Undergraduate students
We always aim to have research projects for undergraduates to work on in the lab. If you are interested in joining the lab, please read the information below.
- It is best to inquire about joining the lab before the start of a semester. Joining the lab mid-semester is difficult but possible, depending on the student.
- If you are a work-study student, you can be paid to do research!
- If you are not a work-study student, you can do research for independent study credits. Depending on your degree program, these credits could count as tech elective(s).
- Consider participating in the WVU RAP program (to get credit for research during spring or fall semesters) or the WVU SURE program (to be paid and get credit for research over the summer). If you plan to apply to either of these programs, contact Dr. Cain in advance so he can write a letter of recommendation for your application. *Note that there are probably other programs available at WVU that Dr. Cain has not learned about yet!
- We want research opportunities to be open to everyone, so Dr. Cain aims for all students to have the opportunity be paid or get credit for research time in the lab after a brief trial period. Therefore, opportunities in the lab may be limited by available funding.
- We are still learning how to best involve undergraduates in our research, so please be patient as we go out the learning curve!
Graduate students
Graduate students in the lab are fully-funded (tuition waiver and stipend) through lab research funding. Therefore, opportunities in the lab are limited by available funding. If you are interested in joining the lab, email Stephen Cain (stephen.cain@mail.wvu.edu) stating your interest and to inquire about possible openings. Emails that appear to be sent using a form letter will likely not receive a response, so be sure your email communicates a genuine interest in our research.