Why would I want to join the lab?
Our primary research is on fall risk during pregnancy. A student may choose to join the lab because of an interest in:
- improving health outcomes for pregnant individuals and their children.
- factors that influence fall risk in the general population.
- factors the alter balance control or recovery ability in the general population
What qualifications do I need to join the lab?
As Biomechanics is the application of math and physics principles to the human body, students entering into my lab will have already been successful in physics and math and demonstrate a strong interest in applying those to health sciences. Additionally, I am interested in bringing in students that desire to learn and have a proven ability of problem solving on their own and professionalism. Incoming students at different levels have different requirements specified below:
Undergrad Research Assistant:
- Math requirement: Trig at high school or college level, with plans to take calculus
- Physics requirement: Basic mechanical physics at high school or college level
- Biology requirement: Anatomy
- Software: comfort with computers
Graduate student:
- Math requirement: Calculus 2, Stats
- Physics requirement: Physics 1 and 2
- Biology requirement: Anatomy, Muscle Physiology, Evolution (desirable)
- Software: Matlab (strongly recommended), C++ or Python (in place of Matlab), SPSS (desirable)
How do I join the GPB lab?
There are currently several routes to join our lab. In all cases, please send me an email that includes your transcripts and CV/resume. I will review, and schedule an interview.
If you are interested in a paid technician, graduate or post-doctoral position, I will advertise on Biomch-L
Kinesiology M.S.
Dr. Catena is an Associate Professor in Kinesiology at WSU. The Kinesiology program has B.S. and M.S. degrees. The best way to find out about being in the lab and assistantships in the Kinesiology program is to contact Dr. Catena. Click here for the application process to the Kines grad program.
Neuroscience Ph.D.
Dr. Catena is a graduate faculty member in Neuroscience at WSU. Feel free to contact Dr. Catena regarding getting into the lab to do research. Click here for the application process to the Neuroscience grad program.
Interdisciplinary Ph.D.
The Interdisciplinary PhD at WSU allows you to tailor a PhD degree and research to your specific interests. At other levels, an interdisciplinary degree would typically not be advised. But at the PhD level, your dissertation topic typically sets your career path, not your specific degree. Dr. Catena is willing to bring in PhD students through IIDP for that reason. Click here for more information about the IIDP grad program.
Are you a local high school student?
Dr. Catena is willing to accept the most exceptional high school students to intern in the lab. Students must be hard-working, motivated, and dedicated. If you are interested, please email Dr. Catena to set up an appointment so that you meet and discuss a position further.
Phone: (509) 335-4250 Email: robert.catena@wsu.edu Location: Smith Gym 19 and 21, Pullman WA 99164-1410