Getting Involved in Undergraduate Research
Getting Started
Ask yourself the following questions before you look for a research opportunity:
- What kind of research is interesting to me?
- What do I hope to gain from doing research?
- How much time can I comfortably commit per week?
You can look through the list of Viterbi faculty and labs that are open to undergraduate researchers:
- Search faculty webpages to learn more about the types of research being conducted at USC and in Viterbi. Think about your interests and don’t hesitate to contact someone outside of your major.
- You may also find additional opportunities through the Experts Directory: pressroom.usc.edu
- After learning more about the types of research at USC, use your network. Talk with your professors, TAs, and students you already know. It is possible they know the faculty member(s) you want to work alongside and they may be able to connect you with that person. Faculty typically hold weekly office hours so you can show up in person to chat with them.
- Once you’ve found some projects, faculty members, or labs that you’re interested in, it’s time to contact to faculty to see if working in their lab will be a good fit. We recommend using the email template below.
- Remember to cast a wide net! You might contact several faculty before you find a good fit.
Contacting Faculty
Cold Emails
- Use the body of your email as a letter of introduction: State your name, major, interest in their projects/labs, contact information, and request to meet with the faculty member or someone they designate to learn more.
- Make sure you do enough research on the faculty so you can explain why it would make sense for you to set up a meeting with them.
- Attach your up-to-date resume to the email; it's always good practice to have your resume reviewed by the USC Career Center or Viterbi Career Connections beforehand.
Outreach Email Sample
Dear Dr./Professor Hecuba [Do not use Mr./Mrs., or First Name]
My name is Tommy Trojan, and I am very interested in becoming involved in [Name of Lab or Research Opportunity]. I am a [#] year student studying [Majors and Minors]. I have taken [Relevant courses] and have experience with [List any relevant skill sets]. I have reviewed your faculty profile and am interested in the work that you have done. I would like to get involved in research in this area because it will help me to better prepare for [Include short-term / long-term goals and how this research experience will get you there]. Would it be possible to meet with you to discuss my possible involvement in research? I am available [Days and Times]. I have also provided my resume for your reference [Resume attached should be 1 page max]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Tommy Trojan [Include: USC ID, phone and email in your signature]
In-Person or Zoom Meeting
- If faculty responds and agrees to meet, your next step is to set up a quick meeting with them to discuss your interest in their project and if working in their lab will be a good fit for you and them.
- When you meet with a faculty member, prepare some questions. Read a journal or article their lab has recently published. You want to be interested in the faculty member’s work and get along with their team of people.
- If you feel you’ve found a good fit and you are offered a position on the project, make certain to cover the following details:
- Who will supervise you directly? While some faculty directly mentor undergraduate students, most research labs have graduate-level students (Masters or PhD) who often serve as the direct supervisor for undergraduate researchers.
- What exactly will you be doing on a day-to-day basis? Make certain you will be contributing to the project and gaining the experience you’re looking for.
- What is the weekly time commitment? Research involves dedicated time, just like any other class or extracurricular activity. It is important that both you and the faculty understand the time commitment to ensure they can assign you the appropriate scope of work.
- When should you start and where should you report to on your first day? There will likely be a lot of onboarding that will be required, including safety trainings and getting facilities access.
- What is the culture of the research lab? Like any work environment, each lab may have it's own set of cultures, values, and norms. It's always good to be able to connect with other students who are currently working in the lab to learn about their experiences and perspectives.
Common Terms
You’ll probably encounter these terms when looking for research. Here’s what they mean.
PI: Principal Investigator. The lead researcher for a project.
REU: Research Experience for Undergraduates. Commonly used for summer programs with 10 or more undergrads working on research programs at a host institution.
SURF: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Similar to an REU.
NSF: National Science Foundation. An independent federal agency that promotes science and research. NSF grants fund many research opportunities for undergraduates.