Prospective Students
I am actively recruiting students for Fall 2027 and beyond.
If you are passionate about trustworthy machine learning (data poisoning, machine unlearning, memorization, LLM safety, mechanistic interpretability, or related topics), I'd love to hear from you.
All MSc and PhD applications now go through the Vector Institute Graduate Student Program. Please select me (Yiwei Lu, University of Ottawa) as one of your supervisor preferences.
Open positions
What I look for in a student
- Critical thinking: willingness to dig into questions where the right answer isn't obvious yet.
- Technical skills: solid background in optimization, machine learning, or LLMs. Prior research experience (publications, internships, projects) is a plus.
- Working with AI: ability to adapt and use AI tools (e.g., vibe coding) with critical understanding of their strengths and limitations.
- Strong communication: willingness to ask questions, share work in progress, and engage with feedback. Clear writing matters.
A formal CS background is welcome but not required; I supervise students from engineering, mathematics, statistics, and adjacent fields.
How to apply
MSc and PhD applicants
- Apply through the Vector Institute Graduate Student Program (one free application for Vector-affiliated faculty at participating Canadian universities, including uOttawa). Select me as one of your supervisor preferences. You'll need transcripts, a 1–2 page CV, a 1–2 page research statement, and 2–3 referees.
- If your background looks like a fit, I will reach out to schedule a chat.
- You also need to apply formally through the University of Ottawa graduate admissions portal; Vector is not a degree-granting institution.
For the 2026–27 cycle, Vector's soft deadline is October 23, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET) and the portal closes January 15, 2027. Applying by the soft deadline is strongly recommended.
A note on email: Please do not email me about MSc or PhD admission. I review graduate applications only through the Vector portal and will contact candidates if I see a fit; emails about graduate admission will not receive a reply.
Undergraduate and visiting students
Vector's program is for incoming graduate students only. For NSERC USRA, capstone projects, or research visits, please email me at yiwei.lu@uottawa.ca with your CV, transcript, and a short note on which of my research directions interests you. Please include “Gee-gees” in the subject line so it doesn't land in my junk folder.
I do my best to read every application, but I may not be able to reply to all of them individually. Please don't be discouraged if you don't hear back; it doesn't reflect on the strength of your application.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to email you before applying?
No. MSc and PhD applicants should apply through the Vector Institute Graduate Student Program and should not email me; I will reach out if I see a fit. Undergraduate and visiting students (including current uOttawa students) can email me directly; include “Gee-gees” in the subject line, or your email will go to my junk folder.
I am an international student. Am I eligible?
Yes. International applicants are eligible. The tuition fee is higher than for domestic students, but PhD students are automatically eligible for the differential tuition fee exemption. There are also scholarship opportunities such as the NSERC Doctoral Scholarship and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Canadian visa applications can take a long time, so please start your application early and leave enough time for the visa process.
What are the English language requirements?
You will need to meet the University of Ottawa's language requirements, which vary by program. See the program-specific requirements page for the rule that applies to your program.
When are the application deadlines?
Application deadlines for each term are listed on the University of Ottawa program-specific requirements page. International applicants should apply earlier than the formal deadline. For MSc and PhD applicants, the Vector Graduate Student Program has its own timeline (soft deadline October 23, 2026; faculty review in November; portal closes January 15, 2027).
Can I do a remote internship or visit?
Most projects are in person at uOttawa, but I am open to remote arrangements for specific visiting or internship setups when there is a strong fit.
What background do you look for? Do I need a CS degree?
A CS degree is usually required by the CS programs but not by the DTI program. For my own screening, I focus more on your previous courses and experiences: if you have taken essential courses (linear algebra, probability, statistics, machine learning, optimization, programming) and show a strong research fit, you are welcome to apply.