Lab opportunities

The Sensorimotor Control and Learning Lab (SCiLL) is always looking for individuals interested in getting practical research experience while learning about the brain and its role in skill performance/acquisition.

Undergraduate research for credit opportunities

Undergraduate students have a range of opportunities to gain research experience while receiving academic credit. These experiences range from a research apprenticeship (KIN 391), where you will learn how research is done, to an honours thesis, where you will take the lead in collecting and analyzing data on a small scale project (KIN 431/432).

KIN 391 - Research apprenticeship (0.5 credits)

A research apprenticeship is a great way to learn how research is conducted. As a research apprentice you will:

  • Learn from, and work alongside senior SCiLL team members
  • Gain practical, hands-on experience using advanced non-invasive brain study techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and peripheral nerve stimulation.
  • Develop your critical thought abilities by participating in lab meetings where we will discuss current literature, develop research studies, and discuss the meaning of the data we generate. 

KIN 431 - Research Proposal (0.5 credits) and KIN 432 - Research Thesis (0.5 credits)

A research proposal and research thesis is a great immersive experience for highly motivated students.

During the research proposal, students work with Professor Meehan and the SCiLL team to develop a neuroscience based research question and the methodology to answer that research question. Students also gain the necessary technical expertise through hands-on training.  

During the research thesis, students take the lead to collect, analyze and interpret data to write a comprehensive scientific document. At the end of the semester, students present their work to their peers. In many cases, a research thesis can lead to a publication in a scientific journal. 

Undergraduate research work experience

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)

Highly qualified students are encouraged to explore research opportunities through the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA). The NSERC USRA award is a great opportunity to gain an intensive research experience while being paid to work full-time in the SCiLL over a sixteen-week period.

Students interested in pursuing an NSERC USRA opportunity are encouraged to contact Professor Sean Meehan as soon as possible. There is an application deadline early in the Winter semester.

Co-operative education

Co-operative education opportunities for students pursuing a degree in Kinesiology (or other neuroscience related degree) are also available.

Please contact Professor Sean Meehan about potential opportunities

Undergraduate volunteers

The success of our lab relies on dedicated volunteers!

Whether you are a high school student, undergraduate student, perspective graduate student or professional there are excellent opportunities to work alongside lab members and gain hands on experience with cutting edge technology to non-invasive study the brain. Technologies include:

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Electroencephalography (EEG)
  • Peripheral nerve stimulation

We are more than happy to train volunteers. We just ask that you are prepared to commit at least five hours per week to the lab.

Interested volunteers should complete our lab volunteer form.

Graduate students

Interested in pursuing graduate studies? Want to learn more about the brain's role in motor performance and skill acquisition? Then think about joining the SCiLL team.

MSc and PhD positions are available for next fall.

Please contact Professor Sean Meehan about potential opportunities or reach out to our lab members to find out more about their research!

Postdoctoral fellows

There are no current funded openings for postdoctoral fellows. However, interested post-doctoral fellows are encouraged to contact Professor Sean Meehan to discuss research interests and explore external funding opportunities.

Funding 

Qualified trainees looking to join the lab are encouraged to explore all options regarding scholarships and fellowships. We are happy to assist interested students with the application process. Interested students are encouraged to contact Professor Sean Meehan early in the application cycle to discuss their prospective interest. 

For specific funding opportunities please consult the appropriate funding and awards pages: Undergraduate students, Graduate students, Postdoctoral fellows.