Join Us

We are currently seeking Ph.D. students to study fundamental aspects of human locomotion. Students with backgrounds in kinesiology, movement sciences/biomechanics, physical therapy, engineering, rehabilitation sciences, or neuroscience are encouraged to apply. For a list of possible projects prospective students are directed to our projects webpage. If you decide to apply, please include an idea for a project you would like to pursue and your specific areas of strength(s) or interest. Offers are generally made after all applications have been submitted and reviewed in January. Interested graduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Sawers and apply using the online mechanisms above.

We are currently looking for master’s students to develop and test walking/balance assessment tools, and conduct human subjects research on balance failures and the optimization of physical guidance for balance training. Students with backgrounds in kinesiology, movement sciences/biomechanics, physical therapy, engineering, rehabilitation sciences or neuroscience are encouraged to apply. We are currently only accepting students enrolled in the master’s in kinesiology program.

We are always looking for enthusiastic, creative, independent and dedicated undergraduate students to help with data collection and processing. There are also select opportunities for senior undergraduate students to design their own project. Undergraduate students who are particularly interested in research are encouraged to apply to the UIC Honors College. If you’d like to get hands-on experience in this exciting research area, email Dr. Sawers with your interests and technical strengths. Students are encouraged to review our “Joining the Lab” document before contacting Dr. Sawers.

You are expected to spend at least as much (or more) time on undergraduate research as you would on a three-credit course. This is generally 10 hours per week during the fall and spring terms. Research often requires one to two semesters to become familiar with the lab and acquire basic skills and knowledge relevant to the field. Therefore, you should be prepared to commit to a minimum of two consecutive semesters of research.