Q: Are you taking new Ph.D. students?
A: Yes, but my lab is quite full, so I’m not able to take as many as I used to.
Q: Can you answer my questions about applying to Stanford?
A: The best bet is to email aa-admissions@lists.stanford.edu.
Q: Do I have to be a Ph.D. student in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics to be in your lab?
A: No. I have plenty of Ph.D. students in other departments, e.g., Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.
Q: Should I email you to let you know I applied to the M.S. or Ph.D. program?
A: No need to. The admissions committee of the department you applied to makes admissions decisions based on your full application package. Individual faculty do not admit students. If you are admitted by the committee, you will be invited to campus to meet with faculty and students.
Q: I took your class a while ago and now we’re using some of the ideas from the class, and it’s really neat! Do you want to hear about it?
A: Yes! Also, with your permission, I can mention it in class as an example of an application!
Q: I am a Stanford student. Can I meet with you?
A: Sure! Take a look at the calendar link and email me with a proposed time. There are little arrow buttons that allow you to change between weeks. I’m generally in the office on weekdays between 8:30am and 4:30pm.
Q: Do you take high school interns?
A: Yes, but only through the Stanford Robotics Center Summer Research Program. Information can be found here.
Q: Can I join your lab?
A: If you are a Stanford student, you can register your interest and submit your information for review at the form here. I get notified at the time of every submission, but feel free to follow up with a separate email. If you are not a Stanford student yet, you can find admissions information here.
Q: I would like to do a summer internship, but I am not a Stanford student.
A: We have supported external students through the SURF program in the past and will continue in the future. You send application materials to that program, not to me directly. Outside of this program, I do not currently have funding or capacity to support non-Stanford students. If you have a fellowship and bring your own funding, please be aware of Stanford’s fees for visiting student researchers (VSOs).
Q: I’m applying to Stanford. If I get in, can I join your lab?
A: I cannot promise a spot in my lab, but you are welcome to attend and participate in my lab meetings to see whether my lab is a good fit for you. I would also recommend taking AA228 offered in the fall quarter.
Q: How do I pronounce your name?
A: “My cull coke in dir fur” :-)
Q: I heard you have a really cool Instagram account, what is it?
A: @aiprof