Join A Study

The Shepherd Research Lab invites participants to join research studies focused on body composition, health-measurement technologies, and related health outcomes. Studies that are currently enrolling appear first below; closed studies are kept on the page for reference.

For general inquiries, call 808-440-5234 or email bodycompstudies@cc.hawaii.edu. Each study below also has its own contact details.

Enrolling

Samsung Study (2026)

Evaluates whether extracellular water and total body water measured by Samsung Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) devices are accurate compared to standard tests including the dilution method and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Includes BIA, DXA, 3D optical scan, Bod Pod, biological samples (urine, saliva, blood), and a diet questionnaire.

Eligibility
Healthy adults; no removable metal, jewelry, or incompatible medical devices, and no chronic disease. Recruitment uses age and BMI categories — see the BMI calculator to estimate yours.
Commitment
Single 4-hour appointment
Compensation
Compensation + complimentary DXA scan report
Phone: 808-440-5234
Email: bodycompstudies@cc.hawaii.edu
Enrolling

Tanita Study

Evaluates the accuracy of TANITA Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) devices for measuring extracellular and total body water — compared against standard methods like dilution analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Includes BIA, DXA, urine/saliva/blood samples, 3D optical scan, Bod Pod, and a diet questionnaire.

Eligibility
Healthy adults; no non-removable metal, jewelry, or medical devices, and no chronic disease.
Commitment
One ~4-hour visit, Mondays–Fridays at 7:30 AM check-in
Compensation
Compensation + complimentary DXA scan report
Phone: 808-440-5234
Email: bodycompstudies@cc.hawaii.edu
Reopening soon

Makawalu Study

Closed for now; expected to reopen — get in touch to be notified.

A pilot study evaluating a handheld portable ultrasound device (Clarius HD3 L15) integrated with AI for breast-cancer detection — comparing its performance to traditional mammography. The research aims to enhance screening accessibility in remote and underserved Pacific communities. "Makawalu" means "eight eyes" in Hawaiian — symbolizing examination from multiple perspectives.

Eligibility
Women 18+ with a mammogram scheduled within 6 months. Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding. No breast augmentation or implants.
Commitment
One-time, 1-hour Saturday visit at the UH Cancer Center
Compensation
Gift card
Phone: 808-440-5234
Email: makawalustudy@cc.hawaii.edu
Closed

Shape Up! Keiki

Helped families learn about their children's health while researchers developed technologies to measure body shape and understand its relationship to physical strength and cardiovascular health.

Eligibility
Toddlers and infants, ages 0–5 years.
Commitment
—
Compensation
—
Phone: 808-440-5234
Email: bodycompstudies@cc.hawaii.edu

Get in touch

Use the form below to learn more about a specific study (clicking Learn More on any card above pre-fills your message), tell us what topics you’re interested in, or ask to be notified when new studies open. We’ll route your message to the right study coordinator.

Studies inquiries
bodycompstudies@cc.hawaii.edu
808-440-5234

Lab
Body Composition Lab
701 Ilalo Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

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New publications, study announcements, and research updates — occasional, no spam.