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We are glad you are interested. PRISM has been fortunate to work with talented and enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students, and we are always looking for new students to join the lab.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for students who have independence, ownership and initiative, and who are genuinely interested in how real software is built and persistently seek to understand the reasons behind the results they observe. The ideal candidate is comfortable with programming and data analysis, as much of our work involves collecting, cleaning, and interpreting large datasets. While prior research experience is a plus, it is not required for undergraduate and master's applicants.

How to apply

1. Email the lab director with the subject line PRISM application — [degree] — [your name].
2. Attach your CV, latest transcript, and a short statement (one-page max) discussing a paper from our publications that you have read. In your statement, highlight three strengths and three weaknesses of the paper, and suggest a potential research direction inspired by it. In the body of your email, please specify:
   • which of our research interests you want to work on, and why;
   • what your programming and data-analysis background is;
   • your intended start term.

Your written statement is the main factor associated with the success chances of your application. Please ensure your statement reflects your own views and ideas, as we value originality, critical thinking, and authentic self-expression.

We review applications on a rolling basis and we genuinely appreciate your interest in our lab and the time you put into your application. If you submit a complete application, we will do our best to respond whether we are interested in discussing it further within 1 to 2 weeks.

Admission decisions for graduate programs are made by the School of Computing, not by individual supervisors. In addition to contacting our lab, you must submit a formal application through the School of Computing. Visit their graduate admissions page for detailed requirements and procedures.

What we expect successful members to bring

• Strong foundation in computer science principles, algorithms, and software design.
• Dedication to independent work between meetings, proactive communication, and incorporation of feedback to improve your work.
• Commitment to research integrity and reproducibility.
• Ability to write clean, well-documented, and reusable code to be shared in public repositories.
• Deep engagement with the current literature to identify open questions in software engineering.
• Active participation in lab activities, such as meetings and peer feedback.