Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering (CURVE) Fellowship

Overview

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The Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering (CURVE) Program provides a centralized resource for Viterbi undergraduate students to explore research opportunities early in their academic career. In partnership with faculty, CURVE facilitates the placement of Viterbi undergraduate students in research labs to gain hands-on experience on faculty-led projects.  CURVE fellows receive stipends and participate in professional development opportunities that prepare them as future leaders in engineering and computer science research.

Program Goals

Provide Early Exposure & Access to Research
  • Provide students knowledge about research opportunities at Viterbi early in their academic career.
  • Create a pipeline of opportunities that allow students to grow as researchers throughout their undergraduate experience.
Build Students' Capacity as Researchers
  • Train students in technical and interpersonal skills needed to become successful researchers.
  • Allow students to explore research-related career pathways, including preparation for graduate programs.
Foster a Community of Researchers
  • Facilitate mentoring relationships between undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty.
  • Support and train PhD students as mentors to undergraduates.
  • Establish monthly meetings and showcase opportunities to engage with the broader research community.

Eligibility

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  • ✔ Be enrolled as full-time students (12 units minimum) for the semester in which they receive an award
  • ✔ Be declared a major in one of the degree programs in the Viterbi School of Engineering
  • ✔ Students of any citizenship status are eligible to participate (some research projects may require U.S. citizenship)
  • ✔ Demonstrated ability to commit required weekly hours to research
  • ✔ For continuing researchers, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above

Attention: CURVE is not accepting first-time researchers (students who would be joining CURVE for the first time) for the Spring 2026 semester. 

Program Components

Guided Experience

Dedicated mentorship from faculty and PhD students

For fall and spring semesters, students commit an average of 7 hours a week dedicated to research. For the summer, students commit an average of 20 hours a week.

Research Stipend

Funding support throughout the academic year

A limited number of stipends are awarded in fall and spring semesters to first-time and continuing researchers. Continuing researchers can also apply for summer funding.

Community Support

Monthly meetings to support students' research journeys

First-time researchers engage in monthly professional development workshops. All CURVE fellows present their work at the Viterbi Undergraduate Symposium.

Quick Links

FAQS

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Plan ahead to ensure a memorable commencement experience!

Application for First Time Researchers

New to research? This application is designed for students beginning their research journey. Learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, and next steps to get started in the CURVE program.

Application for Continuing Researchers

Already involved in research? This section is for students continuing their research projects. Review the eligibility requirements, expectations, and steps to maintain and advance your involvement in the CURVE program

Research Positions

Curious to explore available research positions? The USC CURVE program provides a comprehensive list of research opportunities for students

Daben Liu Research Fellowship

Access all essential information about the Daben Liu Research Fellowship quickly through this link.

Published on November 21st, 2025Last updated on December 2nd, 2025