Get involved | Lipid Enzyme Discovery Lab

Undergraduate students

There are many opportunities to get involved in our research. We accept a small number of serious, studious, and focused volunteers to help graduate students with their projects.

We also support experiential courses including:

KIN 391: Research Apprenticeship
KIN 431/432: Research Proposal/Research Project
KIN 433: Senior Essay
KIN 472: Directed Study in Special Topics
BIOL 499: Senior Honours Project

If you are interested in becoming involved in our research, please send an email to Robin Duncan including your name, year and term of study, student ID number, and a very brief statement including why you are interested in joining us and how your research interests align with what we do.

Graduate students

For more information, please see the frequently asked questions below.

If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in this laboratory, please contact Robin Duncan directly. Please include:

Your full name
Your student ID number (if you are a University of Waterloo student)
A brief description of prior research/lab experience
A brief description of your research interests (i.e., why our lab?)
Any supporting information that indicates academic preparedness or excellence (e.g. excellent academic standing, exceptional performance in related courses, co-op or other “hands on” experience, undergraduate awards or scholarships, relevant volunteer experience). A PDF of your unofficial undergraduate transcripts is helpful.
Please indicate whether you have applied for, or intend to apply for tri-council scholarships (i.e., Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) or Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)) or other sources of funding. We will arrange for potential candidates to visit the lab and meet our group.

Frequently asked questions

Are we recruiting?

Yes.

What positions are open?

We are looking to recruit a student for a PhD level project, although other opportunities may arise.

Who should apply?

Anyone in the process of completing an MSc degree in a biological science based discipline is welcome to apply. Alternatively, if you are completing your undergraduate degree and have a genuine interest in research, and a strong commitment to reclassifying to the PhD program after the first year, please contact Robin Duncan.

Do I need to have prior experience?

Experience is always nice, but it is not required. We will teach you. We offer a very comprehensive learning experience.

Do I get paid?

The Kinesiology PhD program has a guaranteed stipend, and the MSc program has a recommended stipend, that is made up of Teaching Assistantship and Research Assistantship awards. I will ensure a minimum stipend of $21,000 per year from all sources for graduate students admitted under my supervision.

What if I have a scholarship?

Please contact Robin Duncan. We are always interested in speaking with exceptional students. If you hold a competitive external scholarship (for example, NSERC or CIHR), you may be eligible to receive the President’s Graduate Scholarship that would provide an additional $10,000. Depending on the level of the award, top-up funding could be provided from research grants, and you may not have to do a Teaching Assistantship.

Do I have to pay tuition?

Yes. Graduate full time tuition for Canadian residents was $2412 + $373.04 for incidental fees. Fees for international students are typically higher. Please see study and living costs for more information and current fees.

What is it like being in the Lipid Enzyme Discovery Lab?

Fun, challenging, and supportive. We place a lot of importance on ideas, respect, and personal growth. The current members are experienced, and have an excellent track record of dedication to training new students. I am personally dedicated to growing a world-class program, and I reserve a lot of time for helping my graduate students achieve their research goals. You can expect to receive the support you need to be successful in our lab. In turn, we are looking to find individuals who are dedicated to success. We all get there together.