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Work With EVOL Lab

EVOL Lab develops evidence-driven methods and open tools that help developers understand, adapt, and evaluate software change. Our work follows two main directions: dependable reuse of valuable changes across related software systems, and dependable collaboration between developers and large language models or coding agents. Students in the lab contribute to empirical studies, research software, datasets, and experiments that combine automation with human oversight. If these problems interest you, explain how your background and research goals align with our work.

PhD Applicants

We are looking for curious, self-motivated researchers who are excited about advancing the state of the art in software engineering. Competitive applicants typically have a Master's degree in software engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.

Strong programming and software engineering skills.
Interest in software evolution, empirical software engineering, or AI-assisted software engineering, with enthusiasm for developing and evaluating tools, methods, and techniques that address real software engineering challenges.
A peer-reviewed software engineering publication is highly desirable.
Shortlisted applicants complete a research interview, a 30-minute presentation, a paper-review exercise, and a technical programming task.

Master's Applicants

Master's students contribute to research software, empirical studies, datasets, and experimental infrastructure while learning how to turn difficult software-engineering problems into rigorous, reproducible research.

Apply to a UNLV graduate program before contacting the lab.
Include your UNLV application number when available.
Shortlisted applicants complete an interview, a paper-review exercise, and a programming task.
Students already enrolled at UNLV are also welcome to contact the lab after identifying a research area of mutual interest.

How to Apply

Please begin your email subject with EVOL and include:

Your resume or curriculum vitae.
Academic transcripts.
Your UNLV application number, if available.
A one-page statement describing your research interests and motivation.
A brief explanation of why you are interested in EVOL Lab.
Your strongest programming languages and relevant technical experience.
Links to your GitHub profile, publications, or technical projects, if available.
One recent EVOL Lab paper or project that you reviewed, together with a brief explanation of what you found interesting.

Before contacting the lab, we encourage prospective students to become familiar with our current research projects and publications. Thoughtful, personalized inquiries are much more helpful than generic emails.

Funding Your Graduate Studies

Funding for graduate study can come from several sources, and an EVOL Lab research position is not the only pathway. Research assistantships in EVOL depend on available grant funding and current project needs, so funding through the lab is not guaranteed.

Students are encouraged to explore graduate assistantships across UNLV, not only positions in the Department of Computer Science. Assistantships may also be available through other academic and non-academic units, including the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and other technical or administrative units. These positions can provide a stipend and graduate-assistant benefits in exchange for up to 20 hours of work per week, subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the appointment.

A student may therefore be funded through another UNLV unit while pursuing a Computer Science degree and conducting academic research with EVOL Lab, when the assistantship and program requirements allow it. Students should also explore Graduate College fellowships, scholarships, and other university funding opportunities.

Financing Graduate Study Graduate Assistantships Scholarships & Fellowships

Assistantship availability changes from year to year. Prospective students should review current UNLV opportunities and should not assume that admission to UNLV or participation in EVOL Lab automatically includes financial support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a publication before applying?
For PhD applicants, prior peer-reviewed software engineering research is highly desirable, but we also consider strong evidence of research potential, technical ability, independence, and critical thinking.

Is funding guaranteed if I join EVOL Lab?
No. Funding depends on available research grants, assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and other university opportunities.

Can I hold an assistantship outside Computer Science and still work with EVOL?
Potentially, yes. Graduate students may hold eligible assistantships in other UNLV units while pursuing their degree and conducting academic research with EVOL Lab, provided that the appointment, degree-program, advisor, and Graduate College requirements permit it.

Where should I look for assistantships?
Search broadly across UNLV. Graduate assistantships may be offered by academic departments as well as non-academic units. Current opportunities are advertised through UNLV's graduate career and employment resources, including Handshake.