Guidelines for Prospective Students Interested in Working with Me

Welcome! I am always looking for motivated, curious, and hardworking students to join my research group. Whether you are an undergraduate student, master’s student, PhD student, or prospective visiting scholars, please read the appropriate section below to understand how to apply and how best to communicate with me. Following these guidelines will help ensure that we can find a good match between your research interests and how I can support your academic and research endeavors.

0. General Information for All Applicants

• Departmental Admission Process: Admissions are handled by the department, not by individual faculty members. While I may advocate for students whose research interests align with mine, the department makes the final decision.

• Research Fit: Before contacting me, please review my publications and research areas to ensure your interests align with mine. This is for your best interest as it is crucial to have a good match between your research interests and the work I am doing so that I can provide you with suitable support and guidance.

• Complete Applications: Make sure your application materials are complete and follow UBC guidelines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Email Communication: Please show that you have read this page by copying the appropriate subject line (as indicated below) into your email subject line and including necessary information in your email. This will help me understand your background and interests and make it easier for me to respond to your inquiry.

I. Prospective PhD Students

PhD students are expected to conduct independent, novel research that contributes significantly to the field. My role is to help guide and mentor you through this process. I will provide feedback, support, and resources to help you succeed in your research and career goals.

1. What to Include in Your Email:

• Please copy this subject line for 2025 admissions: 2025博士課程
• Your resume/CV and transcripts (undergraduate and master’s, if applicable)
• A detailed summary of prior research experience, including publications, presentations, and any significant project work
• A statement of research interests (1-2 pages) that includes:
  • Your long-term research goals
  • The research questions you are most interested in pursuing
  • How these questions will align with my current research focus
  • Any relevant papers from me that you’ve read and found compelling
  • Information on whether your previous degrees were research-oriented, and a short description of any theses or major projects

2. Expectations:

• Be intellectually curious, self-motivated, interested in research, and have the determination to bring your ideas to the finish line.
• PhD students should be prepared for long-term, independent research.
• You will need to develop a clear research question, conduct original research, and aim to publish your findings in high-impact venues.
• Know how to “manage your advisor”! I am here to help you, but you should take the lead in your research and career development.

II. Prospective Master’s (MS) Students

Master’s students are typically more focused on research compared to undergraduates, and I expect a stronger commitment to producing publishable work as MS in Computer Science at UBC are research-oriented and funded.

1. What to Include in Your Email:

• Please copy this subject line for 2025 admissions: 2025修士課程
• Your resume/CV and undergraduate transcript
• A summary of any prior research experience, including the topic, methods, and outcomes (if applicable).
• A brief statement of interest that addresses:
  • Why you are interested in pursuing research in your specific area.
  • What you hope to achieve with a master’s degree (e.g., further study, industry, academia, non-profit, non-governmental organizations, etc.).
  • How your research interests align with my work.
  • If you’ve read any of my papers, please mention which ones and explain how they inspired your interest in doing research and how I can be of help.

2. Expectations:

• Master’s students are expected to contribute to research projects and aim to publish their work.
• You’ll typically be involved in a combination of independent work and collaboration with other members of the lab.
• Be prepared to conduct original research, participate in lab meetings, and eventually submit a thesis or research report.

III. Undergraduate Students

If you are interested in gaining research experience as an undergraduate, I may have opportunities for research projects or directed study.

1. What to Include in Your Email:

• A copy of your resume/CV
• A copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine)
• Under which program you are applying (e.g., directed studies, USRA, etc.)
• A short paragraph explaining why you are interested in research and how your interests align with my current work.
• If applicable, please describe any prior research experience (even if informal or part of a course project).

2. Expectations:

• Undergraduate research typically involves learning new skills, working closely with graduate students or postdocs, and contributing to ongoing projects.
• If accepted, you will likely start with smaller tasks and grow into more substantial responsibilities as you gain experience.

IV. Visiting Scholars (PhD Students, Postdocs, or Researchers)

If you are currently enrolled in a PhD program or are a postdoctoral researcher and would like to visit my group for collaborative research, I welcome such opportunities, provided there is a clear overlap in research interests.

1. What to Include in Your Email:

• A CV that includes a summary of your academic background and research experience.
• A 1-2 page research statement that outlines:
  • The research project you wish to pursue during your visit.
  • How your proposed research aligns with the current work my group is doing.
  • What you hope to accomplish during your visit and how long you would like to stay. - Details about your current supervisor and institution, and confirmation that you have discussed the visit with them.

2. Expectations:

• Visiting scholars are expected to engage in research activities, collaborate with lab members, and possibly co-author papers.
• You should be self-motivated and capable of contributing to ongoing projects or bringing new, collaborative ideas to the lab.

V. Additional Notes for All Prospective Students:

• Timeline for Contacting Me: Please apply through the official system of UBC, and ensure your materials are submitted before the relevant deadlines, usually December 15th for PhD and MS programs. I am unable to review applications or respond to queries before the department begins processing applications. If you believe our research interests align, please make sure to mention this in your application materials and reach out to me after you have submitted your application so that I can advocate for your application.

• Funding: If you are accepted into the program, we can discuss potential funding options and how I can best support your research. Funding for visiting scholars will depend on the nature and duration of the visit.

• Graduate Housing: For PhD and MS students, I recommend applying for graduate housing as early as possible.

I look forward to hearing from you. Please ensure you have followed the guidelines above to streamline the process!