We are always excited to hear from motivated JMU undergraduate students who are curious about research, clinical science, and hands-on learning. Volunteering in the lab offers an opportunity to gain experience with real research projects, learn about swallowing science, and work closely with graduate students and faculty.

If you are interested in volunteering please read the details below and email Dr. Kamarunas (kamaruee@jmu.edu) with a brief introduction and your year in the program.

Volunteer Requirements & Expectations

To ensure a meaningful and positive experience for both students and the research team, we ask that all volunteers commit to the following:

Eligibility
The lab welcomes freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. No previous research experience is required. The lab is not currently accepting seniors as new volunteers due to the significant time demands associated with graduate school applications and the training required for lab involvement.

Single Lab Commitment
Volunteers are expected to commit to one research lab at a time. This helps ensure consistency, accountability, and a strong learning experience for everyone involved.

Time Commitment
A minimum of 2 hours per week in the lab is required (lab meetings are not included in this total). Consistent attendance is essential for project continuity and team collaboration.

Lab Meetings
Lab meetings are typically held most Fridays from 12:00–1:00 PM. Attendance is strongly encouraged for all lab members, as meetings include project updates, skill development, and research discussions.

Professional Responsibility
Volunteering in the lab is a professional commitment. If expectations are not met or communication becomes inconsistent, lab membership may be reconsidered. Our goal is to support students while maintaining a productive and respectful research environment.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience with real research data
• Exposure to clinical and translational research
• Opportunities to develop professional skills (organization, communication, reliability)
• Mentorship from faculty
• Potential eligibility for letters of recommendation with sustained engagement
• Potential eligibility for clinical observation opportunities with sustained engagement

Current Opportunities

Current lab members are assisting with swallowing evaluation analysis across several ongoing research projects. Tasks may include swallowing evaluation video analysis, data entry and organization, and exposure to clinical research methods. Volunteers work in pairs to complete analyses.