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Join Our Research Group

We are always looking for passionate and self-motivated students to join our team. Working with us is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in software development, conduct cutting-edge AI research, and contribute to impactful open-source projects.

Opportunities for UC Merced Students

CSE 195: Independent Study

The primary way for undergraduate students to get involved is by enrolling in CSE 195 (Undergraduate Research) for course credit. This is a formal arrangement where you will:

  • Work on one of our active research projects.
  • Meet regularly with a Ph.D. student mentor and the Principal Investigator.
  • Be expected to contribute code, participate in design discussions, and present your work.
  • Gain valuable skills that are highly sought after in both industry and graduate school.

What We Look For

We don't expect you to be an expert, but we do look for a strong foundation and a willingness to learn. Ideal candidates have:

  • Strong Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python is highly desirable. Experience with web frameworks (FastAPI, Next.js), databases (MongoDB), or machine learning libraries is a huge plus.
  • Version Control: Comfortable using Git and GitHub for collaborative development (e.g., branches, pull requests).
  • Problem-Solving Mindset: You are curious, enjoy tackling challenging problems, and can work independently.
  • Good Communication: You can clearly articulate your ideas and progress.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining us, please follow these steps:

  1. Explore Our Work: Take a look at our Projects and browse our GitHub organization to find something that excites you.
  2. Prepare Your Materials: Get the following documents ready:
    • Your resume or CV.
    • Your unofficial transcript.
    • A link to your GitHub profile (if you have one).
  3. Send an Email: Write an email to [PI's Email Address] with the subject line [CSED Research Inquiry] Your Name. In the email, please briefly introduce yourself and explain:
    • Why you are interested in our research group.
    • Which project(s) you find most interesting and why.
    • Your relevant skills and coursework.