Get involved!
At Coalas Lab, we aim to better understand how we communicate about our visual world. To answer longstanding research questions and advance AI for social good, we're working with state-of-the-art AI models, and conduct rigorous and well-controlled human subject experiments. Research thrives when diverse perspectives come together and our lab aims to bring together people with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
Current UCLA students
We welcome undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at UCLA. Undergraduate research assistants typically start working in our lab for credit. Undergraduates who stay for more than two quarters often contribute as co-authors to published research papers. We expect students to be proficient in coding (typically Python and JavaScript), have taken at least one Natural Language Processing or Machine Learning class (e.g., Comm129 or ComSci162), at least one Linguistics class (e.g., Comm130 or Ling100), and a Stats / Data Science class (ideally with implementation experience in R). Lastly, you should have a genuine curiosity to learn how language, communication, and AI intersect.
If this describes you, please fill out this application form. Fingers crossed that it's a match!Elisa reviews applications approximately once per quarter and will reach out if a position opens up.
Prospective PhD students
We’re currently recruiting PhD students! If you’re interested in joining the lab as a PhD student, please apply to the PhD program at UCLA’s Department of Communication. Successful applicants generally have previous training in some combination of linguistics, computer science (programming, algorithms, AI), cognitive science (human subject study design, probabilistic models of language and cognition), and/or human-computer interaction (including experience with blind and low-vision participant recruitment). More information about our PhD program application process can be found here.
Elisa is also open to working with and potentially (co-)supervising students in related PhD programs, such as Linguistics and Computer Science, but at this point she does not generally play a direct role in admission decisions for PhD programs other than UCLA Communication.
Note: Elisa will not respond to individual inquiries about PhD applications. Please apply directly through the department's application form. She also cannot assist with application fee waiver requests since they're determined by the university. For other inquiries, use this form.
Prospective postdocs
Unfortunately, we do not currently have any postdoctoral positions available.
We currently do not have the capacity to accept visiting students or provide remote advising.
Due to the high volume of emails Elisa receives, she is unable to respond to individual inquiries about joining the lab. Please use the forms above — we look forward to hearing from you there.
For all other inquiries, use this form.