Summer Studentship 2025-2026: Lauren Price

1.Can you tell us how you got involved with medical research? 

My involvement in medical research developed through my training as a master’s student and intern health psychologist. Health-related research has always been an area of strong interest for me. Last summer, I worked on a project focused on diabetes in pregnancy, and when I learned about the opportunity to contribute to another diabetes-related research project this year, I was keen to become involved and continue building on this experience.

2.Your research topic is: An Evaluation for the Improvement of Psychological Input in the Counties Manukau Young Adults with Diabetes Service. Could you provide a brief overview of the key aspects your study will explore? 

This study will evaluate whether young adults attending the Young Adults with Diabetes Service (YADS) are receiving the psychological support they need. YADS is a small but mighty multidisciplinary team that provides holistic care for young adults living with diabetes. However, due to the size of the service, the health psychologist is not able to routinely see all individuals who attend the clinic. As a result, there is a possibility that some young people who would benefit from psychological input may not be identified and seen.

The service is based in Counties Manukau, South Auckland, where the population includes a high proportion of Māori and Pacific peoples. These groups experience health inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand, including higher rates of psychological distress and which negatively impacts overall diabetes management (McClintock et al., 2021). Given the established link between diabetes-related distress and health outcomes, this research aims to inform and improve current psychological screening processes within YADS, helping to ensure that young adults who need support are identified and able to access appropriate care.

3.Can you tell us about your motivation and inspiration for your research? 

I am motivated by research that has the potential to create meaningful, positive change in clinical care. Managing a long-term condition such as diabetes can be particularly challenging during young adulthood, and contributing to work that may strengthen psychological support for young people is rewarding to me. Being involved in research that can help ensure individuals who need support are identified and able to access it is a strong source of motivation.

This project also reflects my interest in working with young people and improving equitable care within multidisciplinary health services. While it aligns with my training as an intern health psychologist, what motivates me most is the opportunity to contribute to service improvement and support better outcomes for young people living with diabetes.

4.Can you elaborate on how your research project will positively impact the lives of individuals in Aotearoa living with diabetes? 

By evaluating current psychological screening processes within the Young Adults with Diabetes Service, the study aims to ensure that individuals experiencing diabetes-related distress are recognised earlier and are able to access appropriate support. Improving psychological support has the potential to enhance both wellbeing and diabetes management outcomes for young people. The findings may help inform service improvements within Counties Manukau and contribute to more equitable, holistic diabetes care for young people in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities who are more likely to experience greater health inequities.

5.What does it mean to you being selected as one of the five recipients of the Summer Studentships this year? 

Being selected as one of the Summer Studentship recipients is both exciting and a privilege! As an intern psychologist this project allows me to gain valuable insight into how psychologists work within multidisciplinary diabetes services and learn directly from a team supporting young people living with diabetes. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to contribute to work that may make a meaningful difference for rangatahi by strengthening the support available to them. I feel very grateful to be part of a project with the potential to positively impact the lives of young people and their whānau.

6.The Summer Studentships are made possible thanks to donations to the Diabetes Research Foundation. Please tell us how important these Summer Studentships are to others looking to conduct research? 

These Summer Studentships create invaluable opportunities for students like me to gain relevant experience, work with other professionals in areas we may want to work in and help make a difference. I feel very grateful that donations to the Diabetes Research Foundation make opportunities like this possible!