Information for Prospective Students

The Armani lab is located within the Mork department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering Department with joint appointments in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.  The lab welcomes students and post-doctorate researchers with diverse backgrounds, including:

• Applied Physics
• Bioengineering
• Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics

All students interested in joining the lab should read the following information before contacting Prof. Armani:

High School Student Researchers:

The Armani Lab offers one high school student per year the opportunity to work in a research lab setting.  The minimum time commitment is 8 weeks during the summer.  While GPA and course background are relevant, enthusiasm for research and an interest in science and engineering are equally important.  If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact Prof. Armani directly.  Applications are accepted year-round, but this position typically fills by April.

Undergraduate Researchers:

The Armani Lab offers undergraduates at all stages in their studies (sophomore through senior) and in all of the disciplines listed above an opportunity to participate in research during the summer or the academic year.  Research projects can be part of a directed research course, Merit Research, or can be independent of an academic curriculum.  However, all undergraduate researchers must commit to spending at least one full year in the group, including one summer (10 weeks, paid).
 
Currently, all positions are filled.  It is anticipated that the next opening will be in fall 2013.  Sophomores are particularly encouraged to apply.

Masters Students:

The Armani Lab does not accept MS students for research positions.

PhD Students:

Students interested in joining the lab must apply through USC Graduate Admissions.  Students should specifically indicate their interest in joining the Armani Lab in the appropriate locations in their application and in their personal statement.  Students admitted to the Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics and Chemistry Departments can easily join the Armani Lab.  Students admitted to other departments can also join.  Therefore, apply to the department appropriate to your background.
 
All RA offers for the 2013-2014 academic year have been made.  It is anticipated that there will be positions for the 2014-2015 academic year, starting in the fall.  By indicating your interest in joining the Armani lab on your application, your file will be directed to Prof. Armani after it is complete.  However, it is always beneficial to contact Prof. Armani directly after applying, especially if you apply to the Physics or Chemistry departments.
 
Please note that although the official deadline for applying to USC is in January, to be eligible for internal USC fellowships, it is crucial to apply by December 1st.  Ideally, students will have applied by November 1st. 
 
General comment for international students: To be admitted to the Armani Lab, it is typically necessary to have a TOEFL score above 105, a verbal/quant GRE score above 155/166 and a writing score above 4.0.  More information about the average admission scores for USC is available on the USC Graduate Admissions website, above.

Visiting PhD Students and Researchers:

The Armani lab welcomes visiting PhD Students and scholars from other institutions.  However, due to space limitations in the Armani Lab, we will only host 1 student or scholar at any given time.  Given this restriction, it is never to early to start planning.  Additionally, for international visitors, there are several protocols established by USC which must be followed.  
 
Due to visa restrictions, it is necessary to plan a visit at least 6 months in advance.  Additionally, if your stipend/salary is being supported by funding from your own institution (which is expected), you must be able to provide proof of health insurance or be willing to purchase USC insurance.  Finally, USC does not have housing for visitors.  Therefore, you must find your own housing.  While I can direct you to housing websites, this will be your own responsibility. 

Post-doctorate researchers:

There are currently no open positions.