What is it like to be in the Riley Lab?
Your first semester in the Riley Lab will be with Team CURE (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience), which entails a 3-credit, 9 hours/week commitment. Here is where you learn the lab skills needed before you join your first research team. Following semesters, in your new team, scale up to ~15 hours/week or 5 credits per semester. See our Day in the Life segment to learn more about what we get up to on an average day in the Riley Lab!
The perfect candidate?
Our perfect candidate is someone willing to learn with a passion for science. Being able to collaborate as part of a team and remaining detail-oriented are top qualities we look for in the lab. We don’t have GPA requirements or require lab experience; we just look for candidates who are as excited as we are about what can be accomplished in the Riley Lab.
If I don’t get in, how do I work towards getting in?
Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get in! We also love to see reapplicants as it shows a clear passion for what we do in the Riley Lab. You will not be docked any points for the future if it doesn’t work out the first time. We’d recommend talking to OURS mentors, taking collaborative lab classes, and keeping up with the lab for next year’s application.
I’m interested; when can I apply?
Applications usually come out a few weeks before finals week each semester. Check back on the website for a post letting you know when applications are live! You can also keep an eye out for flyers hung around campus!
I don’t have research experience, help!
Don’t worry! As an undergraduate-focused lab, we do not expect any past lab experience in new applicants. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to grow! We recommend reaching out to OURS for research advice tailored to your experiences.