The Software Analysis and Compilation Research Laboratory has a long history of 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

• Science and Engineering Scholars program through the undergraduate research office, during summer after sophomore year and junior year semester
• 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 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.

• UD Undergraduate Research Program

• CISC 220 Data Structures or similar experience

• 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