Jones Movement Scholars Program

Student Sophie Chong measures blood pressure.

A Summer Research Enrichment Opportunity Sponsored by the School of Kinesiology

The School of Kinesiology is proud to host the Jones Movement Scholars Program, a full-time summer experience for upper-level undergraduate Kinesiology students interested in the area of Movement as Medicine as it relates to neurodegenerative disease. The program also has opportunities for year-long mentorship and professional development. Each year, three exceptional students will be selected for this unique opportunity to work closely with renowned faculty mentors in the field.

This prestigious initiative is generously supported by U-M alum Tom Jones.

 

Program Highlights

  • $10,000 student stipend. Scholars will receive a stipend to support their participation in a full-time, paid summer research program followed by ongoing engagement throughout the academic year.
  • Hands-on research. Scholars will dedicate 75% of their time to research activities, including data collection, working with research participants, publishing abstracts, presenting posters, and preparing manuscripts for publication.
  • Community engagement. 25% of the program focuses on community involvement, offering scholars opportunities to engage with patient advisory groups, community-based exercise programs, and clinical practitioners in neurology, radiology, and other fields.
  • Travel opportunities. Each scholar will receive professional development funding to attend a national conference, where they will network with leading researchers, present their findings, and gain exposure to student-specific educational tracks.
  • Mentorship. Scholars will benefit from one-on-one mentorship from esteemed faculty members Drs. Jacob Haus, Michael Vesia, and Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins.

Why Join the Program?

The Jones Movement Scholars Program offers a transformative experience that:

  • Equips students with cutting-edge research skills
  • Prepares students for graduate school or professional careers
  • Provides unparalleled access to mentorship, resources, and professional networks
Making Moves

Learn about what Kinesiology undergrads and Jones Movement Scholars Sophie Chong, Levi Kopald, and Brooke Bailey did during their summer of research.

Read the story

Program Details

Summer Fellowship: May-August 2026

  • Scholars will work 40 hours per week on faculty-mentored research projects over a 12-week summer fellowship.
  • Scholars will participate in activities to support research, organization, and professional development.
  • Scholars will gain experience in hands-on research and community activities while expanding their professional network.

Community & Professional Development: September 2026-April 2027

  • Scholars will engage in professional development activities, including attendance at a national conference and participation in School of Kinesiology and other University of Michigan events.
  • Scholars will have opportunities to contribute to patient advisory groups, community-based exercise programs, and clinical collaborations.

End of Program Requirements

  • Scholars will submit a research summary report detailing project outcomes.

 

Application Requirements

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be an undergraduate student enrolled in the School of Kinesiology
  • Hold third-year status or have at least 54 credits by Fall 2026
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.5
  • Commit to an in-person, full-time research position (40 hours/week) from May-August 2026
  • Demonstrate a passion for Movement as Medicine as it relates to neurodegenerative disease

Required Materials

  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Unofficial transcript
  3. Personal statement (500-1,000 words):
    1. Why is the timing right for this summer experience?
    2. What experiences make you an ideal candidate?
    3. What skills will you bring to the program?
    4. What about Movement as Medicine, as it relates to neurodegenerative disease, interests you?
  4. Provide only the names and contact information of 3 professional references. We will not reach out to references until after the interview process.

You are encouraged to research the faculty profiles and publications to best align your interests with the potential faculty members.

Applications open on February 9, 2026, and close on February 27, 2026.
Applications can be submitted at myumi.ch/5yZ7r.

Interview Process

Finalists will interview in person with the Jones Movement Scholars faculty. Notification of interviews will be sent via email in March 2026.