Experienced Researchers
Experienced Researchers (Self-Secure Application Process)
CURVE Experienced Researchers (ER) are defined as current Viterbi undergraduate students who have already participated in undergraduate research experiences at USC for at least 2 semesters. This category generally applies to undergraduate students in their second year or above. All past recipients of the CURVE fellowship are also considered Experienced Researchers. CURVE Experienced Researchers are eligible for funding during fall, spring and summer terms.
Experienced Researchers generally have an established working relationship with a faculty mentor in a research setting. ER applicants who are returning to the same research lab must submit a research project proposal, along with a letter of funding support from their faculty mentor.
Experienced Researchers who are seeking to transfer to a new lab can indicate themselves as an "Open Match" applicant and list their lab preferences.
A limited number of experienced research participants will be selected to receive $2500 for the academic year ($1250 for Fall and $1250 for Spring) or $3000 for the summer semester. Stipend typically comprise of a 50/50 cost-share model, with half of the funding from CURVE and the other half from sponsoring faculty. Faculty are encouraged to apply for URAP in order to support undergraduate research funding.
If faculty is not able to sponsor, experienced students can also seek supplemental funding through other USC fellowships. Experienced students are encouraged to apply for other funding opportunities, such as the USC Provost Undergraduate Research Fellowship (PURF) or WiSE Researchers Program. If students receive alternative funding for a semester, CURVE will cover the funding for the other semester. This funding model will ensure that CURVE funding can be extended to as many students as possible, especially for first-time researchers who are not yet eligible to receive other forms of USC research fellowships.
Submit details about your current research lab and letter of support from your faculty/PI to confirm that you have been offered a research position for the full academic year.
Students completing their second semester in the CURVE program will go through an internal renewal process and are not required to submit a new application unless otherwise directed by the CURVE Program Office.
Required Materials for Experienced Researchers
Current Research Lab Details
Submit details about your current research lab and letter of support from your faculty/PI to confirm that you have been offered a research position for the full academic year.
Research Project Proposal (2-page maximum)
- Project Title and Description
- Scope of Work
- Outline specific tasks and responsibilities related to the research project.
If part of a group project, be sure to delineate between individual versus group responsibilities. - Future Goals
- Short-term goals may include publications, conference presentations, symposium presentations, etc.
- Long-term goals may include post-graduate academic and/or professional pathways related to your research interests.
Letter of Faculty Funding Support
Letter can come from faculty supervisor of your research lab. The letter should support your project proposal, along with confirmation of 50% funding sponsored by the faculty or research lab.
Changing Labs?
Experienced Researchers looking to join a new lab can participate in the Open Match process by submitting a new application and filling out the lab preference section.
Additional Required Documents
All Experienced Researchers, regardless whether they are returning to the same lab or looking to join a new one, must also submit:
Statement of Purpose
- What interests you about participating in undergraduate research, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
- How do your interests, goals, or preparation align with the research opportunities you selected as your top choice(s)?
- How will participating in CURVE contribute to your academic, personal, or professional development?
Experience Summary
Download and complete the CURVE Experience Summary Template, then upload the completed document as part of your application.
The Experience Summary replaces the traditional resume and provides faculty reviewers with a structured overview of experiences that have prepared you for undergraduate research. Describe your most relevant experiences—including research, internships, employment, class projects, leadership, volunteer work, or personal projects—and the knowledge, technical skills, or competencies you developed through each.
Transcript
Download and complete the CURVE Academic Summary Template, then upload the completed document as part of your application.
The Academic Summary replaces the unofficial transcript and provides faculty reviewers with a structured overview of your academic preparation. Identify coursework most relevant to your selected research opportunities, including completed courses and those currently in progress, and reflect on the knowledge, technical skills, or competencies you developed through your coursework.