Thank you for expressing an interest in joining the Pediatric Physical Activity Lab (PPAL). The PPAL research focuses on using physical activity to improve the health of young children. Research within the lab is conducted in Springfield, MA, and the surrounding area. Students must be comfortable working on a team and interacting with community members. All students are trained in all the protocols utilized in the lab’s research. Students must be available for 1 weekday to go to Springfield to participate in the research studies. Students must commit to working in the lab for the entire academic year.
The undergraduate research assistants for the Pediatric Physical Activity Lab will be responsible for the following duties:
- Register for KIN 291S, a 3-credit course associated with the lab (lecture and 1 lab section).
- Participate in an orientation and training for all PPAL members
- Complete online CITI Training
- Attend PPAL weekly lab meetings (Friday 10:10 – 12:05, which is the lecture for KIN 291S)
- Assist in research participant recruitment, study implementation, data collection, and data entry.
- Participate in community service learning – homework tutoring
- Complete a PowerPoint Presentation on an article and an end-of-semester evaluation
Qualifications
- Must enjoy working with children
- A student MUST have at least 3.2 GPA (student must submit an unofficial transcript)
- Available for weekly lab meeting (Friday 10:10 – 12:05 pm)
- Register for ONE lab section; typical lab section hours are 7:30 am – 11:30 am. Lab section hours may vary from year to year, depending on the research being conducted in the lab.
- Excellent organizational, verbal, and interpersonal skills
- Able to work independently
- All qualified students MUST undergo a 30-minute interview process with Dr. Alhassan
Background Checks
Some of our community sites may require background checks (e.g., CORI/SORI checks). Typically you will need a government-issued form of ID in hand and you will need to know your social security number.
How to Apply: Students may apply on a rolling basis, but typically applications will be reviewed in alignment with course registration schedules. Use the following link to apply for the internship.
- Click here to complete the online interest form.
- Email Dr. Alhassan (@email) expressing your interest in joining the lab.