The Rules

In general, I'm always interested in talking to prospective students who are interested in doing research in computer graphics, design, human-robot interaction, etc. This applies both undergraduate and graduate students. However, I have a couple of basic rules that you need to know before you contact me.

For undergraduates

  1. In general, I prefer students to have some significant programming experience (usually in C or C++) before they get involved in research. What constitutes "significant"? That depends on a number of things. As a bare minimum, you should have successfully completed the introductory computer science sequence (and done well in it). Courses that have project components are a definite plus, too. If you're coming from outside of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, or are interested in a project that does not involve programming, then there are projects available, but they may be more data processing related or human-subjects studies, or require you to learn programming at some point.
  2. Computer graphics and robotics research requires a fair amount of mathematics. If you're seriously interested in doing research, then you'll need to have a basic grounding in linear algebra. Being comfortable with math is a big plus.
  3. If you've taken one of the my courses, then I probably remember you. Send me an email and let me know that you're interested in research. Keep it short and to the point.
  4. As a general rule, I'm only interested in "structured" research, where students register for an independent study, or something similar. I have written up some projects suitable for undergrads or masters. I am open to student-driven projects, but only if you can give me a clear idea of what you want to do.
  5. If you're just interested in talking about computer graphics or art and engineering in general, first take a few minutes to read about the research that we do on my web pages. Better yet, find a student who has worked with me and talk to them. Finally, when you have a rough idea of what we're about, send me a brief email and we can meet.
  6. If you've made it this far, then you must still be interested. Don't worry too much if you don't meet all of the criteria above. If you meet most of them, then send me email, and we can discuss things.

For graduate students

  1. If you're considering the graduate program in Mechanical Engineering/robotics/Computer Science, please apply to the appropriate program. I do not respond to "is there space in your group?" emails. I can't admit students directly, so don't ask. Every potential student must go through the same formal application procedure. I will ignore letters about admissions and assistantships. If I'm looking for new graduate students and you've applied, then I'll find you.
  2. If you're a prospective graduate student and your research interests seriously overlap with mine, then send me an email, and briefly tell me about yourself, and what you're interested in doing, so that I know to be on the lookout for your application packet when it arrives. Letters with full CVs and that don't mention specific research issues will be ignored. Email without my address in the To: line will also tend to get ignored, since that usually means a mass mailing.
  3. If you're currently a graduate student at Oregon State and you're interesting in talking about working with me, send me a brief email, and we can take it from there.
  4. I've you've been accepted to graduate school here without funding, don't ask me if I can fund you. If I had money to fund you, we would have made an offer with funding.