Are you passionate about preventing injury and improving recovery for individuals following ACL reconstruction and concussion?
The MSU Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation (AIR) Laboratories offer hands-on research experiences for students and collaborative opportunities for professionals interested in biomechanics, musculoskeletal imaging and long-term joint health.
We welcome motivated undergraduate students from Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Biomedical Engineering, Human Biology, Athletic Training and related majors to contribute to our research.
What You Will Do
- Assist with in-person data collection sessions (e.g., biomechanics testing, ultrasound imaging, surveys)
- Contribute to out-of-lab tasks such as:
- Processing and analyzing biomechanics data
- Segmenting and interpreting ultrasound images
- Reviewing literature and preparing research summaries
Opportunities for Growth
- Training in research ethics, data analysis software, and scientific communication
- Encouraged to submit and present at the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) each spring
Requirements
- Commitment of at least two semesters
- Minimum of 5–6 hours per week
- Interest in injury prevention, rehabilitation, or sports medicine
How to Apply
If you're interested in joining the lab, please email Dr. Harkey directly.
We will follow up with a brief interest form and additional details about available opportunities.
Our lab regularly mentors master's students interested in developing expertise in musculoskeletal imaging, biomechanics, and injury rehabilitation.
Learn more about the Master's of Science Kinesiology program.
If you are considering applying and would like to learn more about our lab’s focus and training environment, please email Dr. Harkey directly.
The AIR Labs support Ph.D. students through the Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation concentration within MSU’s Kinesiology Ph.D. program.
Students gain interdisciplinary experience in:
- Ultrasound imaging and structural evaluation of the knee
- Biomechanical testing and movement assessment
- Physical activity monitoring and recovery following injury
- Patient-reported outcomes and osteoarthritis risk research
Learn more about the PhD program.
If you're interested in applying, please contact Dr. Harkey to discuss opportunities in the lab.
We actively seek interdisciplinary partnerships that can expand the clinical, technological, or translational reach of our work. Current collaborations include physical therapy clinics, sports medicine providers, imaging scientists, engineers, and public health researchers.
We are especially interested in collaborators with expertise in:
- Musculoskeletal imaging and ultrasound processing
- Gait analysis and wearable sensors
- Clinical trial development and rehabilitation outcomes
- Physical activity and recovery after musculoskeletal injury
Postdoctoral candidates interested in contributing to our research, co-authoring manuscripts, or preparing collaborative grant submissions are encouraged to reach out.
Please contact Dr. Harkey to explore opportunities to collaborate.
Research Presentations
Our researchers have presented to our department, at the university-level (including to senior leaders), at conferences and beyond. Their efforts are often award-winning, and advance the field in important ways.
See some recent presentations:
