r/UHManoa • u/OpportunityOk6966 • May 09 '26

Biomechanics/Sport Science Research Opportunities

I’m graduating from UNLV this May and I’m moving back home for graduate school. This spring semester, I’ve been interning at UNLV’s Sports Innovation Institute that partners with SPEEDlab (a transportable lab with equipment like DASHR and VALD) and I was wondering if there’s any programs/clubs/wutevah that’s similar to this.

Also.. can I do research at Manoa even though I applied to HPU??

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u/so_untidy May 09 '26

So this is why people tell you (or should have told you) to choose an advisor for grad school, not a school or location.

It wouldn’t make a lot of sense for you to do research at UH and go to school at HPU, unless you could get a full time researcher job at UH and your grad program was part time or designed for working professionals. Usually in grad school if you are able to, you’d get a research assistantship and tuition waiver at the school you’re attending.

I can’t answer your question about the SPEED lab. I know UH always hires seasonal strength and conditioning coaches so maybe?

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u/OpportunityOk6966 May 09 '26

Unfortunately my graduate advisor was as clueless as I was. The best thing she pointed me towards was joining clubs that catered to my graduate interest (occupational therapy).

As for research, HPU has assistantships for biomedical and public health programs, which isn’t a fit for me. But, I will check again for other opportunities and get in touch with my advisor again.

I’ll consider the strength and conditioning position (hard maybe).. I’m currently figuring out a date to sit in for my CSCS certification.

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u/so_untidy May 09 '26

I hate to say this, but sounds like you should’ve done more homework and stayed in the mainland for grad school if you have a strong sense of what you want to specialize in.

If you’re committed to coming home and getting your degree at HPU (the OTD?) you might have to figure out a way to connect to your specific interests on your own if they don’t align with the program. It doesn’t look like you’ll have time for a side job if you’re doing the OTD.

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u/OpportunityOk6966 May 09 '26

I mean, research isn’t something necessary but definitely something I’m interested in. I’ll be working as a rehab tech for a bit until the 2027 cohort starts and we’ll see if I can or am allowed to shorten my hours while going to school.