Prospective Students
My research focuses on building reliable and trustworthy AI systems for real-world settings where automated predictions influence public perception, policy, safety, and human well-being.
For a detailed overview of my research areas and recent work, please see my Research page.
How to Express Interest
The information below is intended to help you understand how I work with students at different levels, and how to reach out in the most effective way.
PhD Applicants (Fall 2026)
I plan to recruit 1–2 PhD students for Fall 2026. I look for applicants with strong technical fundamentals, the ability to work independently, and sustained motivation for long-term research.
How to apply (required)
Please submit your official PhD application through the Graduate Admissions system
(link)
and list me as your preferred PhD advisor.
Applications submitted after this date may still be considered on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
Email me after you apply
Once you submit your application, please email me your CV and a short note introducing your background and research interests, so I know to look for your application.
Prospective PhD - YourName - Fall 2026
I review applications on a rolling basis. Due to the volume of emails, I may not be able to respond to every message individually.
IIT Master’s & Undergraduate Students
I work with IIT master’s and undergraduate students primarily through for-credit research courses (e.g., ITMT 597 / ITMT 497). These opportunities provide hands-on research experience with close faculty mentorship and are intended for sustained research rather than short-term exploration.
They are not paid research assistant roles. Priority is generally given to students who have taken one of my courses and demonstrated strong performance, initiative, and reliability.
If you are interested, please email me your CV and a brief introduction describing your background, interests, what you hope to work on, and how much time you can realistically commit each week.
Remote / Visiting Research Opportunities
I am also open to working with highly motivated students and collaborators outside the standard PhD or IIT course-based pathways through remote or visiting research arrangements.
These opportunities are considered on a case-by-case basis and are intended for sustained, publication-oriented research. As a minimum expectation, participants should usually be able to commit for at least five months and devote around 6 hours per week on a consistent basis.
If you are interested, please email me your CV and a brief note describing your background, research interests, relevant skills, and how much time you can realistically commit each week.
Contact: yhu89 [at] illinoistech [dot] edu
For general information about my research, publications, and teaching, please return to my main page.