Free time at the Center can be spent in a wide variety of ways. A sundeck, whirlpool, and a game area with ping-pong and pool tables are also available. Volunteers have the opportunity to take advantage of sporting events, concerts, lectures, and conferences at the University of North Dakota. Volunteers must be accompanied by a chaperone when away from the living area. Chaperones serve as a gentle reminder to volunteers about diet restrictions and as a validation tool for research results.
Volunteers receive a daily honorarium for participation in research studies.
A greater reward, however, comes from making an invaluable contribution to a scientific study which may lead to improved health for people worldwide. The professional staff is multi-disciplinary. The total staff consists of approximately 65 federal employees and 97 state employees employed through a Research Support Agreement with the University of North Dakota. The scientists have focused recently on how trace element nutrition affects brain function and behavior, how the body uses boron, how copper affects heart function, and how the body absorbs trace elements from foods. Each volunteer is fully informed of all procedures, tests, expectations, and risks before the study begins.