fun to troubleshoot. He is currently contributing to projects that are at all different stages, meaning no two days in the office ever looks the same.
One of his most important and favorite roles is serving as a supervisor and mentor to interns. He helps them move their independent research projects forward and makes sure their work on larger team projects is going well. Kerr trains the interns to use our research methods, helps them brainstorm research project ideas, and assists with anything else that comes up throughout the day. Kerr has served as a dedicated and supportive mentor, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure our interns feel supported in all challenges that arise in tackling new projects.
What does Kerr find most compelling about social media and adolescent health? He finds the relationship interesting and challenging to tackle these topics as things change rapidly. He finds that new social media platforms emerge quickly, but with no instruction manuals; meaning, we get our hands on them and just start playing. It is not until much later when we start to wonder how these platforms impact our health, and what the best way to use the platform is. Kerr finds it interesting that we can come up with useful guidelines that adapt to the quickly changing social media landscape.
Brad Kerr has been an integral part of SMAHRT since 2011, and continues to be a light in our office that can brighten anyone’s day. Stay updated on Brad’s adventures in March as he jets off to New Orleans to present at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine conference! We are so thankful for Brad, and cannot wait to see what is in store for you and SMAHRT!