Thanks for your interest in the DIVER lab. Please read the FAQs below for more information.
Current UCSD undergraduate students
Q: Can I work on a project in the DIVER lab?
A: In general, I am happy to have undergraduates join the DIVER lab. However, you should be aware that real research requires time: you should expect to spend 9-12 hours per week on the project. So please think carefully about whether you are prepared to make this time commitment.
Q: What kinds of projects can I do?
A: There are a number of different ongoing efforts in the DIVER lab, including data science, computer science, philosophy, policy/political science, and cognitive science. You should think about what research questions really interest you — what are the questions that you wish you knew the answer to?
Q: What kind of compensation can I get for doing research?
A: You mean, besides the fun of getting to do research? Unfortunately, I am generally not in a position to pay undergraduate researchers, but it may be possible to receive course credit for your research project. We can talk about your particular case, if appropriate.
Q: Having read all of this: how can I join the DIVER lab?
A: Please email Prof. David Danks with (a) your resume; (b) your research interests; and (c) any experience related to those interests.
Current UCSD graduate students
Q: Can I work on a project in the DIVER lab?
A: There are many different projects in DIVER, and there are always opportunities for talented, curious students. Please remember that research is difficult and takes time; you should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours per week on any research project. You should think carefully about whether you are able & willing to make this time commitment.
Q: Can I be funded to work on a DIVER project?
A: There is sometimes funding for students on particular projects, but you should not assume that I will be able to fund you. (When there is funding, I will almost always want to have some prior experience with you, either in research or a class, before I provide funding.) If funding is not available, then we can (almost) always do a research course so that you receive course credit for your efforts.
Q: I am a UCSD graduate student, but not in Data Science, Philosophy, or Computer Science & Engineering. Can I still be part of the DIVER lab?
A: Yes! I am happy to work with graduate students in a wide variety of programs, including Cognitive Science, Psychology, and others. Obviously, I cannot be your (primary) advisor if you are in one of those programs, but we can still work together. The DIVER projects are all highly inter- & multi-disciplinary, and so there are always opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds.
Q: Having read all of this: how can I join the DIVER lab?
A: Please email Prof. David Danks with (a) your resume; (b) your research interests; and (c) any experience related to those interests.
Current non-UCSD students
Q: Can I work on a project in the DIVER lab?
A: Unfortunately, there are currently no openings for non-UCSD students.
Q: What if I have my own funding to do a summer internship?
A: Although I do not have resources to pay summer interns, I will consider people with outside funding (i.e., not just your own bank account) on a case-by-case basis. That being said, I require summer interns to have prior research experience (e.g., at your current institution) in the general topic of their internship. The summer is simply too short to do anything substantive if you don’t already have some research experience.
Prospective graduate students
Q: Are you taking any new students for the next academic year?
A: I am always looking for talented, energetic, curious students to join the DIVER lab. There will likely be 1-2 new funded positions for Fall 2023, so please do apply if your interests fit the DIVER lab.
Q: I’m interested in X, so which graduate program should I apply to?
A: I am able to supervise graduate students in three different programs: Data Science, Philosophy, and Computer Science & Engineering. The DIVER lab is very inter- and multi-disciplinary, and students in any program can work on any project. So when deciding where to apply, you should think about (i) degree requirements; (ii) your cohort of (non-DIVER) fellow students; and (iii) future career pathways. If you want to focus on building algorithms & analyzing data, then Data Science is your best bet. If you want to do foundational & conceptual analyses, then Philosophy is the right home. And if you want to write code & implement systems, then CSE would be appropriate.
Q: Your research sounds really interesting. Can we talk about some of your projects? Can you tell me what I might be able to do in the lab?
A: There are links to many different papers on my website, and we’re always looking for new ideas. If you have specific research questions (e.g., about particular papers), then I will try to address those questions. But I am not able to respond to general questions (such as “what are your current research projects?” or “what are you planning to work on next?”).
Q: Can you tell me if I’m likely to be admitted? Can you admit me?
A: Unfortunately, I am not able to respond to individual emails about the likelihood of admission. More importantly, admissions in these graduate programs are all done by committees that look at a wide range of factors. I am just one voice of many. Please do list me on your research/personal statement (since I make sure to read every application that mentions me), but I cannot provide further guidance or feedback.
Prospective postdocs
Q: I’m finishing up my PhD in X and would love to work in the DIVER lab. Can I join?
A: At the current time, I do not have any funded postdoc positions.
Q: I am planning to apply for a postdoc fellowship from Y; can you read my application to tell me if I am a good fit?
A: In general, I am not able to provide individualized responses or guidance. If you think that there is an exceptionally good fit between your interests and my projects, then you should feel free to email me (including a summary of the overlaps in interests). However, please do not be offended if I do not respond, given the volume of requests & queries that I receive.