Hive Lab
Join

Join the Hive Lab

We're looking for collaborators interested in usable security and privacy, blockchain, HCI, and accessible computing.

Thank you for your interest! Please fill out the lab's application form — we will reach out if there is a good match. The more detail you provide about yourself and your goals, the more likely we can give a prompt response.

Fill out the application form
General Note: We receive a high volume of emails and may not be able to respond to all, but every message is read. Providing detail about yourself and your goals significantly increases the chance of a prompt response.
01

What We Work On

Our lab builds usable and accessible tools for managing privacy, security, and governance in data-driven systems — with a special focus on underserved communities.

Security & Privacy Blockchain & Web3 Accessible Computing Human-Computer Interaction AI/ML Governance
02

What Skills Are We Looking For?

Design Skills
Experience in design and iterative prototyping — low and high fidelity — is highly valued.
Coding Skills
We build mobile, web, and browser-extension tools. Full-stack developers are especially welcome.
Domain Knowledge
Familiarity with privacy/security, accessible computing, blockchain, or AI is beneficial. Prior publications are a bonus but not required.
03

Prospective PhD Students

PhD Students Fall 2027 cycle

The official PhD application deadline is December 15, 2026 for the Fall 2027 cycle. Apply via Penn State IST Admissions.

Admissions are typically managed by a central committee. To ensure your application reaches us, please mention the PI's name in your statement of purpose. After submitting, send a brief email to tfs5747@psu.edu including:

  • CV and academic transcript with GPA or rank
  • Target role — PhD, intern, or current student
  • Brief summary of your research interests and relevant experience
  • What makes you stand out from your peers
  • Links to publications, if any
Application deadline: Dec 15, 2026 for Fall 2027
Apply via Penn State IST Admissions
04

Interns & Current Students

Masters, Undergrad & Interns Rolling applications

We are looking for highly motivated Masters, undergraduate, and intern applicants with interests in usable security & privacy, blockchain, HCI, and accessible computing.

Please review our Research page, then email your CV and fill out the application form.

Fill out the application form
05

Other Visitors

Exchange Students, Interns & Visitors Open to arrangements

The lab invites exchange students, interns, visitors from academia and industry, and post-baccalaureate research specialists. We are open to other arrangements as well.

We take high school students exclusively through affiliated programs and cannot accommodate students outside these programs.

Get in touch
06

Contact

Email: tanusree.sharma@psu.edu

Application form: Fill out here →