Research Projects
Are Low mao Platelet Levels Tied to Thrilled-Seeking Behavior? new Meta-analysis Reveals Surprising Sex Differences!
Our new meta-analysis explores the link between low platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels and heightened sensation-seeking tendencies, shedding light on why some individuals crave the thrill of the unknown more than others.
Read the full article at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1544408/full
Who do you trust most for medical information? medical doctors, registered nurses, or Pharmacists?
Mexican American Parents in El Paso Reveal Where They Turn for HPV Vaccine Information
Our new study shines a light on how Mexican American parents in El Paso, Texas, navigate the maze of information about the HPV vaccine and determine who are the most influential voices in shaping parents' decisions. Click here to read the full article
This work was also funded by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) – [Project Start Date: 09/01/2021, Project End Date: 08/31/2024] Dr. Frietze was awarded $238,619 to help prevent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) associated cancers by employing a randomized control trial investigating trusted messengers of the HPV vaccine. Dr. Frietze completed this project with his doctoral student (Alyssa Martinez), a team of research assistants, and his mentor from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Surendranath S. Shastri, M.B.B.S, M.D., D.Ph.
Community Engaged Research
RADx® Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) – [Project Start Date: 09/01/2022, Project End Date: 6/30/2024] Dr. Frietze (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Bibiana Mancera (Co-PI) were recently awarded $307,619 to develop a bilingual COVID-19 rapid test digital health intervention and pilot test the digital health intervention using a small randomized control trial (RCT). Community Health Workers (CHWs) helped our research team distribute 4,500 COVID-19 rapid tests in the border region as part of this project.
Spanish video we developed to increase COVID-19 Rapid testing in our community:
English video we developed to increase COVID-19 Rapid testing in our community:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGMw2egh9Mk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDfdzJlhhA8
Interdisciplinary Research Teams
NEW Study collecting blood and hair samples:
Upcoming Studies
The HCRP lab plans to initiate studies in the upcoming years within the following three areas:
Situations of Varying Urgency that Encourage Driving Under the Influence of Small Amounts of Marijuana and Alcohol (DUI-SAMA). Our lab plans to conduct 2-3 studies investigating situations that may encourage DUI-SAMA with goals of identifying three categories: 1) urgent conditions that encourage DUI-SAMA, 2) semi-urgent conditions that encourage DUI-SAMA, and 3) non-urgent conditions that encourage DUI-SAMA. The HCRP lab is currently seeking a UTEP student who is interested in gaining research experience through involvement in this project. Please contact Dr. Frietze (gafrietze@utep.edu) if you are interested and mention this project.
Perceptions of Risk Associated with Legal and Illegal Cannabinoids. Our lab plans to initiate 1-2 pilot studies investigating our communities perceptions of risk associated with various cannabinoids including Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Delta-9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THC-O, and Cannabidiol (CBD). The preference and perceived risks of various consumption methods (e.g., combustible, vaporized, ingestion, topical, and sublingual) will be explored. The HCRP lab is currently seeking a UTEP student who is interested in gaining research experience through involvement in this project. Please contact Dr. Frietze (gafrietze@utep.edu) if you are interested and mention this project.
Nootropics. Our lab plans to conduct 1-2 pilot studies examining the use of cognitive enhancing drugs in college students to better understand self-reported effects. We will explore a number of cognitive enhancing drugs including: phosphatidylserine, dimethyleaminoethanol, piracetam, l-theanine, caffeine, adderall and ritalin. The HCRP lab is currently seeking a UTEP student who is interested in gaining research experience through involvement in this project. Please contact Dr. Frietze (gafrietze@utep.edu) if you are interested and mention this project.
