====== Undergraduate Research Opportunities ======
The Software Analysis and Compilation Research Laboratory has a long history of
[[alumni|involving undergraduate CIS majors]] in research
projects.  As a beginning researcher, you will
collaborate with Dr. Lori Pollock and one or more CIS graduate students
who are actively investigating research problems.

As an undergraduate participating in a research project, you will


  * work independently on a well-defined subproject of a larger research project
  * meet regularly with Dr. Pollock and the research team to discuss progress, issues to be resolved, and directions for the next steps
  * interact with the research team members on a daily basis to collaborate in problem solving
  * learn how to use various scripting and programming languages, software tools, and software infrastructures inherently helpful in the project
  * learn how to read and understand existing software to  leverage and modify existing software for a research project
  * learn about the research process, particularly research with a significant basis in experimental computer science
  * gain a close up view of various aspects of graduate school
  * build a mentoring relationship with graduate students and professor
  * establish a valuable record of research experience, knowledge, and skills beyond the classroom experience,  increasing your competitiveness for graduate school or post-bachelors employment


There are interesting projects for all levels, from first through senior years. Some possible ways to participate in a research project include

  * [[http://www.urp.udel.edu/scholars/Overview.aspx|Science and Engineering Scholars program]] through the undergraduate research office, during summer after sophomore year and junior year semester
  * [[http://www.urp.udel.edu/abroad/SeniorThesis.aspx|Senior Thesis]]
  * Independent study credit
  * Paid research assistant, depending on funding availability
  * Volunteer researcher


Often a student starts in one of these roles and then changes to a different role, all while working on a research project with Dr. Pollock and a group of graduate and/or undergraduate student researchers.

To provide a strong, mentored research experience, undergraduate researchers focus on projects linked to current lab research projects. 

If you are interested in getting involved in a research project, send
an email to [[mailto:pollock@cis.udel.edu|Dr. Pollock]].  Prior
to your appointment to discuss the possibility, think about the time
period you want to participate and whether you are interested in course
credit, stipend, or volunteering.

====== Resources ======


==== Research ====


  * [[http://www.urp.udel.edu|UD Undergraduate Research Program]]

==== Required Courses ====

  * CISC 220 Data Structures or similar experience


==== Related Courses (vary with each project) ====

  * CISC 275 Introduction to Software Engineering
  
  * CISC 475 Advanced Software Engineering

  * CISC 471 Compiler Construction

  * CISC 367 Parallel Programming

  * CISC 360 Computer Architecture
  
  * CISC 483 Introduction to Data Mining