Join Us
HALO is looking for people who are curious about AI and serious about access. Here is what we look for and how to reach us.
Who do we look for?
Students join the HALO Lab from information science, computer science, engineering, design, and education. We look for people with a willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment with people from various backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. We especially look for those who are willing to learn methods and skills outside of their own expertise, developing a diverse toolkit to adapt to solve a wide variety of problems.
Much of our work is based on participatory methodologies, which means spending real time with the users we design alongside. Before you reach out, it is worth knowing which of our three research areas your interests sit closest to — accessible learning technologies, AI across the lifespan, or participatory and responsible AI design. We especially encourage applications from people whose own experiences shape the questions they want to ask.
Currently recruiting
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PhD students Through the Information Studies program in the iSchool.
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Master's researchers For thesis work or a semester-long project in the lab.
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Undergraduate researchers For credit, for pay, or through a research fellowship.
Getting in touch
Prospective PhD students should apply through the university's graduate admissions process — the lab cannot admit students directly. An email before you apply is still worthwhile, so we know to look for your application.
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Read some of our work
Read some of the papers from the lab and/or the research areas. It helps to have an idea of what our lab's research interests are and if they align with yours.
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Complete the form
Complete the interest form and include your most up-to-date CV/resume. When completing the form, make sure to provide full answers to the questions. The more details you provide, the better we can assess your potential fit.
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We will follow up
We read everything that arrives, and we reply — including when the answer is that there is not a good fit this cycle.
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Apply to the program
If you're a doctoral student and fit with the lab has been determined, apply to the doctoral program, naming Earl Huff and the lab in your statement of purpose.
Frequently asked
Do I need a computing background to join?
No. The lab is very interdisciplinary, with students from different fields. The lab's work draws on design and user research as much as it does building software.
Can you fund my studies?
Funding is only guaranteed for doctoral students. Otherwise, funding for Master's and undergraduates is dependent on availability of funds.
Are there opportunities for undergraduates?
Yes, typically for credit, for pay (when funding is available), or through a research fellowship, and usually starting at the beginning of a semester.
I am not at UT Austin. Can we still collaborate?
Yes — preferably with community organizations, industry partners, and researchers whose work overlaps with ours. Please get in touch.
Tell us what you want to work on.
The best emails are specific. Tell us the problem you cannot stop thinking about and we will tell you honestly whether the lab is the right place for it.