The Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Northern Colorado is seeking two doctoral students to fill teaching assistantships starting fall 2016. The biomechanics program is designed to be completed within three years, and consists of coursework primarily in biomechanics and research methods & design. However, students will also be encouraged to take complimentary coursework in areas such as exercise physiology, sport sociology and psychology, statistics, and computer programming. In addition to coursework, students will be expected to be involved in a variety of on-going research projects within the Biomechanics Laboratory.
Overview of Research Program:
Broadly, the research interest of the Biomechanics Lab relates to understanding of the mechanics and energetics of locomotion. The research paradigm of the lab relies on both experimental and musculoskeletal modeling techniques to address research questions related to 1) amputee locomotion, 2) inter-individual variability in running economy, 3) dynamic and static postural stability, 4) effects of cancer treatments on postural stability and locomotion.
Lower extremity amputees are one population that the lab continues to research in an attempt to better understand mechanisms underlying functional limitations associated with prosthetic use. One project is investigating the effects of different types of lower extremity amputation on functional outcomes following amputation. Other projects include: 1) effects of prosthesis inertia on amputee locomotion patterns, 2) improving our current models of amputee locomotion, and 3) prosthetic socket design. We are looking to fill at least one of the positions with someone with a research interest in this area.
For further information on the research focuses of faculty in the biomechanics program please visit the following pages:
Jeremy Smith, Ph.D. http://www.unco.edu/nhs/SES/staff/jsmith.htm
Gary Heise, Ph. D. http://www.unco.edu/nhs/SES/staff/heise.htm
UNC Biomechanics Lab: http://www.unco.edu/biomechanics/
Admissions Criteria:
The primary considerations for admission include:
1) Research interest and potential match with faculty advisor(s)
2) Research experience of the applicant
3) Obtained a master’s degree before fall 2016
4) Academic background (with emphasis on physics, mechanics, programming and mathematics)
5) Quantitative and verbal GRE scores.
At the doctoral level, it is important that the student and mentor have similar research interests in order for the education and training of the student to be as successful as possible. Thus, the most important consideration given to any applicant will be the research interest. Students with backgrounds in biology, physics, engineering, and/or exercise science are encouraged to apply. The graduate school’s admission criteria can be found at (http://www.unco.edu/grad/admissions/requirements.html). However, note that although the minimum requirements for the graduate school with regards to the GRE are a combined score of at least 297, the biomechanics program generally prefers to see quantitative scores on the GRE in at least the 150s.
Review of applications will begin January 1st, 2016 and continue until positions are filled.
Responsibilities:
Teaching assistants are expected to contribute to undergraduate lab instruction in Biomechanics and Anatomical Kinesiology. Teaching experience in these areas would be beneficial, but is not required. In addition to the teaching responsibilities, students on assistantship will be expected to be continuously involved in ongoing research in the lab.
Teaching assistantships require a separate application from the graduate school’s admission application. The TA application is available through the Biomechanics Lab website or by clicking the hyperlink in this message.
If you have any questions regarding the position or application procedures, please contact:
Jeremy D. Smith, Ph.D.
School of Sport & Exercise Science
University of Northern Colorado
Campus Box 39·Gunter 2760
Greeley, CO 80639
Office: 970-351-1761
Email: Jeremy.Smith@unco.edu
Overview of Research Program:
Broadly, the research interest of the Biomechanics Lab relates to understanding of the mechanics and energetics of locomotion. The research paradigm of the lab relies on both experimental and musculoskeletal modeling techniques to address research questions related to 1) amputee locomotion, 2) inter-individual variability in running economy, 3) dynamic and static postural stability, 4) effects of cancer treatments on postural stability and locomotion.
Lower extremity amputees are one population that the lab continues to research in an attempt to better understand mechanisms underlying functional limitations associated with prosthetic use. One project is investigating the effects of different types of lower extremity amputation on functional outcomes following amputation. Other projects include: 1) effects of prosthesis inertia on amputee locomotion patterns, 2) improving our current models of amputee locomotion, and 3) prosthetic socket design. We are looking to fill at least one of the positions with someone with a research interest in this area.
For further information on the research focuses of faculty in the biomechanics program please visit the following pages:
Jeremy Smith, Ph.D. http://www.unco.edu/nhs/SES/staff/jsmith.htm
Gary Heise, Ph. D. http://www.unco.edu/nhs/SES/staff/heise.htm
UNC Biomechanics Lab: http://www.unco.edu/biomechanics/
Admissions Criteria:
The primary considerations for admission include:
1) Research interest and potential match with faculty advisor(s)
2) Research experience of the applicant
3) Obtained a master’s degree before fall 2016
4) Academic background (with emphasis on physics, mechanics, programming and mathematics)
5) Quantitative and verbal GRE scores.
At the doctoral level, it is important that the student and mentor have similar research interests in order for the education and training of the student to be as successful as possible. Thus, the most important consideration given to any applicant will be the research interest. Students with backgrounds in biology, physics, engineering, and/or exercise science are encouraged to apply. The graduate school’s admission criteria can be found at (http://www.unco.edu/grad/admissions/requirements.html). However, note that although the minimum requirements for the graduate school with regards to the GRE are a combined score of at least 297, the biomechanics program generally prefers to see quantitative scores on the GRE in at least the 150s.
Review of applications will begin January 1st, 2016 and continue until positions are filled.
Responsibilities:
Teaching assistants are expected to contribute to undergraduate lab instruction in Biomechanics and Anatomical Kinesiology. Teaching experience in these areas would be beneficial, but is not required. In addition to the teaching responsibilities, students on assistantship will be expected to be continuously involved in ongoing research in the lab.
Teaching assistantships require a separate application from the graduate school’s admission application. The TA application is available through the Biomechanics Lab website or by clicking the hyperlink in this message.
If you have any questions regarding the position or application procedures, please contact:
Jeremy D. Smith, Ph.D.
School of Sport & Exercise Science
University of Northern Colorado
Campus Box 39·Gunter 2760
Greeley, CO 80639
Office: 970-351-1761
Email: Jeremy.Smith@unco.edu