Undergraduate Students
October 26 Update
We anticipate expanding our community engagement team for the spring semester and are currently reviewing interest forms. Please submit by the end of October for priority consideration.
Thank you for your interest in our lab! To express your interest in joining our team, please review the material on this page and complete our online application. We currently have two primary sub-teams (Research and Community Engagement). Students may apply on a rolling basis, but typically applications will be reviewed in alignment with course registration schedules.
To express interest in joining our team, complete our online interest form.
Overview
Course Registration
Students are expected to enroll in at least 3 credits and dedicate approximately 3 hours per credit each week. Once students are formally accepted into the lab, most students will be enrolled in one of the following courses:
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KIN 395C
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KIN 499Y or 499T (CHC thesis students)
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KIN 398 or 498 (lab or project management)
Each semester, students should be available to attend weekly full lab meetings (day/time listed for KIN 395C in Spire). There will be three discussion sections (with the schedule listed as TBD) - one for each role. Additional weekly meetings for each role will be scheduled before the start of each semester.
Locations and Settings
While lab meetings will take place mainly in Totman on campus (and sometimes on Zoom), much of our work is conducted out in the community. A car is not required as we will arrange carpooling or make use of public transportation. However, please consider whether you have sufficient breaks in your schedule that allow time for traveling to and from other locations.
Background Checks
Some of our community sites may require background checks (e.g., CORI/SORI checks). Typically you will need a government-issued form of ID in hand and you will need to know your social security number.
Movement Detectives
As members of our Research Team, Movemenent research assistants in the lab. Students will most likely be assigned to work primarily on one research project, although opportunities to cross-train may be provided and students who stay on for multiple semesters may also rotate. Throughout the semester, there will be assigned readings that will be discussed either in our full lab meeting or in project-specific subgroups. Additionally, at the start of the semester, all students involved in research will need to complete some online research ethics and code of conduct training.
Research-related tasks may include, but are not limited to: protocol training (e.g., measurements, data entry, etc.), data collection and materials preparation, data collection, data processing, scoring, and cleaning, preparing datasets, and recruitment activities,
It is preferred that students interested in this role anticipate participating in the lab for at least two semesters. Students will be encouraged to present a component of the project they are assisting with (e.g., a poster presentation at an on-campus conference or meeting).
Movement Mentors
As members of our Community Engagement team, Movement Mentors participate in practical opportunities to develop and/or implement initiatives to enhance physical activity levels among children. As our community and campus partnerships expand, this role will evolve.
Currently, our lab is collaborating with schools to promote and facilitate physical activity opportunities for students during school recess, and potentially some other settings. We are looking for motivated and passionate students who are seeking public health and behavior promotion-related fieldwork experience. This practical opportunity will provide hands-on experience in developing and implementing initiatives to enhance physical activity levels among school-aged children. Join us in making a positive impact on the physical well-being of students and creating a healthier school environment!
Additional Roles
Student Coordinators
Student Coordinators serve as leaders in any of the above roles. Role and specific expectations and activities will be determined before each semester. Coordinators will have regularly scheduled meetings with the lab director and/or the graduate students and may be expected to lead lab group sessions.
Lab Managers
This practicum/internship opportunity is designed for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in managing the day-to-day operations of a research lab. Under the guidance of the lab director, the Student Lab Manager will support the smooth functioning of lab activities, including inventory management, safety compliance, scheduling, and assisting with ongoing research and lab projects. It is preferred that students are available to enroll in at least 6 credits for this role.
Thesis Students
To complete an honors thesis project within the lab, typically students should have at least one semester completed in the lab and an agreement with Dr. Woodward that will be based on performance and fit. The topic and research should be at a level that could be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed, professional research journal. Students will have the option at the end of the project to serve as first-author and work toward publication after graduation. Proposal preparation should begin in the spring prior to the student’s junior year so we can apply for funding at the first opportunity.