Undergraduate Research Internship: Community-Based Coaching & Health Interventions

Position: Spring 2026 Undergraduate Research Internship: Community-Based Coaching & Health Interventions
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** APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete .
** Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see .*
* ** JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
** The
** Lion Health Lab
** is seeking motivated undergraduate students for a paid research internship focused on
** coaching, program delivery, and community-based health research**. This position is ideal for students interested in working directly with youth, families, and community partners while gaining hands-on experience running real-world experiments and health interventions.

Interns will play an active role in delivering sport- and fitness-based programs (often in Cross Fit or similar community settings), supporting data collection, and helping implement research protocols tied to physical activity, mental health, and family-based health promotion.
** Pay:** $20/hour  
** Commitment:
** 2–6 hours per week  
** Dates:
** January 24, 2026 – May 15, 2026
** Project Description
** Interns will support ongoing
** Lion Health Lab
** projects examining how structured physical activity and coaching environments influence physical, mental, and cognitive health across the lifespan. Much of the work occurs in
** community and gym-based settings**, where interns help run programs, interact with participants, and support research data collection.

This internship emphasizes
** applied research**, not desk-only work. Interns will gain experience in coaching-based intervention delivery, participant engagement, and translating health science into practice. Students will work closely with
** Dr. Janette Watkins (PI)
** and graduate student mentors throughout the semester.
** Key Responsibilities
*** Assist with
** coaching and program delivery
** in community or gym-based settings
* Support implementation of
** research protocols
** during live programs
* Help with participant check-in, equipment setup, and session logistics
* Assist with
** data collection** (e.g., surveys, observational measures, wearables)
* Maintain accurate records and follow human subjects research procedures
* Participate in lab meetings and training sessions
* Contribute to project documentation and brief reports
* Represent the Lion Health Lab professionally in community settings
** Required Qualifications
*** Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (any major related to kinesiology, health, psychology, neuroscience, or similar fields encouraged)
* Interest in
** coaching, health promotion, or community-based research
*** Comfortable working with people in active, real-world settings
* Reliable, professional, and able to follow research protocols
* Strong communication and teamwork skills
** Preferred Qualifications**
* ** Cross Fit Level 1 certification or higher** (strongly preferred)
* Experience coaching, teaching, or leading physical activity programs
* Interest in public health, behavioral science, or intervention research
* Familiarity with youth or family-based programs
* Self-motivated with strong time management skills
** Mentorship & Training
** Interns receive direct mentorship from
** Dr. Janette Watkins
** and graduate student researchers. Training will include:
* Human subjects research procedures
* Program delivery and coaching expectations
* Community engagement and professional conduct
* Exposure to intervention science and applied research careers

This is an excellent opportunity for students considering
** graduate school, coaching careers, public health, or clinical research**.
** Duration and Commitment**
* ** Spring 2026:
** January 24 – May 15, 2026
* ** 2–6 hours per week**, depending on program schedules
** To Apply
** Please submit:

A resume and a short statement of interest (1–2 paragraphs) describing:
* Your experience with coaching, fitness, or community programs
* Why you are interested in applied health research with the Lion Health Lab
** BACKGROUND…