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. Keep in mind 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 anyway if you're genuinely interested in studying here (the only sure way to get admitted is to apply!)

Am I a good fit for your group?

My research primarily focuses on audio processing, often involving machine learning. I do not 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 does not align with this, admission might be challenging. If you reach out to me (which I would recommend), please share with me any audio-related projects you have worked on, and what goals you have in this space. This will help me assess whether you can thrive in my group, and will also put you on my radar.

Should I apply in the MTA or the ECE department?

Apply to EECS, there are no doctoral degrees awarded in MTA (yet).

For Masters Applicants:

Will there be open slots next year?

If you are ultimately aiming for a PhD, consider applying directly to the PhD program. Securing funding for MS students comes second to PhD funding, so you might as well improve your chances. Alternatively, you can always support yourself through TA positions, fellowships, or personal funds, which will make admissions more straightforward.

If an MS is your intended terminal degree, and you are interested in music applications, I would recommend you apply for a slot in the Music Technology program. This program can cover part (or all) of your Masters degree studies.

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 have 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 Undergraduates Seeking Research Experience:

Please consider taking one of my courses first. If you do well we can discuss potential research opportunities. As a freshman or sophomore you might not yet have the necessary coursework, but I am 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 in your life. Research opportunities will be plentiful when you're ready.