SMAHRT’s research focuses on adolescent and young adult health. Through the Health Behaviors Youth Advisory Board (YAB), SMAHRT is able to gather youth and young adult perspectives on proposed, ongoing and completed research projects. YAB is committed to providing board members with the opportunity to build research skills and develop leadership qualities.
Apply to join the SMAHRT Health Behaviors YAB
This application is for the 2025 term. The SMAHRT Health Behaviors YAB will have 6 meetings a year, of which board members are expected to be present for at least 4. Three meetings will be held virtually, and three will be held in person at our UW–Madison location. Applicants must live within range to commute to Madison, Wisconsin 3 times a year.
Current Youth Advisory Board Members
Armaan
Youth Advisor
My name is Armaan and I am a senior in high school. I enjoy playing tennis for my school and basketball in my spare time. I joined SMAHRT to research the War in Ukraine and its effects of teen and adult social media outlets' Twitter posts. While on the Youth Advisory Board, I have learned about the importance of youth voices in research relating to social media and how they may impact ongoing research projects. I hope to keep learning more about the overall process of research, especially at the intersection of teen social media use.
Grant
Youth Advisor
My name is Grant, and I am a sophomore at Madison West High School, where I especially enjoy math and history classes. I also play tennis and run cross country while participating in Science Olympiad, DECA, Student Senate and our school's Green Club. This year, I applied to the SMAHRT YAB because I am interested in how social media affects my school community, so I am very excited to be involved in SMAHRT's research.
Joey
Youth Advisor
My name is Joey. I am a sophomore at Madison West High School, where my favorite subject is European History, and I enjoy debate, music, and tennis. I first became interested in research when I joined SMAHRT and studied problematic internet use and social connectedness. SMAHRT was instrumental to my exploration of research and health care. It led me to participate in the Youth Governance Program, serving on the Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee.
Lilly
Youth Advisor
My name is Lilly and I am a freshman at Edgewood High School in Madison, Wisconsin. I am a three sport athlete and really enjoy playing basketball. I am also involved in Freshman Class Council and Key Club at Edgewood. After high school I am interested in studying sports medicine. I am looking forward to getting more involved with SMAHRT. As it is my first year with SMAHRT I am excited to see where it takes me.
Punitha
Youth Advisor
My name is Punitha. I am a sophomore at Middleton High School. My favorite class in school is biotechnology. I am a runner on the cross country and track team at Middleton. I participate in Speech and Debate, Deca, Hosa, FBLA, Student Council, Key Club, and Green Team. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, dancing, traveling, and playing my violin. I speak multiple languages, Telugu, English, and I am currently learning Spanish. My future career plan is to become a heart surgeon or go into the research field. I applied for the Youth Advisory Board because I want to learn more about research and healthcare. With the help of the Youth Advisory Board I hope to learn more about the effects of social media on young adults and gain fundamental research skills.
Past Youth Advisory Board Members
Abigail C
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2016 - 2017
Angel C
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2016 - 2017
Anjali M
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2020 - 2021
Christine N
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2016 - 2017
Danny P
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2015 - 2017
Ethan K
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2020 - 2021
Ethan
Alumni Youth Advisor
Youth Advisor: 2020-2022
Ema B
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2016 - 2017
Garv
Alumni Youth Advisor
Youth Advisor: 2021-2022
Harris C
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2020 - 2021
Josh P
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2019 - 2021
Josh
Alumni Youth Advisor
Youth Advisor: 2021-2022
Kyle Y
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2016 - 2017
Lauren W
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2019 - 2020
Lily L
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2019 - 2021
Margo N
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2015 - 2017
Matthew K
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2019 - 2021
Megan B
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2015 - 2017
Megan S
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2016 - 2017
Owen T
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2020 - 2021
Sanjay M
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2021 - 2022
Varsha V
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2015 - 2017
Victoria T
Alumni Youth Advisor
YAB Member: 2015 - 2017