Graduate Study in Biomechanics and Motor Control at University of Maryland

PhD or Master's degree in Kinesiology, Bioengineering, or Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NACS)

The Neuromechanics Laboratory at University of Maryland is looking for highly motivated Ph.D. and Masters students interested in studying (1) biomechanics and motor control of hand and finger and (2) biomechanics and physiology of amputee running. The student will be supported by a research assistantship (RA) or a teaching assistantship (TA). Potential candidates are encouraged to send their CV's to Dr. Jae Kun Shim (jkshim@umd.edu) as early as possible.

[RESEARCH]

Our research is currently focused on biomechanics and motor control of (1) hand and digits and (2) lower extremity amputee locomotion/running as well as their applications to medicine, rehabilitation, and ergonomics. We are especially interested in understanding the CNS control mechanism for motor redundancy, developments of motor functions in typically developing children as well as children with developmental coordination disorder, and developmental changes and intervention & adaptation of motor functions in elderly persons and the persons with neurological/genetic disorders or stroke. We use techniques of  biomechanics, motor control and neurophysiology: kinematic analysis using motion capture systems, kinetic/dynamic analysis, neuromuscular training, TMS, EMG, MEG, fMRI, optic fiber Bragg grading (FBG) force sensors, 6-D kinetic pen, etc.  For details on current research and publications, please refer to the following web page: http://www.hhp.umd.edu/KNES/faculty/jkshim/neurobiomechanics/publications/publications.htm 

[PROGRAM]

A student will develop a coherent area of expertise in human movement science by designing an academic program that includes introductory and advanced graduate courses in biomechanics, motor control, engineering, neuroscience, cognitive science, etc. A student can apply for a program of her/his background and interest in the Department of Kinesiology (Master's and PhD), Bioengineering Graduate Program (PhD), and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (PhD).

[ADMISSION]

Applications for admission should be received by December 1. The following criteria will be considered for admission:

The main considerations for admission are: (a) the course background of the student (courses taken and/or experiences in Physics, Mechanics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Control, etc.); (b) the student's scores of all three GRE sections, and (c) the student's record of interest and/or academic performance in human movement sciences. LabView and MatLab, as well as experience in biomechanical and neurophysiological measurements and backgrounds in the control of human motion would be advantageous. Students from engineering and biological sciences are encouraged to apply. International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English (TOEFL).

[WEBPAGES]

Graduate School: http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/catalog/admission.html  

Department of Kinesiology: http://sph.umd.edu/KNES/grad/apply.html

Neuroscience and Cognitive Science: http://nacs.umd.edu/program/apply.html

Bioengineering: http://www.bioe.umd.edu/prospective.htm

[CONTACTS]

Candidates should email their CV's to Dr. Shim as early as possible:

     Jae Kun Shim
     E-mail: jkshim@umd.edu  (preferred)

     Phone: 301) 405-2492

     University of Maryland
     Neuromechanics Laboratory
     0110F SPH Bldg.
     College Park, MD 20742