M2 research internship

Link between emotion and action: a study of movement kinematics in a virtual socio-emotional environment

Internship context

We are offering a 6-month gratified Master 2 internship, from January 2025 to June 2025. The theme of the internship is the study of motion kinematics in 3D, during approach/avoidance decisions of virtual avatars expressing emotions (see Sequestro et al., 2024). This theme is part of an ANR JCJC project entitled “Walking, Anhedonia, DEpRession and Social decisions” (WANDERS, ANR-24-CE28-504). The successful candidate will be in charge of the validation of the experimental paradigm in VR (e.g., creation of avatars, task adaptation) and the collection and analysis of preliminary data in the movement analysis laboratory of the UFR STAPS of the University Paris Nanterre. The candidate will develop technical skills in motion analysis (VICON system) and modification of virtual environments (Unity). As the planned experiment is part of a larger project, students with the aim of pursuing a thesis are encouraged to apply.

Skills required

We expect the intern to have a background in one of the following disciplines: cognitive (neuro)sciences, psychology or STAPS. He/she should be particularly motivated by work in the field of emotions, have an appetite for technical challenges and be relatively autonomous. Basic programming skills (e.g. Matlab, Python) are an asset. His/her transversal missions will be to participate in the life of LICAÉ and to get involved in the different tasks working towards the success of the project

Supervision

Rocco Mennella, Associate Professor

Hosting structure

Laboratory on the interactions between Cognition, Action and Emotion (LICAÉ), UFR STAPS, Université Paris Nanterre, Ile-de-France

Application

CV and covering letter to rmennella@parisnanterre.fr