Prospective Students
My group focuses on the following research themes:
- Trustworthy, reliable, and uncertainty-aware AI systems
- AI for computational social science
- AI for security- and safety-critical domains
My long-term goal is to build trustworthy AI systems for domains where automated predictions or decisions influence public perception, policy, safety, or human well-being. In practice, my work studies these questions in modern AI systems, including LLM- and agent-based settings.
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 through for-credit research courses (e.g., ITMT 597 / ITMT 497). These positions provide a hands-on research opportunity with close faculty mentorship and opportunities to produce meaningful outcomes. They are not paid research assistant roles, and priority is given to students who have taken one of my courses and demonstrated strong performance and initiative.
If you are interested, please email me your CV and a brief introduction (background, interests, what you hope to work on, and how much time you can realistically commit each week).
Other Research Collaboration Requests
Other research collaborations (e.g., remote, non-credit, or volunteer participation) are considered only on a case-by-case basis and require a clear research fit, strong independence, and a demonstrated commitment over a sustained period (typically at least five months).
If you are interested in these opportunities, please contact me by email with the same materials described above.
Contact: yhu89 [at] illinoistech [dot] edu
For general information about my research, publications, and teaching, please return to my main page.