Joining the Robotics and Motion Lab

If you are a UIC undergrad or MS student and want to work on research in my Robotics lab (https://pab47.github.io), please read this document in its entirety.

Because of high demand, I cannot offer internships and/or research experiences for non-UIC students. If you are a high schooler, please see the last question in this document.

  1. Question:I am an undergraduate/graduate student at UIC, can I meet you to discuss research opportunities in your lab?

    Ans: Thanks for considering working with me. I have been lucky to work with over 100 students over the past 10 years. You can read about their projects through documentation of their projects through one or multiple videos/presentations/code over here:

    I get a lot of requests from students, most of them at the beginning of the semester, to request a research meeting. Early in my career, I used to meet with the student for 15–30 minutes and come up with a project for the student to get started. But as the semester got started and students started getting busy with HW, the interest fizzled, and I never heard from the students. I soon realized that this is not a worthwhile investment of my time to have a one-on-one meeting.

    Thus, I have stopped meeting with new students unless I know them from a class or prior work experience in the lab. If you are a new student who has never worked with me, this is what I propose. Look at the projects above in a) or b) or c). Find 2–3 projects that you liked and email me. I can then test your motivation by suggesting 1–2 projects. You can work on any of these projects (or even suggest one yourself) and send me your findings/progress via email as many times as you like. I will give you feedback and give you more tasks. Once I think you have done enough work, we can meet to find a more challenging and open-ended project for you.

  2. Question: I am a non-UIC undergraduate student, Can I join your lab as unpaid (volunteering) researcher?

    Ans: My lab is housed in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) at UIC. Priority for research opportunities is therefore given in the following order:

    1. MIE students at UIC (highest priority)
    2. Non-MIE students at UIC
    3. Students outside UIC

    Due to the high demand from UIC students, I am generally unable to mentor non-UIC undergraduate students in unpaid volunteer positions. I would rather serve UIC students well than overextend the lab.

    However, you are welcome to explore the projects, videos, and code on my webpage and email me your progress or findings. I am happy to provide occasional feedback when time permits.

  3. Question: Do you provide research experiences for high schoolers?

    Ans: I am not taking high schoolers at this time unless there is a tie-up between UIC and your school through some formal means (e.g., IMSA SIR summer program). However, I have some material that you can use to work toward a research experience, and email me your work. I am happy to assess it and provide feedback.