Information for Prospective Students

I am always seeking hard-working, self-motivated, and scientifically curious students to join my research group. Our work spans interdisciplinary projects focused on designing and developing input and interaction techniques for diverse technologies and user groups. We employ both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with a primary emphasis on quantitative approaches. Before applying or reaching out, please review the Lab Rules, which all members are expected to follow if accepted.

Potential research areas include, but are not limited to:

• Text entry, editing, and error correctio.
• Virtual, augmented, extended reality.
• Interactive surfaces like tabletops, walls, and floors.
• Accessible technologies.
• Applied machine learning and AI.
• Wearable technologies, like watches, gloves, etc.
• Interaction techniques for robots and drones.
• Brain-computer interface.
• Child-computer interaction.
• Usable security.
• Animal-computer interaction.

PhD positions are fully funded. MS positions are self-funded, but it is possible to secure support through various means upon joining the university. Visit Graduate Student Financial Support for further details.

PhD Admission Lab Requirements

1. Mandatory. A BS degree in:
   • Computer Science,
   • Cognitive Science,
   • Industrial Design,
   • Interactive/Digital Media, or
   • Human-Computer Interaction.
2. Mandatory. Strong skills in programming.
3. Mandatory. The ability to work individually or in a team.
4. Mandatory. Excellent English language skills.
5. Preferred. An MS degree in the areas listed above.
6. Preferred. Skills in interaction design and quantitative research methods.
7. Preferred. Publications or other writing samples.

Graduate Division - Mandatory Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (required for international applicants, see International Application Information for details).
• A complete application submitted by the deadline, including all required documents (e.g., reference letters). See General Application Requirements for more details.

Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences - Mandatory Requirements

• GRE scores (required for MS applicants only).

If you meet the above criteria, please submit a Graduate Admission Pre-Application form. You may also email me to let me know that you have submitted the form.

It is recommended that you also submit a formal application via the UC Merced admissions portal. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed both the pre-application and the formal application through the UC Merced admissions portal.