The expectations and logistics for undergraduate research are a bit different than those of other members in the group. Some of these differences are outlined in this document.
Logistics
Undergraduate researchers are not permitted to work in the lab on a purely volunteer (i.e. uncompensated) basis, per department policy. All undergraduates working in the group must either be enrolled in a course for credit or be paid, generally via one of Princeton's internship/fellowship programs or hired as an employee on an hourly basis.
Undergraduates are not permitted to work in another research group at the same time as being in the Rosen Group.
It is also expected, although not strictly required, that undergraduate students plan to pursue research in the group for at least two semesters. It is difficult to complete an entire research project in the course of a single semester, especially when taking classes. Of course, if you find that you're not enjoying the research after the first semester, there is no obligation to continue.
Course Credit
During the academic year, the most common scenario is to be enrolled for course credit. Generally, this means being enrolled in an independent work or senior thesis course. For CBE students, that is typically the following:
CBE 351/CBE 352 (independent work)
CBE 454 (senior thesis)
The above courses can only be taken by CBE students. There are similar courses available in other departments at Princeton as well.
For independent work or senior thesis, a small amount of funding can be secured through initiatives led by the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Applying for such resources is recommended but not required.
Summer Research Funding
It is not possible to pursue course credit over the summer. Instead, undergraduates must be paid for their time in the group. The ideal mechanism for this is via one of the several research internship or fellowship programs offered by the university, such as:
Plan ahead, as applications for summer research opportunities often have deadlines in the winter.
Employment
Finally, there is the option to be paid as an employee working on an hourly basis in the group. Since the funding for this option comes directly from the research group, such paid positions are rather limited and are only when other options are not viable.
Deliverables
All undergraduate students in the group are expected to give one presentation per semester providing an update on their work. Before leaving the group, students are expected to provide a writeup of their findings, back up all results, and provide ample documentation such that others in the group can easily reproduce the work.