The Feature Factory logo The Feature Factory Undergraduate ML Research Lab

Join the Lab

Start your undergraduate research journey.

The Feature Factory welcomes motivated students interested in statistics, data science, machine learning, and responsible artificial intelligence. Previous research experience is not required.

Complete the Interest Form Explore Our Research

Who Should Apply?

You do not need to be an expert.

We value curiosity, reliability, willingness to learn, and consistent participation more than previous research experience. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to get involved.

Mathematics Statistics Data Analytics Computer Science Environmental Studies Other Data-Driven Fields

What we look for

  • Curiosity about data, statistics, or artificial intelligence
  • Willingness to learn new technical and research skills
  • Reliability in completing agreed-upon tasks
  • Interest in collaborative problem solving
  • Commitment to regular communication and meetings

Ways to Participate

There is a place to begin at every level.

Students develop their skills gradually through structured tasks, collaboration, independent work, and faculty guidance.

Getting Started

Explore

Learn introductory Python or R, basic data preparation, visualization, literature review, and research documentation.

  • Prepare and clean datasets
  • Create exploratory visualizations
  • Summarize research articles
  • Learn reproducible coding practices

Building Experience

Contribute

Build data pipelines, implement machine learning models, conduct experiments, and help produce reproducible analyses.

  • Train and compare machine learning models
  • Evaluate performance and reliability
  • Create figures and research tables
  • Contribute to posters and presentations

Advanced Research

Lead

Develop an independent research question, design experiments, interpret results, and contribute to conference presentations, technical reports, or manuscripts.

  • Develop research questions
  • Design and manage experiments
  • Present research findings
  • Contribute to scholarly writing

Research Experience

What students can expect

Research participation is structured around gradual skill development, regular communication, and meaningful contributions to active projects.

Faculty Mentoring

Receive guidance in research design, coding, statistical analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication.

Collaborative Research

Work with faculty and student collaborators while learning how research teams organize and communicate their work.

Independent Work

Complete research tasks between meetings and gradually take ownership of a specific part of a larger project.

Research Outputs

Contribute to posters, presentations, technical reports, reproducible code, conference submissions, and manuscripts.

Time commitment

Research participation may include regular meetings, independent project work, collaborative coding or analysis, and preparation of research materials. The expected time commitment varies by project, semester, and the student's role.

Application Process

How to join The Feature Factory

The interest form helps us learn about your background, goals, and the kinds of research activities you would like to explore.

01

Complete the interest form

Share your major, academic background, research interests, and relevant technical experience.

02

Meet with Dr. Abeykoon

Discuss your interests, availability, current skills, and possible research opportunities.

03

Identify a starting project

Begin with a structured task that matches your experience and helps you build the skills needed for a larger research role.

04

Grow into research ownership

Take on increasingly independent responsibilities and contribute to research presentations, reports, or manuscripts.

Participation Options

Funding and academic credit

Opportunities may be available through independent study, student research programs, summer research projects, or funded assistantships, depending on the project and available resources.

Completing the interest form does not guarantee a paid position, academic credit, or immediate project placement.

Research Preparation

Skills you may develop

Python R Machine Learning Statistical Modeling Data Visualization Git and GitHub LaTeX Scientific Writing

Begin Your Research Journey

Curious students are welcome.

You do not need advanced research experience to get started. Bring your curiosity, willingness to learn, and commitment to meaningful work.

Complete the Interest Form

Connect With the Lab

Questions before applying?

Students are welcome to contact Dr. Abeykoon to discuss their interests, academic background, availability, or possible research opportunities.

Faculty Lead: Dr. Chathurika S. Abeykoon

Office: Ohlendorf Hall 422

Email: abeykoonc@rhodes.edu

Meetings: Contact Dr. Abeykoon to arrange an appointment.