Where sports injury meets sports psychology. We create valuable learning experiences, produce interdisciplinary research, and deliver education to improve client outcomes.
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  • Opportunity Engage students in enhancing their thinking & reasoning, developing relationships & communication skills, and fostering intrapersonal growth within the science of kinesiology

  • Research Improve the health and recovery of individuals through clinically-driven research

  • Education Offer educational opportunities for individuals and communities

Current research projects

  • Mental skills training for injured athletes
  • Sex differences in martial artis injuries presenting to emergency departments: a 10-year analysis
  • Suicide rates in NCAA athletes: a 12-year analysis
  • The green light study: solution-focused coaching, positive emotion, and functional movement
  • The prevalence and clinical characteristics of runner’s dystonia

Join the ASPIRE Lab

UIC Kinesiology and Nutrition undergraduate students with a sophomore standing or above who can commit to a minimum of two semesters of research in the lab are eligible to apply. Hours earned count towards experiential learning credit. UIC Kinesiology and Nutrition graduate students working on their master's degree who can commit to a minimum of two semesters of research in the lab are eligible to apply. Hours earned count towards course credit with the possibility of completing a project or thesis.

  • Benefits

    Students who complete research and project work in our lab pursue careers in academia, athletic training, counseling, health/wellness coaching, medicine, nursing, occupational or physical therapy, personal training, psychology, research, strength & conditioning, and other similar fields.

    • Obtain a unique opportunity for professional skills and career development
    • Differentiate yourself from other graduate admissions applicants
    • Develop lasting relationships with peers and faculty
    • Operate in a high expectation environment
    • Receive supervision and mentoring
    • Participate in meaningful work
    • Develop research skills
    • Earn credit hours

  • How to join

    Student interviews occur every spring semester to join the following fall and spring semesters. A maximum of TWO placements are available for academic year 2025-2026.

    Application Steps:

    1. Apply below when the application opens at the beginning of March 2026
    2. Submit a complete application by Sunday, April 12, 2026
    3. Look for an emailed status update on your application 1-2 weeks after the application deadline
    4. Prepare for a professional interview if invited

Apply to join the ASPIRE Lab

Support ASPIRE

Donations to ASPIRE support student development, research-related costs, and our educational programs.

Under “Gift Designation,” select “Other” and enter “12343425 UIC Kinesiology ASPIRE Lab Fund”

Support ASPIRE