Undergraduate Students Undergraduate research assistants play an essential role in the Action Lab. Students gain hands-on experience studying how children learn through movement and play. RAs help with participant recruitment, data collection, and behavioral coding while also attending lab meetings and engaging in discussions about developmental science. This position provides valuable training for students interested in psychology, human development, medicine, or related fields. Many RAs present their work at undergraduate research conferences, complete honors theses, and go on to a wide range of professions, including pediatrics, research, dentistry, and education. Undergraduate RA applications are closed for Spring 2026. If you are interested in joining the team, please fill out our RA interest form here! Doctoral Students Dr. Lockman is accepting new doctoral students for the 2026–2027 academic year Application deadline is Dec 1, 2025. Dr. Jeffrey Lockman mentors doctoral students who study how perception and action develop throughout infancy and childhood. Students in the Action Lab design and conduct studies with children (and sometimes adults), analyze movement and behavior, and use tools such as eye tracking, motion capture, and behavior coding. The labs research is highly interdisciplinary and includes collaborations with faculty and students in psychology, biology, nutrition, education, and computer science. Students should apply through the Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) Ph.D. program at The University of Texas at Austin and should indicate their interest in the Action Lab in their application materials. Prospective students are encouraged to review recent lab publications, speak with current lab members, and contact Dr. Lockman to discuss research fit. Please email Dr. Lockman at jeffrey.lockman@austin.utexas.edu. Describe your background, why you are interested in working with Dr. Lockman, an what research you hope to pursue in the lab! Please attach PDFs of your CV and transcript.
