Participate in a research study
We are working on many projects to improve human ability, especially for individuals with neurologic injuries such as spinal cord injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy. We are constantly seeking feedback on our devices and designs to ensure new ideas match with the needs of doctors, therapists, patients, and their families. Collected data is kept confidential in order to protect participants’ privacy.
Our work focuses on developing projects to improve human abilities, particularly for people with neurological conditions and chronic pain. We actively seek input on our devices and designs to ensure they align with the needs of doctors, therapists, patients, and their families. All data collected is kept strictly confidential to protect participants’ privacy.
If you live in or near the Northern Virginia area and are interested in learning more about current or future studies please contact: Dr. Samuel Acuña, [email protected]
Join our lab
Research can be challenging, but it offers the chance to explore new technologies, tackle unique problem areas, and connect with new people trying to make an impact. Most of what we try to do has never been done before! In our lab, you will learn how to think and work like a scientist in biomedical engineering. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable technical and design skills while solving complex and exciting problems. If you’re passionate, self-driven, disciplined, analytical, and enjoy collaborating with others, research in our lab might be the perfect fit for you!
Graduate Students
Our lab includes PhD and MS students primarily from bioengineering, but we also bring on students from mechanical engineering, computer science, data science, and other related disciplines. Select graduate students can join the lab on either a funded, volunteer, or credit basis. Funding for graduate student positions varies year-to-year depending on current grants and projects. Participating for credit is a good option for MS students doing a thesis or practicum in the lab.
Interested students should email Dr. Acuña an updated CV and a statement describing your research interests, the skills you hope to gain by working with us, and the skills you’ll bring to our team.
If you are applying to Mason, be sure to describe in your application why working in this lab is aligned with your career goals and how your past academic, industry, and/or research experiences contribute to our lab. Please reach out to Dr. Acuña in advance to let him know you have applied to Mason and also indicate which fellowships/funding you have applied for and/or received for your graduate studies.
Undergraduate Students
Participating in research as an undergraduate offers a unique chance to put your classroom knowledge and skills into practice. Select undergraduates can join the lab on either a volunteer or credit basis.
Desired Skills
We get particularly excited for students who bring any of the following skills to our group:
- Computer programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
- CAD modeling skills (e.g., Fusion, Solidworks, etc.)
- Fabrication skills (e.g., 3D printing, machine shop prototyping, soldering, etc.)
- Data analysis and statistical analysis (e.g., MATLAB, SPSS, R)
- biosensing and biomechanics experience (e.g., motion capture, EMG, IMUs, data analysis, etc.)
Expectations for undergraduate researchers
- Semester commitment. During the school year, we expect you to participate in the lab for at least one entire semester. However, this might not be enough time to really make a research impact. Dedicating 2+ semesters will give you the time to dive deep and make significant contributions to research. Many of our prior researchers have been part of the team for multiple years as an undergraduate.
- Weekly commitment. Research takes time and effort. A common challenge we face from undergraduates is overcommitting and underperforming due to poor time management, even for the brightest and most talented students. During the school year, we expect you to commit 5-10 hours per week to research. This includes attending lab meetings, check-in meetings with the PI, the CASSBI seminar series, and any project specific meetings. We know that classes, work, and other activities keep you busy. Make sure you can set aside the time to responsibly pursue research in a lab.
- Check-in meetings. Students must meet weekly with the PI and any other research mentors. You should come prepared to these meetings with an agenda and slides/handouts to share your progress and discuss challenges.
- Outreach activities. An important aspect of our lab is engaging with our local community. We commonly have requests from K-12 students and other groups to tour our lab. We ask for volunteers from the lab to help with these tours and share their experience.
- Clear documentation and a lab notebook. Others will build upon and learn from your work. Thus, it is important that everyone keeps clear notes (including comments in any computer code) so that you can easily share what you have done. All data collected and analyses performed is the property of the lab.
- Defining clear goals and outcomes. We aim for everyone to produce a final report, abstract, or other publication based upon their project. We will work with you to help define these goals for your specific project and career goals.