Undergraduate and M.S. Research Opportunities

Undergraduate and M.S. students can join projects mentored by Dr. Arya and aligned with the lab’s research directions. Students learn how to formulate research questions, develop and evaluate methods, conduct experiments, and communicate technically strong results. Projects may grow into conference submissions when the results warrant it, but research participation or course enrollment does not guarantee authorship or publication.

📝 Interested in joining? Review the lab’s open research projects, then submit your details using the Google Form.

Undergraduate research opportunities

Undergraduate students are encouraged to become involved early enough to make a sustained contribution to an active lab project. Students learn to read research literature, define a focused problem, implement and evaluate methods, and communicate results. A strong project may grow into a conference submission or preparation for graduate research, depending on the novelty, quality, and maturity of the work.

CS 488: Independent Study in Computer Science

CS 488 (3 credits) is a useful way for a Computer Science student to begin a structured research project with the lab. It supports independent study, investigation, research, and reporting on an advanced CS topic under Dr. Arya’s supervision.

• Prior approval from the department and Dr. Arya is required.

CS 489: Computer Science Research Project

CS 489 (3 credits) allows a student who has completed an independent study to pursue the research more deeply and develop a more substantial project under Dr. Arya’s mentorship. It is particularly appropriate for students considering an M.S. or Ph.D. CS 488 and an instructor-approved project proposal are prerequisites.

When appropriate, a possible undergraduate progression is:

Initial research involvement → CS 488 Independent Study → CS 489 Research Project → potential publication and/or graduate research

This is a possible progression, not a requirement for every student or project; the stated CS 489 prerequisites still apply.

Data Science students may take corresponding DS independent-study or research-project course options and should review the current program requirements and discuss the appropriate option with Dr. Arya.

M.S. research opportunities

M.S. students seeking deeper research involvement are encouraged to discuss CS 700B: Master’s Project and CS 701B: Master’s Thesis with Dr. Arya. These options provide close mentorship, support increasing research independence, and enable technically substantial work that may contribute to a conference submission when the results warrant it. They can also provide valuable preparation for Ph.D. study.

CS 700B: Master’s Project

CS 700B requires permission from Dr. Arya as the research advisor. Students must have completed at least 9 credits and be in good standing. The project topic and the preparation needed to undertake it should be coordinated closely with Dr. Arya.

CS 701B: Master’s Thesis

The thesis pathway begins with a satisfactory grade in CS 700B. The student then takes CS 701B in the immediately following semester, continuing the research begun in CS 700B with the same advisor, Dr. Arya. University requirements for this pathway include a thesis committee, a written thesis, and an oral defense.

A possible M.S. thesis progression is:

Initial research involvement → CS 700B Master’s Project → CS 701B Master’s Thesis → potential publication and/or Ph.D. preparation

CS 700B may support a master’s project without committing every student to the thesis pathway; students who proceed to CS 701B must follow the required sequence above. Dr. Arya’s capacity for M.S. project and thesis supervision is limited, so students should contact him early—especially when planning the two-semester thesis pathway. Course registration does not by itself guarantee a place in the lab or Dr. Arya’s availability.

For all course-based research options, students should confirm current registration procedures and university policies with the department; this page focuses on research involvement rather than serving as the official course catalog.

How to get involved

Review the lab’s open research projects and identify the directions most closely aligned with your background and interests. Submit your details through the Google Form, including relevant coursework, technical experience, and the research topics you would like to explore. Selected students may be invited to discuss project fit, preparation, and supervision availability.