Field of Study:
Pain, Rehabilitation, Knee Osteoarthritis
Department:
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Rank of Student:
All levels
Desired Majors:
Health Sciences, Exercise Science, Psychology, Biomedical Science, Public Health, Nursing, Statistics/Data Analytics, and related fields. Students from any major with a strong interest in pain rehabilitation or clinical research are welcome to apply.
Hours per Week:
20
Compensation Type:
Academic Credit,
Salary / Stipend,
Work-Study,
Voluntary Experience
Application Deadline:
Contact:
Kosaku Aoyagi PT, PhD, Kosaku.Aoyagi@osumc.edu
Private
Public
Project Description
Research in our PRISM Lab (Pain Rehabilitation Integrative Science and Mechanisms Laboratory) aims to better understand multiple contributors to the chronic pain experience, including pain sensitization, psychological and behavioral factors, autonomic dysregulation, and social determinants of health, and to develop mechanism-based rehabilitation interventions (e.g., physical therapy). Current projects include clinical trials of nonpharmacological interventions, such as vagus nerve stimulation and exercise, for individuals with knee pain or chronic low back pain.
Undergraduate researchers will receive dedicated, hands-on training and close, ongoing mentorship in chronic pain research. Students will have opportunities to gain guided experience across the full research process, including participant recruitment, intervention delivery, data collection, and dissemination, with responsibilities tailored to their training, interests, and progress.
Undergraduate researchers will receive dedicated, hands-on training and close, ongoing mentorship in chronic pain research. Students will have opportunities to gain guided experience across the full research process, including participant recruitment, intervention delivery, data collection, and dissemination, with responsibilities tailored to their training, interests, and progress.
Additional Information
Our lab is located at Dodd Hall. Students must complete all applicable required institutional training before participating in human-subjects research.
Applications received by September 15, 2026, will receive priority consideration; however, applications from strong candidates will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after this date.
Applications received by September 15, 2026, will receive priority consideration; however, applications from strong candidates will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after this date.
Required Applicant Information
1: A current resume or CV
2: A brief statement (approximately two paragraphs) describing:
- Why you are interested in chronic pain research
- What you hope to learn or gain from this research experience and how it relates to your academic or career goals
- Any prior research experience, if applicable
2: A brief statement (approximately two paragraphs) describing:
- Why you are interested in chronic pain research
- What you hope to learn or gain from this research experience and how it relates to your academic or career goals
- Any prior research experience, if applicable
Required or Desired Skills
- Genuine interest and strong motivation for clinical pain research
- Strong Interpersonal skills
- Reliability and timely communication
- Strong Interpersonal skills
- Reliability and timely communication
Faculty Member Lead:
Kosaku Aoyagi, PT, PhD
Starting Semester:
Autumn,
Spring,
Summer
Length of Project (in semesters):
6