Research Engagement
Work with USC faculty on funded STEM research projects.
Purpose
The Emerging Talent and Innovation Program (ETIP) provides support for research and professional development for rising sophomores and juniors in select STEM fields. Faculty may also nominate outstanding freshmen for ETIP.
The fields of interest include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Math
- Statistics
ETIP aims to broaden research and career-readiness skills so that USC undergraduates can succeed in graduate school and then take leadership positions in the advanced degree workforce.
Student Benefits
Professional Development
Participate in workshops, national lab/industry site visits, employer events, and sessions on research security and CUI.
Travel Support
Funds from NLO are available for conferences and poster sessions.
Credentialing
Students are encouraged to pursue Graduation with Leadership Distinction in Research (GLD).
Program Expectations
Attend 3+ workshops per semester (6/annually) provided by the NLO.
Resume, Research CV, LinkedIn & USA Jobs profile, personal statement, and research poster.
Required to present at Discover USC (annually) and one SRNL poster session.
Uphold professionalism and represent NLO/ETIP at events and with stakeholders.
Complete annual program surveys and an exit survey before graduation.
Not required but strongly encouraged.
Program Completion
Participants who complete ETIP will earn a Certificate of Completion, demonstrating experience in a competitive, research-based professional development program—ideal for graduate school and career advancement, especially with national labs or government agencies.
How to Participate
Current USC Columbia undergraduate students must be recommended by their faculty research mentor to participate in the Emerging Talent & Innovation Program (ETIP).
If you are not currently in a research lab but are interested in joining one:
We encourage you to begin by identifying potential faculty mentors whose research
aligns with your interests. You can:
- Visit departmental websites in Engineering, Computing, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, or Statistics
- Explore the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at USC for available research opportunities
- Attend campus research networking events or email faculty directly to inquire about open undergraduate research positions
Once you have secured a faculty mentor, they may then submit a recommendation on your behalf to the ETIP program.