Dartmouth Researchers Work to Improve Outcomes for People With Type 1 Diabetes

Dr. Catherine Stanger, who tests innovative, science-based interventions to improve health behavior, recently brought Corinne Fischer '26 onto her research team as a health coach for young adults with type 1 diabetes. Funded by Dartmouth's James O. Freedman Presidential Scholars Program, Corinne is now pursuing research at the intersection of psychology, health, and behavioral economics under the mentorship of Dr. Stanger and PhD student Enzo Plaitano.

Corinne Fischer ’26

she/her/hers

Hometown

Seattle, Washington

Major

Economics

Minor

Theater

Dr. Catherine Stanger

she/her/hers

Position

Professor, Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Corinne, how did you discover Dr. Stanger’s research?

Corinne

I was scrolling Instagram when I saw a post that read, “Are you a young woman with type 1 diabetes? Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine is doing a research study.” I tried to enroll myself, but I couldn’t because my blood sugar is where it needs to be, which is a good thing. But then I thought to myself, “This is so incredible. They’re doing this research in my backyard.” I reached out to Dr. Stanger and said, “I’m a type 1 diabetic, and the research that you’re doing is so cool. I don’t have any research experience, but is there any way that I can get involved?” Her team immediately brought me on board.

Tell us about what you’re studying.

Dr. Stanger

The scientific question Corinne and I are interested in is whether people with type 1 diabetes who receive one-on-one coaching will show better improvements in their blood sugar levels compared to those who do not.

Corinne

Right. In my research, I act as a one-on-one health coach, leading other young adults who have type 1 diabetes through structured problem-solving manuals to help them improve their blood sugar control. Together, we are identifying predictors of intervention engagement by examining baseline demographics to see if they influence the number of coaching sessions participants attend.

This project has deep personal meaning to you, Corinne.

Corinne

Yes. Type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 condition; it doesn’t care about the time of day. It’s a constant presence in my life, and that’s why I chose to get involved in this work.

Dr. Stanger

Our health coaches come from all across the country. Corinne’s identity as a person with diabetes really helps her build empathy and connection with participants.

What advice would you give prospective students interested in pursuing research?

Corinne

Find something you’re passionate about. To me, research never feels like work. It feels like something I get to do, rather than something I have to do. It’s been amazing to connect with other people with diabetes across the United States. Watching their progress over the weeks we spend together is incredibly fulfilling.

Dr. Stanger

Start early. Don’t wait until the spring of your senior year of college to dip your toes into research. Working on a research project can be transformational to someone’s career path in life. You learn about science in a way that’s very different from anything you can learn in a class