Background
This fellowship will allow a graduate student to support a National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award and possibly other research activities designated by the supervisor. Dr. Patty West will supervise the graduate student. This fellowship involves a commitment to work 20 hours per week with the College of Nursing faculty for the 2027 Spring Semester (January 4 - May 15), totaling a $12,500 award, paid on a monthly basis.
Eligibility
1. MSU graduate student in good standing who will be enrolled in Spring 2027.
2. Graduate student interested in a multi-phase research study focused on developing and evaluating a virtual reality (VR) physical activity program for adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The RA will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team to assist with recruitment, data collection, participant coordination, and study operations across lab, community, and home-based settings. This position is ideal for students interested in health research, community-engaged research, disability studies, or clinical research coordination.
Duties
The fellow will serve as an active member of the research team who is willing to learn steps in the research process and will assist with the following:
Participant Recruitment & Coordination
- Assist with recruitment efforts, including distributing study materials and responding to participant inquiries
- Monitor study email and support communication with participants and families
- Assist with scheduling participant visits (lab sessions, virtual meetings, or home visits)
- Support participant tracking and organization of study records
Study Implementation & Data Collection
- Assist with facilitating lab-based VR sessions with participants
- Support virtual Advisory Board meetings and community engagement activities
- Assist with data collection, including surveys, observational notes, and session documentation
- Help maintain accurate and organized study records
Study Operations & Project Support
- Support day-to-day study operations, including preparation of materials and session setup
- Assist with maintaining regulatory compliance (e.g., IRB documentation, training requirements)
- Help track participant progress, incentives, and study milestones
- Contribute to organization of study documents and team resources
Research & Scholarly Activities (Optional/As Available)
- Assist with literature searches and background research
- Support development of conference abstracts, presentations, or manuscripts
- Contribute to study reports and dissemination activities
Additional Responsibilities
- Participate in team meetings and training sessions
- Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when working with participants and data
- Support onboarding and collaboration with other student team members as needed
Hours
- 20 hours per week (based on study activities/schedule)
- Some evenings or weekends may be required based on participant availability
Application and Selection Process
Please submit your:
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement (300 to 500 words) of why you are interested in this fellowship
To: Patty West, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, westpatr@msu.edu
The deadline for submission is October 28, 2026. The nurse scientist supervising this position and potentially other team members will review your submitted information. We may also ask for letters of recommendation.
Funding of the Award
The award amount for January 4, 2026, to May 15, 2027 cannot extend beyond those dates, but may be shortened. A shortened timeframe may result in a lower award amount.
Note: If you have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, then you should be aware that receipt of a fellowship, scholarship, or assistantship may reduce your eligibility for federal student loans. Similarly, if you have other loans or tuition assistance, such as a sponsorship, please consult with Office of Financial Aid prior to applying to determine how this fellowship may impact your funding.
Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@msu.edu if you have questions. Unlike graduate assistantships, this fellowship does not provide student health insurance or tuition/fee waivers.