The HUGO Lab at the University of South Carolina, PhD Scholarship 2027 offers fully funded positions for doctoral research in human factors, ergonomics, and human-machine interaction at the University of South Carolina. This scholarship supports students from all nationalities to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on cutting-edge areas like human-AI interaction, robotics, and digital twin systems.
The University of South Carolina is a top public research university with over 200 years of history. Its Mechanical Engineering department hosts the HUman Factors & erGOnomics (HUGO) Lab, which conducts innovative research in transportation, energy, and industrial safety. The lab provides a collaborative environment for students to develop solutions for real-world challenges.
HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly living stipend
- Guaranteed funding for the first two years
- Continued funding throughout the PhD, subject to satisfactory academic and research performance
Eligibility Criteria for HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship
- Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field
- Strong interest in human-centered systems and ergonomics
- Good analytical and communication skills
- Experience in data analysis or experimental research (preferred)
- Research publications in journals or conferences (preferred)
- Programming experience (MATLAB preferred)
- Knowledge of statistics such as regression and ANOVA (preferred)
- Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 3.0/4.0
- GRE: Verbal ≥150 and Quantitative ≥155
- TOEFL iBT: 80 or above (international applicants)
- IELTS: 6.5 or above (international applicants)
Required Application Documents
- One-page cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page statement of research interests
- Official academic transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
How to Apply for HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship?
- Prepare a one-page cover letter
- Prepare a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Prepare a one-page statement of research interests
- Prepare official academic transcripts
- Prepare three letters of recommendation
- Prepare a personal statement
- Email all documents to Dr. Jangwoon Park at [email protected]
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship?
The HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral position at the University of South Carolina’s HUman Factors & erGOnomics (HUGO) Lab. It supports research in human-AI interaction, robotics, ergonomics, and related fields, covering full tuition and providing a monthly stipend.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field, a strong interest in human-centered systems, and good analytical skills. Preferred qualifications include research publications, programming experience (MATLAB), and knowledge of statistics. International applicants need TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+.
What are the benefits of the HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship?
Selected students receive a full tuition waiver, a monthly living stipend, guaranteed funding for the first two years, and continued funding throughout the PhD subject to satisfactory academic and research performance.
What research areas are covered?
Research areas include Human-AI Interaction, Human-Machine Interaction, Human-Robot Interaction, Human Factors and Ergonomics, Industrial Safety, Vehicle Ergonomics, Human Variability, Digital Twin Systems, and Human-Centered Design, with applications in transportation, energy, and industrial systems.
What documents are required for application?
Applicants need a one-page cover letter, a CV, a one-page statement of research interests, official academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. All documents should be emailed to Dr. Jangwoon Park.
What is the application deadline?
For Spring 2027 intake, international applicants must apply by 1 October 2026, and domestic applicants by 15 October 2026. For Fall 2027, the deadlines are 1 May 2027 for international and 15 May 2027 for domestic applicants.
Is the scholarship open to international students?
Yes, the HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship is open to all nationalities. International applicants must meet English language requirements (TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+) and other eligibility criteria.
How do I apply for the HUGO Lab PhD Scholarship?
Interested candidates should email their application documents (cover letter, CV, statement of research interests, transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement) to Dr. Jangwoon Park at [email protected]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
What is the GRE requirement?
Applicants must have a minimum GRE Verbal score of 150 and a minimum Quantitative score of 155. This is part of the graduate admission requirements for the University of South Carolina.
Can I apply if I don’t have a Master’s degree?
The eligibility criteria require a Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field. Applicants without a Master’s degree may not be considered for this PhD position. Check the official website for any exceptions.
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