Undergraduate Research Assistant: Brain Health & Physical Activity Intervention (SITLess4Brain Lab)

Fight Sedentary Lifestyles & Boost Brain Health!
Join our NIH-funded clinical trial studying how light vs. vigorous activity breaks improve cognition in adults.

Your Role: Gain rigorous training in:

  • Assisting with EEG data collection
  • Administering neuropsychological tests (MoCA, KBIT-2) and cognitive tasks
  • Delivering physical activity interventions
  • Using clinical tools (heart rate monitors, accelerometers, BP measurement)
    Optional: Data analysis or science communication/social media.

Goal: Develop science-backed strategies to boost brain function and reduce excessive sitting.
(Lab: SITLess4Brain Lab| PI: Dr. Dominika Pindus | Starts Sept 1st, 2025)

Name of research group, project, or lab
SITLess4Brain
Why participate in this opportunity?

Why You Should Apply:
✅Make an impact: Help address a critical public health issue—50% of U.S. adults sit >9.5 hours/day, raising risks for dementia and heart disease.
✅Gain high-value skills: Train in data collection using EEG brain imaging, cognitive testing, neuropsychological tests, intervention delivery, accelerometer data, and clinical research operations.
✅Boost your resume: Contribute to an NIH-funded trial, with potential for co-authorship and presentations.
✅Ideal for: Students in Kinesiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, CS/Computer Engineering, or Public Health pursuing careers in research, healthcare, or rehab sciences.

Your Role:

  • Recruit/screen participants (health/cognitive assessments).
  • Assist with EEG setup/data collection & cognitive task administration.
  • Deliver physical activity breaks + monitor vitals (BP/heart rate).
  • Deploy movement sensors (accelerometers) for real-world tracking.
  • Support administrative tasks (consent forms, data organization).
  • Optional: Explore data analysis/visualization or assist with science communication/social media content.

Logistics:

  • Time commitment: 6–9 hours/week (in-person)
  • Credits: 2–3 research credits per semester
  • Start date: September 1, 2025 (training provided)
  • Lab website: Launching Fall 2025!

Apply Now!
Help us discover how movement transforms brain health while gaining hands-on research skills. 

Submit your application via https://forms.gle/tnG3vDNeJGrze9Rn6

Representative publication or further information
Pindus_HIIT2SITLess_Trial_Protocol.pdf
Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Kinesiology
Neuroscience
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

We’re Seeking Motivated Undergraduates Who Are:

  • Responsible, detail-oriented, and passionate about health science.
  • Interested in brain function, physical activity, or aging research.
  • Comfortable interacting with middle-aged/older adult participants.
  • No prior lab experience required—we train you!
Time commitment
5-7 h/wk
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Independent Study or Research Assistant credit
Number of openings
9
Project start
September, 1st 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
Dominika Pindus
dpindus@umass.edu
Name of project director or principal investigator
Dr. Dominika Pindus
Email address of project director or principal investigator
dpindus@umass.edu
9 sp. | 11 appl.
Hours
5-7 h/wk (+1)
5-7 h/wk8-10 h/wk
Project categories
Neuroscience (+1)
KinesiologyNeuroscience