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Massey University Doctoral Scholarship (College of Health)
Research topic: Effects of multiple mild stressors on complex cognition.
A PhD scholarship is available for research on the effects of exposure to multiple mild stressors on complex cognition. It supports Massey University’s College of Health research strategic platform on environmental and occupational health and is consistent with the University research strategy. The PhD programme will investigate the effects of single and combined effects of mild stressors such as hypoxia, dehydration and sleep loss on subtle aspects of complex cognition (requiring conscious effortful processing, coordination of more than one cognitive process and/or stream of information at a time, and in which the cognitive or perceptual load is high of distracting or emotionally intensive) and executive functions (vigilance/focused attention, selective attention, divided attention, working memory, planning). The project will build on previous research by our team that has examined the effects of mild hypoxia on cognitive activity (such as decision-making, judgement, reasoning and problem solving) in university students and in air force aircrew, and of mild hypohydration on complex cognition in students. A key component of the research will be to identify, develop and use methods to assess complex executive thinking in humans. The PhD programme will then involve use of these methods in controlled laboratory studies that systematically examine the effects of exposure to single and combined multiple mild stressors that are considered to be realistic in applied, real-life settings. The research will involve developing a credible research plan and human ethics proposal (year one), conducting trials with human volunteers in a series of laboratory-based studies (year two) and writing up the findings in the form of journals papers and as a PhD thesis (year three). The supervisory team include an ergonomist, a sport scientist, a cognitive psychologist and an aviation psychologist.
Eligibility: The scholarship is intended to support an academically excellent student undertaking full-time doctoral studies at Massey University based in Palmerston North. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree with appropriate Honours or a Master’s degree in Psychology, (Human) Physiology, Exercise/Sport Science, Ergonomics or suitable related fields. Some prior research experience in the above areas will be advantageous. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 7.5 or better (on a 9 point scale, or greater than 3.33 on a 4 point scale). This is above an average grade of A-. The successful applicant has to fulfil all conditions of the Massey University Doctoral Scholarship and enrol for a PhD at Massey University, including payment of tuition fees. Further details can be found at: Massey University Doctoral Scholarships.
Financial support: The scholarship includes a stipend of $NZ 25,000 per annum for a maximum period of 3 years.
Advantages of this project: You will work in a supportive multidisciplinary team of leading researchers in Ergonomics, Cognitive Psychology, Human Environmental Physiology and Exercise and Sport Sciences, in the Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Public Health at Palmerston North campus. Laboratory studies may be conducted in the Human Performance Laboratory of the School of Sport and Exercise. This is a novel project with strong scientific foundations, and commercial as well as public health objectives.
Selection criteria:
Status and application process: This project is available for an immediate start after 1st January 2015 and must be started before 1st August 2015. Applications close on 30 November 2014, and the PhD student should be enrolled at Massey University by 30 April 2015. Applicants should send a copy of their curriculum vitae, including their academic record, a statement of interest and the names and contact details (Tel and Email) of three referees to: Professor Stephen Legg, (Tel: +64 (0)9 356 9099 Ext: 84933), Email: S.J.Legg@massey.ac.nz .
Research topic: Effects of multiple mild stressors on complex cognition.
A PhD scholarship is available for research on the effects of exposure to multiple mild stressors on complex cognition. It supports Massey University’s College of Health research strategic platform on environmental and occupational health and is consistent with the University research strategy. The PhD programme will investigate the effects of single and combined effects of mild stressors such as hypoxia, dehydration and sleep loss on subtle aspects of complex cognition (requiring conscious effortful processing, coordination of more than one cognitive process and/or stream of information at a time, and in which the cognitive or perceptual load is high of distracting or emotionally intensive) and executive functions (vigilance/focused attention, selective attention, divided attention, working memory, planning). The project will build on previous research by our team that has examined the effects of mild hypoxia on cognitive activity (such as decision-making, judgement, reasoning and problem solving) in university students and in air force aircrew, and of mild hypohydration on complex cognition in students. A key component of the research will be to identify, develop and use methods to assess complex executive thinking in humans. The PhD programme will then involve use of these methods in controlled laboratory studies that systematically examine the effects of exposure to single and combined multiple mild stressors that are considered to be realistic in applied, real-life settings. The research will involve developing a credible research plan and human ethics proposal (year one), conducting trials with human volunteers in a series of laboratory-based studies (year two) and writing up the findings in the form of journals papers and as a PhD thesis (year three). The supervisory team include an ergonomist, a sport scientist, a cognitive psychologist and an aviation psychologist.
Eligibility: The scholarship is intended to support an academically excellent student undertaking full-time doctoral studies at Massey University based in Palmerston North. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree with appropriate Honours or a Master’s degree in Psychology, (Human) Physiology, Exercise/Sport Science, Ergonomics or suitable related fields. Some prior research experience in the above areas will be advantageous. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 7.5 or better (on a 9 point scale, or greater than 3.33 on a 4 point scale). This is above an average grade of A-. The successful applicant has to fulfil all conditions of the Massey University Doctoral Scholarship and enrol for a PhD at Massey University, including payment of tuition fees. Further details can be found at: Massey University Doctoral Scholarships.
Financial support: The scholarship includes a stipend of $NZ 25,000 per annum for a maximum period of 3 years.
Advantages of this project: You will work in a supportive multidisciplinary team of leading researchers in Ergonomics, Cognitive Psychology, Human Environmental Physiology and Exercise and Sport Sciences, in the Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Public Health at Palmerston North campus. Laboratory studies may be conducted in the Human Performance Laboratory of the School of Sport and Exercise. This is a novel project with strong scientific foundations, and commercial as well as public health objectives.
Selection criteria:
- Strong academic record (GPA of 7.5 or above is essential)
- Ability to conduct research within an interdisciplinary team environment
- Strong initiative, interest, enthusiasm and empathy with participants
- Good time management and organisational skills
- Excellent written and oral English communication skills
- Sound computing and statistical analytical skills
- Willingness to work with human participants in studies that may require working evenings, early mornings and/or weekends
Status and application process: This project is available for an immediate start after 1st January 2015 and must be started before 1st August 2015. Applications close on 30 November 2014, and the PhD student should be enrolled at Massey University by 30 April 2015. Applicants should send a copy of their curriculum vitae, including their academic record, a statement of interest and the names and contact details (Tel and Email) of three referees to: Professor Stephen Legg, (Tel: +64 (0)9 356 9099 Ext: 84933), Email: S.J.Legg@massey.ac.nz .