Students / PTs looking for research experience

 

The Motor Development Lab investigators value the opportunity to share their passion for research with those who are considering careers in research and participating in clinical research.

 

Volunteer Positions

Volunteer positions as a research assistant are commonly available at the start of new projects.  If you are interested in learning about opportunities please contact the lab via email.  If you are a USC student please complete this form and let us know you via email you completed the form.

323-442-0191

motordevelopmentlab@pt.usc.edu

Funded Research Internships: 

The Motor Development Lab participates in multiple university, local, and federally funded program to provide summer or longer research internships.  Details can be found through each program

USC Diversity, Inclusion, Access (DIA) JumpStart

Undergraduate Research Fellowships

NIH Diversity Supplements

Research Assistant Roles: 

Training and task assignment depends on your background, the needs or the lab, and you interests.  Below is a list of examples of task student research assistants often help with.

  1. Prepping for or cleaning up from lab or home visit 
    1. setting up equipment
    2. assisting with the actual data collection or engaging siblings
  2. Video taping in lab or home for an ongoing study
    1. Assessment 
    2. Intervention 
  3. Behavioral Coding 
    1. Datavyu 
  4. General tasks that you might contribute to 
    1. Making posters
    2. Reviewing papers
    3. Updating documents
    4. Editing videos
    5. Uploading videos
    6. Data entry, basic analysis, or graphing
Data collection with eye tracker

Research Roles for Licensed Physical Therapists

Participation in research is an excellent way to advance your career, learn new skills, and/or see if you might be interested in advanced education in research and teaching.  Below is a list of activities licensed PTs might help with.

  1. Assessment for a clinical trial
    1. Doing the assessments in person
    2. Scoring videotaped assessment for reliability
  2. Intervention
    Intervention during a clinical trial

    Biomechanical and developmental assessments for various research project

    1. Posture
    2. Eye tracking
    3. Problem-solving
    4. Standardized assessments
  3. Intervention for a clinical trial
    1. Training to provide the intervention for the clinical trial
    2. Scoring videos for fidelity measurements

 

Overview of research in the Motor Development Lab – talk for DPT students

Research Opportunities for Physical Therapists – Role, Education, and Funding

 

University of Southern California