Considering Joining My Research Group?

Great! If you deeply care about sound we would love to have you in our group. Please read some of my notes below so that you get an understanding of how I deal with most applications. Note that I get a ton of emails inquiring for positions. I cannot reply to all, and I will certainly not reply to emails that disregard the advice here. Having read this page means that at least you care to do your homework. So mention the word "Elephant" in your email so that I know that you read this!

For PhD Applicants:

Will there be open slots next year?

The availability of PhD slots depends on various factors, and I may not know if I will be admitting new students before the application deadline. You're welcome to inquire, but my typical advice is to apply if you're genuinely interested in studying here.

Am I a good fit for your group?

My research primarily focuses on audio processing, often involving machine learning. I don’t specialize in general machine learning, computer vision, NLP, or speech understanding. Students admitted in my group generally have hands-on experience in audio, whether through speech, music, or other related projects. If your background doesn't align with this, admission might be challenging. If you reach out, please share with me any audio-related projects you’ve worked on, and what goals you have in this space. This will help me assess whether you can thrive in my group.

Should I apply in the CS or the ECE department?

Although I advise students from both departments, I would encourage you to apply in the CS department, even if your undergraduate degree is in EE/ECE.

For MS Applicants:

Will there be open slots next year?

There is usually room for new MS students, but securing funding for short-term positions can be difficult. If you're aiming for a PhD, consider applying directly to the PhD program. If an MS is your intended terminal degree, please plan to support yourself through TA positions, fellowships, or personal funds.

Am I a good fit for your group?

Please refer to the PhD section above for guidance.

For Postdoc Applicants:

It is highly unlikely that I will have funding for a postdoc.

For Visiting PhD Students:

We’ve had many successful visits from international students, and we always welcome them. If your work aligns with my group’s focus (see above), and you have funding support, we can explore that possibility. If you lack funding, we may need to collaborate with your home institution to find a solution. Feel free to reach out, and we can discuss it further. Note that I do not take on remote visiting students. Nor do I take on summer interns.

For UIUC Undergraduates Seeking Research Experience:

Please consider taking CS545 or CS448 first. If you perform well, we can discuss potential research opportunities. As a freshman or sophomore you might not yet have the necessary coursework, but I’m happy to help you work on a relevant project to gain experience.

For High School Students Seeking Research Experience:

I recommend focusing on your high school studies and enjoying this time. Research opportunities will be plentiful when you're ready.