The Spatial Sciences Institute is now accepting applications for undergraduate student researchers to work with USC Spatial faculty on their research projects for the 2020-2021 academic year.
We are looking for students who have excellent academic records, show interest in participating in cutting-edge research projects at USC Spatial, and are eager to take advantage of the opportunity to work directly with faculty on their research projects. Project descriptions, the application requirements and the application process are described in this memo.
Priority will be given to Spatial Science Institute students (Dornsife minors in GIS and Sustainability Science, Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence, and Spatial Studies, and majors in GeoDesign, Global Geodesign, and Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence). However, applications from all majors, minors, and academic programs throughout the University are encouraged. Students of all class standing (including incoming freshmen or transfer students) are welcome to apply.
The projects generally are structured for an average of 5 – 10 hours/week. Accepted students will work out their specific work schedules for the semester with the supervising faculty or staff member and will be expected to honor the weekly time commitment for the duration of the semester.
USC Spatial student researchers are expected to submit their research work for presentation. Venues for presentations include such the Spatial Science Institute’s Los Angeles Geospatial Summit on February 26, 2021 at the USC Hotel; the USC Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work held in April on the USC campus; and the Esri User Conference held in July in San Diego. Students also are encouraged to submit their work to appropriate student research competitions, such as the 2021 USC Esri Developer Center Student of the Year Competition and the United State Geospatial Intelligence Foundation 2021 GEOINT Symposium.
Past student researchers have presented their results at international conferences such as the American Association of Geographers annual meeting, the SIGSPATIAL conference, and the GEOINT Symposium, and have co-authored published research.
To apply please provide:
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- A resume which includes your name, contact information, major/minor, year in school, software and programming language competencies, and relevant course projects/skills;
- A current STARS report (not required for a new incoming student); and
- A statement of interest indicating the project(s) for which you are applying. You may apply for more than one project; please indicate the priority of your preferences. If selected, you will be selected for one project only.
Please email your complete application materials to Susan Kamei, Spatial Sciences Institute Managing Director, at kamei@usc.edu, by 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2020.
Students selected by the faculty will be notified by the end of July so the research teams can be organized by the start of the Fall 2020 semester.
Questions?
Please email Susan Kamei or call her at (213) 740-1375, or email Ken Watson, Spatial Sciences Institute Academic Programs Director, or call him at (213) 740-8298.