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.
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
- Fill out the application form. This is the fastest way to reach me; please use it instead of cold email.
- If your background looks like a fit, I will reach out to schedule a chat.
- For PhD and MSc applicants, you will also need to apply formally through the University of Ottawa graduate admissions portal in parallel.
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?
If you are already a current University of Ottawa student, you're welcome to email me directly. Otherwise, please use the application form above instead of cold email; it's the fastest way for me to consider your application.
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. My own screening timing depends on when you submit the application form, so I may reach out well before the formal deadline.
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.