Openings

Hello, and thank you for your interest in joining my research group. At Monash University, I work on reliable and trustworthy AI-enabled software systems, with a focus on software testing, debugging, validation, and AI-assisted automation for complex software workflows.

I am always happy to hear from highly motivated students and collaborators whose interests align with these topics. Depending on timing and funding, opportunities may include Ph.D. study, research assistantship, research internship, and undergraduate research projects.

Research Areas

My group works broadly on software reliability, especially in settings where systems are complex, AI-enabled, or difficult to validate. Some topics I am particularly interested in include:

  • software testing and debugging
  • trustworthy AI and validation
  • LLMs and code intelligence
  • deep learning systems, compilers, and software infrastructure
  • reliable automation for complex technical workflows

Who May Be a Good Fit

You do not need to already be an expert in exactly these topics. More important to me is whether you are curious, thoughtful, and willing to learn deeply. Students with backgrounds in software engineering, systems, programming languages, AI/ML, data science, or strong general computer science are all welcome to reach out.

In general, this is likely a good fit if you enjoy reading papers, building tools or prototypes, writing code carefully, and thinking seriously about how to make software systems more reliable.

What Students Can Expect

I care a lot about building a research environment that is rigorous, supportive, and enjoyable. In our work, we often combine empirical studies with tool building, and I try to help students grow both in technical depth and in research maturity. I also value clear communication, thoughtful collaboration, and steady progress.

Funding and Scholarships

In addition to support from my research grants, Monash provides a range of scholarships for research students. Please check the Monash Scholarships page for current opportunities.

Some students may also be eligible for jointly supported schemes such as the CSIRO Industry PhD Program, the Monash University-China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarship, and the Southeast University-Monash University Joint PhD Degree.

If you are aware of other scholarships or funding sources that may support your study, I am always happy to discuss whether they could be a good fit.

Supporting Diverse Pathways into Research

I understand that research in computer science can feel difficult to enter, especially for students from underrepresented groups, those navigating career transitions, or anyone following a nontraditional path. If you are curious about research or considering graduate study in CS, you are very welcome to email me. I am always glad to share advice and help you think through possible next steps.

Before Sending Emails

Before reaching out, I would sincerely appreciate it if you could spend a little time reading some of my recent work. This is helpful for both of us to quickly understand whether we have overlapping interests. You can find more papers on the Publications page. A few representative examples are listed below:

You do not need to read every detail of these papers. Reading the abstract and introduction is already very helpful.

In Your Email

To help me understand your background and interests, it would be very helpful if your email could include:

  • Your current background, including education, technical skills, and relevant experiences.
  • Your research interests and why you would like to work with me in particular.
  • One or two papers or topics from my group that you found relevant.
  • Any ideas, topics, or projects you would especially like to explore.
  • Your CV and transcripts, if available and relevant.

Generic emails generated without engaging with the group’s research are usually not very helpful. A thoughtful and specific email is much more likely to lead to a productive conversation.

Final Note

If you think we may be a good fit, please feel free to get in touch. I may not always be able to reply immediately, but I do read serious and thoughtful emails carefully.