Every Discovery Begins with a Participant

Brooke Giles tells the story of NRI research every day as Director of Communications, Marketing and External Affairs at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute. This time, she steps into the story herself — sharing what it is like to participate in a study and why every volunteer helps move discovery forward.

I spend a lot of time writing about the importance of nutrition research. I help share the stories of our scientists, our studies and the discoveries happening every day at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute. But recently, I experienced NRI research from a different perspective: as a study participant.

I am currently participating in the AGILE Study, a 12-week research study that tests a healthy eating and exercise program delivered through a smartphone app, digital health tools and daily personalized in-app messages. For me, the decision to participate was personal. At a recent physical, I learned that my LDL cholesterol was high. It was not high enough to require medication, but it was high enough to make me pause. I knew I needed to make changes to my eating habits and lifestyle, and when I came across the AGILE Study at work, it felt like the right opportunity at the right time.

Working at the NRI certainly influenced my decision. I understand the value of clinical research and know that studies depend on people willing to volunteer their time, follow protocols and contribute information researchers can use to answer important questions. But knowing the research is one thing. Applying it to your own life is another.

It was time for some application.

Before I started, I was nervous. Changing your lifestyle is not easy, especially as a mom of two young boys. It is easy to eat like they do, and it is hard to say no when they want ice cream — because, honestly, I want it too. I worried the process would feel overwhelming or discouraging.

Instead, it has felt approachable, organized and supportive. The study team explained what would be expected, why each step mattered and how the information collected would help the research. I track my food, physical activity and weight, and the team provides feedback and guidance along the way. There is no judgment, only support.

That has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. As a participant, I do not feel like a number or a data point. I feel like a partner in the research process. The team celebrates progress, answers questions and helps participants keep moving forward, even when life gets busy or goals feel difficult.

Participating has also taught me something about myself. I always thought I hated exercise. Apparently, I do not. I started with brisk walks through my neighborhood, and over time, those walks have turned into a mix of walking and running. I like the way it makes me feel. I like the energy it gives me afterward. I like that it clears my head. And I like the confidence it has given me in my own body.

But the biggest shift has been in how I think about research itself.

We often think of scientific discovery as something that happens in a lab, maybe in a single breakthrough moment. But discovery is a team sport. It depends on scientists, study coordinators, lab teams, administrators, funders and community members. It depends on people who donate, people who volunteer and people who are willing to participate in studies.

Without participants, researchers cannot gather the information they need to answer meaningful questions. We would not know what “healthy” truly means without research, and research cannot happen without people willing to take part.

That is what has stayed with me most. I signed up because I wanted to improve my own health, but I continue because I know my participation may help researchers better understand how to support healthier habits in other people. My time, my effort and my experience are part of something larger than myself.

I would encourage anyone who is curious about participating in a study to learn more. You can ask questions. You can explore whether a study is the right fit. And you may be surprised by what you gain from the experience — whether that is new knowledge, healthier habits, a sense of accountability or simply the knowledge that you helped move science forward.

There are studies for many different kinds of people. Some studies have narrow criteria, but you may be exactly the person a study needs. At the NRI, there are currently 11 active studies, each seeking participants who can help advance nutrition research.

Participating in research is one way to make a difference. It is a way to support better health, advance science and contribute to discoveries that may one day benefit families, communities and future generations.

Every discovery begins with a question. But at the NRI, many discoveries also begin with a participant willing to say yes.