Bridge Undergraduate Science Program (BUGS)

We are training the next generation of undergraduate students to surmount disciplinary boundaries as they work to better understand the human body and impact health

 

FAQ for Undergrad Students
FAQ for Faculty/ Mentors

Seeking Feedback from our BUGS/Jr Alumni

The information being collected in this survey is: (1) for statistical purposes for planned future funding applications with relevant agencies, (2) for use on our website, social media and other promotional materials – please make sure to indicate at the end of the survey your consent/non-consent for these purposes, and (3) to evaluate impact and allow us to rationally consider changes to improve the program in the future.

Thanks for your participation!

Link to the Survey

HANDS-ON RESEARCH

Our interdisciplinary research effort intensifies every summer with the Bridge Undergraduate Science Program, known as BUGS for short. Undergraduate students in the program pair with a USC faculty member and often collaborate with graduate student, postdoctoral fellows or staff to perform hands-on research in USC research labs. Students also benefit from Bridge-sponsored peer community-building activities research seminars and multi-disciplinary social mixers.
Curious to learn the kind of research our previous BUGS have done? Get to know the Class of 2018, Class of 2019, Class of 2021 and Class of 2023 or check out previous news articles about our students and their achievements.

Previous news articles about our students and their achievements

­­Pharmacy lab’s former intern exploring interests as USC undergrad

HSC NEWS
by  Eric Lindberg, June 13th, 2019

You could certainly call Bethany Chen a chemist. Or a robot programmer. She’s definitely a computer scientist. Don’t forget about hip-hop dancer, philosopher and black belt expert in hapkido.
A longtime science enthusiast, the rising sophomore at USC has interests that range across the map. And like many undergrads, she’s taking advantage of opportunities at USC to consider options for her future and gain experience in diverse fields.

Read Story

EXPLORE DISCIPLINES

BUGS is one of a few immersive U.S. programs that allows students to explore across scientific disciplines and additionally incorporates opportunities to collaborate with students in the USC School of Cinematic Arts. A unique highlight of the program is the summer finale symposium (the first Friday and Saturday in August) where BUGS provide short oral presentations of their work to their scientific mentors, peers and family, as well as the university community. Check out our 2022 BUGS Activities Schedule and 2022 BUGS Finale Symposium Schedule for a taste of the programmatic activities and planning.

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Find a faculty mentor
STEP 2: Establish a research project and draft a proposal. 2025 BUGS Research Proposal Template ( .docx)
STEP 3: Apply for USC fellowships*
STEP 4: Submit BUGS application
2025 BUGS Program application portal is NOW CLOSED

*BUGS are encouraged to participate concurrently in any of these undergraduate fellowships: SURF, Provost’s or WISE. All applications to the BUGS program will be considered for funding through the Trudi Berwin Student Support Award, the Dang Family Endowed Undergraduate Research Fellowship, and other fellowship sources that are managed through the Bridge Institute.

For more details about the BUGS Program, please read our FAQ page.

Before opening or completing the 2025 BUGS Program application through Qualtrics, please preview the questions to prepare your materials/answers here. (2025 BUGS Program Qualtrics Application Preview).  

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Bridge Institute

Main Number:

(213) 821-9823

Bridge Undergraduate Science Program

(BUGS and BUGS Jr. Programs)

(213) 821-9823