We are training the next generation of undergraduate students to surmount disciplinary boundaries as they work to better understand the human body and impact health

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HANDS-ON RESEARCH

Our interdisciplinary research effort intensifies every summer with the Bridge Undergraduate Science Program, known as BUGS for short. Undergraduate students in the program pair with a USC faculty member and often collaborate with graduate student, postdoctoral fellows or staff to perform hands-on research in USC research labs. Students also benefit from Bridge-sponsored peer community-building activities research seminars and multi-disciplinary social mixers.

Curious to learn the kind of research our previous BUGS have done? Get to know the Class of 2018, Class of 2019, Class of 2021 and Class of 2023 or check out previous news articles about our students and their achievements.

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EXPLORE DISCIPLINES

BUGS is one of a few immersive U.S. programs that allows students to explore across scientific disciplines and additionally incorporates opportunities to collaborate with students in the USC School of Cinematic Arts. A unique highlight of the program is the summer finale symposium (the first Friday and Saturday in August) where BUGS provide short oral presentations of their work to their scientific mentors, peers and family, as well as the university community. Check out our 2022 BUGS Activities Schedule and 2022 BUGS Finale Symposium Schedule for a taste of the programmatic activities and planning.

• You are available for the entirety of the program (May 20 – August 3 2024).
• You are available to attend each of the mandatory weekly activities (~90 minutes, 1 morning/week at Michelson Hall).
• Your project must be related to the improvement of our understanding of the human body/human health.
• You are a continuing student in the upcoming semester.
• You agree to commit at least 10 weeks of full-time (± 30 hours/week) research.
• You find a PI/Faculty Mentor who agrees to have you in their lab over the summer.
• You are able to attend and participate in the Finale Symposium on the first Friday and Saturday of August.