HAX Lab logo HAX Lab
Join Us

Build the future of human-AI experiences with us.

We welcome undergraduate and graduate students, volunteers, and collaborators who want to do hands-on research with AI, virtual reality, games, and brain-computer interfaces.

How to Apply
The HAX Lab team standing in a row on stage at the HBCU Brain Drone Race, in front of a screen introducing the lab

Where our students intern

Lab experience opens doors. HAX Lab researchers have secured internships in industry and research placements at other universities.

2026

Noblis
Elijah Ballou
Prometric
Osita Odunze
Markel
Fikewa Akindolire

2025

Bloomberg
Clyde Tandjong
Bank of America
Jaunel Panton
John Hancock
Amyra Harry and Osita Odunze

2024

Bloomberg
Clyde Tandjong
Battelle
Andrew Kelly
Univ. of Florida
Elijah Ballou
Univ. of Utah
Abdul Kanu
Univ. of Alabama
Osita Odunze

2023

MITRE
Shaimeira Meekins
Univ. of Florida
Terell Reed
Univ. of Alabama
Vincent Ingram and Michael Adeleke

Life in the HAX Lab

Research is only part of it. Lab members travel to conferences, compete in hackathons, and show up for each other.

Six HAX Lab members wearing conference badges, standing in a row against a plain wall
At the Tapia Conference, 2023.
Six HAX Lab members in matching navy polos and khakis standing either side of a STARS Computing Corps banner
With the STARS Computing Corps at Tapia 2023.
Ten HAX Lab members posing in front of a Black Enterprise BE Smart Hackathon sponsor backdrop
The team at the Black Enterprise BE Smart Hackathon.
Eight HAX Lab members in front of a Morgan TechFest backdrop with blue, white and purple balloons
At Morgan TechFest.
Ten HAX Lab members wearing conference badges, standing on a curved white staircase
On the road at a conference.
A dozen HAX Lab members seated along a long restaurant table, smiling at the camera
Team dinner.
See conferences, hackathons and wins in News & Events →

What to expect

A lab that feels like family
Culture is at the heart of the HAX Lab. We celebrate each other's wins, travel to conferences and hackathons together, and show up for one another. We are more like a family than a workplace.
Hands-on research
You will work on real projects in AI, virtual reality, games, and brain-computer interfaces. That means designing and building prototypes, testing them with users, and learning from the results. Researchers work 20 hours a week.
Skills and mentoring
You will build skills in programming, research methods, and writing, with mentoring from Dr. Mack and senior lab members. Lab experience has helped researchers land internships at companies like Bloomberg, Bank of America, and MITRE.
Publish, present, and lead
Students co-author peer-reviewed papers, with six published since 2023. They present at conferences like Tapia and CHI, and help run community events like the HBCU Brain Drone Race and CodeBears STEM days.

How to apply

  1. 1Explore our researchRead about our three research areas and current projects, and note the work that interests you most.
  2. 2Email the labSend your resume, your major and year, and a short statement of interest that names the research area or project you want to join to [email protected].
  3. 3Interview with usSelected applicants are invited to an interview. After a successful interview, you will receive a start date.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior research experience?

No. Prior coding or research experience is preferred, but it is not required.

Which majors and programs can apply?

We are interested in students majoring in computer science, psychology, engineering, and related fields.

How much time does lab work take each week?

HAX Lab researchers work 20 hours per week and do not schedule classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Are positions paid or for credit?

Positions can be paid or for credit, but not both. For paid positions, the first 30 days are an unpaid probationary period. After a successful probationary period, you will go on contract or receive a stipend.

When can I start?

You will be given a start date after a successful interview.