By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
📍 Location for Fully Funded Doctoral Student: Ann Arbor, Michigan
🎓 Program: PhD in Kinesiology (Child Movement, Activity & Developmental Health – CMAH Lab)
📅 Start Date: Fall 2026
Introduction 💡
Are you passionate about child development, motor skills, and physical activity research? The University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology is offering a fully funded doctoral student assistantship starting in Fall 2026. This prestigious opportunity is led by Dr. Leah E. Robinson, professor and director of the Child Movement, Activity & Developmental Health (CMAH) Lab, who has secured more than $20 million in external funding for groundbreaking research.
If you’re motivated to explore how children develop motor competence, physical activity habits, and health outcomes, this assistantship could be your path to academic excellence and a meaningful career in kinesiology, public health, and pediatric research.
Faculty Bio and Research Focus 🔬
Dr. Leah E. Robinson is a distinguished professor whose research focuses on advancing the understanding of how children develop motor competence and confidence—two key factors in leading healthy and active lives.
Her research program addresses:
- 🏃 Motor skill acquisition in children
- ⚽ Physical activity engagement and promotion
- 🧠 Developmental health outcomes in pediatric populations
- 🧬 Interventions that improve confidence and long-term health behaviors
Dr. Robinson’s work is funded by prestigious organizations such as:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- U.S. Department of Education
- American Diabetes Association
- Meta Platforms
This ensures that doctoral students working in the CMAH Lab have access to cutting-edge resources, interdisciplinary collaborations, and impactful projects.
What the Assistantship Offers 🎓
The Fully Funded Doctoral Student Assistantship at the University of Michigan provides:
- 💰 Full stipend support (for Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer terms – tuition only in summer)
- 🎓 Full tuition coverage
- 🏥 Healthcare benefits
- 📅 Up to 4 years of guaranteed funding (renewable annually based on satisfactory performance)
This means you can focus entirely on your research and academic growth without financial worries.
📢 Application Timeline:
- Applications open: September 1, 2025
- Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until: December 1, 2025
Preferred Applicant Profile ✅
To be a strong candidate for this Fully Funded Doctoral Student Assistantship, you should have:
- 🎓 Master’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, public health, or another movement/health-related field.
- 📊 Competitive GPA in previous academic work.
- 📖 Research experience in motor development, physical activity, or related areas.
- 🧪 Experience in motor and physical activity assessments.
- 👩🏫 Teaching experience and/or publications (desirable).
In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- High degree of accountability and responsibility
Application Process 📩
To apply as Fully Funded Doctoral Student, candidates must first gain admittance to the PhD program at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology.
📥 Required Documents (combine into one PDF):
- Cover letter (stating research interests, goals, and experiences)
- Current CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Writing samples
- Contact information for 3 references
📧 Send your completed application to: lerobin@umich.edu with the subject line “PhD position Fall 2026”.
For program-specific questions, you may contact Charlene Ruloff at kingradcomm@umich.edu.
👉 Learn more about the program here: University of Michigan School of Kinesiology Website
Why Choose the University of Michigan for Fully Funded Doctoral Student? 🌍
The University of Michigan (U-M) is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world, known for its academic excellence, innovative research, and global reputation.
Reasons to pursue your PhD here:
- 🌟 Work with internationally recognized faculty
- 🧪 Access state-of-the-art labs and research facilities
- 🤝 Collaborate across interdisciplinary fields (public health, neuroscience, education, pediatrics)
- 💡 Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
- 📚 Strong funding support for doctoral students
Ann Arbor itself is a vibrant college town, frequently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., offering a welcoming environment for students and researchers.
Research Impact ✨
This doctoral assistantship is more than just an academic opportunity—it’s a chance to make a real-world impact.
By studying motor skills, physical activity, and child development, you will:
- 💪 Advance strategies to reduce childhood obesity
- 🧠 Promote healthy cognitive and social development
- ⚽ Encourage lifelong active lifestyles in children
- 📈 Influence public health policies and interventions
Your research will contribute to a healthier future for children and communities worldwide.
Internal & External Resources 🔗
- 🔗 University of Michigan Scholarships & Funding Opportunities (Internal link)
- 🔗 NIH – Child Health and Development Research (External link)
FAQs ❓
Q1: Is the doctoral assistantship fully funded?
✅ Yes, it includes a stipend, tuition support, and healthcare coverage for up to four years.
Q2: When is the application deadline?
📅 Applications open September 1, 2025, and close December 1, 2025.
Q3: Do I need a master’s degree to apply?
🎓 Yes, applicants should hold a master’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, public health, or related fields.
Q4: What documents are required for the application?
📥 Cover letter, CV, writing samples, and contact information for three references.
Q5: Who will I be working with?
👩🔬 You will work under the supervision of Dr. Leah E. Robinson in the CMAH Lab at the University of Michigan.
Conclusion 📢
The Fully Funded Doctoral Student Assistantship at the University of Michigan – Fall 2026 offers an extraordinary chance to join a leading research lab focused on child development, motor skills, and physical activity. With world-class mentorship from Dr. Leah Robinson, full financial support, and access to one of the best academic environments globally, this is a golden opportunity for aspiring researchers.
👉 Don’t miss your chance—prepare your application early and take the next big step in your academic and research career at the University of Michigan!
🧑🎓 Author Bio
Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.
Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.
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