LabScope@USC

FAQ

Important steps in the process of finding a lab:
  1. Make a list of labs and corresponding PIs (principal investigators) whose research you would like to be involved in.
  2. Draft an email expressing interest in joining and asking if there are any open positions available.
  3. If you do not receive a response, send a follow-up email. If you still do not recieve a response, it's safe to assume that there are no opportunities available at that particular lab.
  4. Don't be discouraged if you do not recieve responses. Be persistent and expand your search to include more labs.

  • Include your academic standing course of study.
  • Be sure to state specifically what it is about this particular lab's research that you are interested in. Read some of their publications beforehand to familiarize yourself with their work.
  • ALWAYS ask for a chance to meet, either in person or over a video call.
  • Attach a resume or a LinkedIn link if you have one.

  • Use the LabScope search tool to create a list of labs you'd like to be a part of.
  • Google Scholar and PubMed are helpful for researching labs and looking at their past publications.
  • Labs often require data analysis work, so learning a programming language such as Python, R, Julia, or MATLAB could be quite useful, if not a requirement.
  • It's important to keep in mind that many labs are unable accomodate undergraduates since the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Research listings for Keck School of Medicine
  • Add details about each lab:
    • Accepting undergraduates?
    • Time commitment
    • Recommended/required Skills
    • Current projects
    • Google Scholar/PubMed integration
If you would like a feature to be added or have a suggestion, please email kurella@usc.edu.

About

LabScope is a tool developed in order to help undergraduate students find research experiences that align with their interests. LabScope is a project developed by Nikith Kurella, a student at the University of Southern California.