Two doctoral level graduate assistantships are available for the fall of 2014 to pursue research in the Center for Brain Research & Rehabilitation, a laboratory in the School of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training at Old Dominion University (ODU). The general research focus is on understanding movement control in healthy, aging and patient populations, as well as rehabilitation of movement disorders. Specific areas of on-going research interest include; the dynamics of walking and postural control and the role of perceptual information, assessment of falls risk in high-risk populations, the application of virtual reality in rehabilitation, the effects of muscle fatigue on motor function, and the neurological basis of physiological tremor in clinical populations.
FACILITIES
The School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training’s facilities include a new 3800 square feet state of the art laboratory for the study of human movement. The lab is well equipped, with a 10 camera Vicon MX motion analysis system, AMTI force and balance plates, Delsys and Noraxon EMG systems, GAITRite instrumented walkways and a Zebris instrumented treadmill. The laboratory is also outfitted with D-Flow software from Motek Medical, which enables the assessment of movement function and rehabilitation in virtual environments, where a participant’s movements control both a treadmill and visual scene. For more information on the research in the laboratory go to:
We are looking for highly motivated students who are interested in developing their research skills and understanding of movement control and biomechanics in healthy, aging and patient populations. Students will be required to register for a Ph.D. in either Human Movement Science Concentration with Applied Kinesiology Emphasis:
(http://education.odu.edu/esper/academics/phd/)
or Biomedical Engineering:
(http://ww2.eng.odu.edu/bme/academics/PhD.shtml)
BACKGROUND
Minimum qualifications include: a Master degree in a related field or DPT and a GPA of 3.0 or above. A strong background in Physical Therapy, Motor Control, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, and/or Human Physiology is highly desirable, as is clinical rehabilitation training and experience. Preference will be given to candidate(s) who demonstrate effective communication and strong computational skills (physics, computer programming, etc.). Applicants are required to be fluent in English and have undertaken the GRE.
We currently have opportunities for funding (both research and teaching assistantships) for qualified individuals to start in the fall of 2014. The deadline for applications is January 31st.
For more information contact:
Dr. Daniel Russell
School of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training
Old Dominion University
Innovation Research Park Building II, Suite 200
4211 Monarch Way
Norfolk, VA 23508
E-mail: dmrussel@odu.edu
Tel. 757-683-6016
Fax. 757-683-4440