Join Us

Be part of cutting-edge neuroscience research

Graduate Students

The Steel Lab is actively recruiting PhD students interested in cognitive neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and computational approaches to understanding brain function.

We welcome students from diverse backgrounds including psychology, neuroscience, computer science, physics, and related fields.

Ideal Candidates Have:

  • Strong interest in perception, memory, and/or cognitive neuroscience
  • Quantitative skills or eagerness to develop them
  • Experience with neuroimaging, programming, or computational modeling (beneficial but not required)

How to Apply

Interested graduate students should apply through the UIUC Psychology Graduate Program and mention Dr. Steel in their application.

Before applying, please reach out with:

  1. Your CV/resume
  2. A statement of your research interests
  3. What you hope to gain from working in the lab

This helps us understand your interests and goals, and ensures a good fit.

Contact Dr. Steel

Undergraduate Students

We welcome motivated undergraduate students who want to gain research experience in cognitive neuroscience.

Opportunities Include:

  • Research assistant positions (for course credit or work-study)
  • Independent research projects
  • Honors thesis supervision

Undergraduate researchers in our lab gain hands-on experience with:

  • Neuroimaging data collection and analysis
  • Computational modeling and programming
  • Experimental design and participant testing
  • Literature review and scientific writing
  • Presentation of research findings

How to Get Involved

Please email Dr. Steel with:

  1. Your resume
  2. A brief statement of your interests
  3. What you hope to get out of working in the lab
  4. Your availability and commitment level
Contact Dr. Steel

Why Join The Steel Lab?

Cutting-Edge Methods

Work with ultra-high field 7T fMRI, computational modeling, and VR technologies

Collaborative Environment

Join a supportive team dedicated to scientific discovery and professional growth

High-Impact Research

Contribute to publications in top-tier journals like Nature Neuroscience and Nature Communications

World-Class Facilities

Access to the Beckman Institute and its state-of-the-art research infrastructure