Working with me

I am currently recruiting students interested in working at the intersection of Software Engineering and Software Security.

  • Ph.D. students: I currently have a few openings for Fall/Spring 2022. Preferred candidates are those that have at least two of the following: (i) prior research experience (software engineering, security, programming languages), (ii) strong software development skills, (iii) bachelors in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering (or other CS-related diploma). Interested students should apply via ND's web site. (I am unable to admit applicants -- even if I am highly interested in having a student joining my group, all students have to apply on-line and go through the admission selection process). When applying, you can identify the name(s) of professor(s) whom you are interested in working with. Hence, if you are interested in working with me, you can list my name there and your application will be brought to my attention.

    Sometimes prospective students e-mail me to demonstrate interest (that's optional). If you do decide to contact me via e-mail, please include the following information attached: (i) CV, (ii) transcripts, (iii) a 1-pg research statement elucidating your background and research interests and how they align with the work I do and (iv) TOEFL/GRE scores (if applicable). Please make the subject as [Prospective PhD Student] Semester Year. For example, if you are interested in joining my research lab on Fall 2022, your e-mail subject should be [Prospective PhD Student] Fall 2022. Since I receive a sheer amount of e-mails, I may not always be able to reply to you. Please do not send me several reminder e-mails every other day.

  • Master students at ND: If you are a master student at ND interested in the work I do and are currently looking for a thesis or capstone advisor, you are welcome to contact me via e-mail. Please include the following information: (i) transcript, and (ii) a summary of your topic of interest(s). Please make the subject as [Prospective MS Student] Semester Year. For example, if you are interested in working with me on Fall 2022, your e-mail subject should be [Prospective MS Student] Fall 2022.

  • Undergrad students at ND: If you are an undergraduate student at ND interested in working as undergraduate research assistant for credits, you are welcome to contact me via e-mail. Please include the following information: (i) transcript, and (ii) how many credits you are interested in taking as research credits (CSE-4890). Please make the subject as [Prospective Undergrad Student] Semester Year. For example, if you are interested in being an undergraduate research assistant on Fall 2022, your e-mail subject should be [Prospective Undegrad Student] Fall 2022.

FAQs:

I am a flexible, honest, and kind individual. I frequently get asked about the expectations I have for students (mainly for PhDs), my advising style, and what students can expect for me. In light of that, I summarize below an answer to each of these questions:

    Advising/working style: I am a hands-on advisor. Specially on the first few years of a student's PhD in which the student is still building the research maturity and skills. As years pass by in the PhD journey I do expect, however, that students will start developing more independence and, as an advisor, I'd be more managerial (aka hands off). I host weekly stand-up meetings with the whole research group where members briefly share: (a) what they have accomplished during the prior week; (b) planned next steps; (c) any blockers. For those members who need more in-depth discussion, I schedule another timeslot for discussing the ideas/issues further.

    What I expect from students: Self-motivation, discipline, being proactive, and good at communicating. To regularly come to the lab to work (in case of PhD students who have an assigned workstation) but the working hours is up to the student to define. Yet, I expect that the student's own schedule overlaps partially (or in full) with a typical 9-5PM work hours.

    What students can expect from me: Timely and honest feedback on papers/manuscripts, slides and presentations. Being reachable via e-mail and Slack messages. Being respectful of you and your time. Support for your long-term goals, meaning that I will attempt to incorporate your ideas within my lab's broad research agenda (though, this might not always be possible due to funding/resources constraints and/or I do not possess enough expertise to effectively advise on a topic that is way out of my research scope). Hear your thoughts and concerns carefully with open ears. Being committed with your success.