Here is a list of frequently asked questions with answers. Please read carefully before contacting me.
A: To be my student, you must satisfy all the university requirements (like the minimum TOEFL and grade requirements). You should have a Bachelor's/Masters/Ph.D. degree in either Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics or Operations Research from a reputable school with high GPA. Moreover, basic knowledge of optimization methods is required. To have some research experience (e.g., journal publications, conference presentations) from reputable research institutes, or have won prestigious national/international awards are important plus.
A good transcript is mostly not sufficient! You have to be strong in mathematics: calculus, numerical analysis, linear algebra, discrete mathematics/graph theory, optimization theory, algorithms, complexity theory is desirable. You need to have excellent communication skills. A good TOEFL/GRE score is not sufficient!! I am looking for strongly motivated students dedicated to research excellence.
A: Qualified, excellent students with mathematics/operations research/electrical engineering degree might be admitted as my student at the Departments of "Mathematics and Statistics" or "Electrical and Compute Engineering". You should apply at those departments if you are in these groups. If you have sufficient Computer Science / Software courses in your education, you might be eligible to enroll at CAS too.
A: I do interview prospective students whenever possible. During the interview I try to assess the applicant's academic background, research curiosity technical and communication skills. Detailed questions will be asked. Overseas students might expect a telephone interview. However, applicants SHOULD NOT come to my office without prior invitation.
Interview will happen only after examining your application package and if it is pre-arranged.
A: If you believe you are qualified, you can formally apply by contacting the department's graduate secretary for an application kit or simply downloading the forms from the department's WEB site. Although we accept students to start only in September, January or May each year, the department accepts graduate applications almost all year round. Your application will be screened and ranked first by a departmental Graduate Admissions Committee. All successfully screened applications will be made available to faculty members for possible admission. You should contact graduate secretary for all application related questions. If you wish to work with me, you should indicate my name in your application.
A: Currently all my students receive financial support through either NSERC scholarship, OGS scholarship, teaching assistantship, or other university/government scholarships. Self-funding (e.g., foreign government scholarship) is welcome, but it does not increase your chance of being accepted. Exact amount of funding varies from student to student, but it will be enough for you to get a student visa and to support an average student life. Some students may receive sizeable extra research stipend in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
A: You should send me your resume electronically with a detailed list of publications, research/educational experience and sample publications, and suggest a few names of references who can comment on your research accomplishment and communication skills. If I find your background/record interesting, I will contact you for further details/interview. Applications for postdoc/visitor positions are accepted all year round. The exact level of financial support will depend on your research experience, academic accomplishment, and the availability of funds.
A: I regularly take summer students from the 3rd year class or above. You should have followed some optimization courses before applying for a summer project. These students usually work with me or my graduate students in some specific optimization software development projects. Summer students must have an outstanding transcript, eager to learn advanced optimization algorithms, be eligible for NSERC Summer Student or McWork scholarships. They must possess good communication skills. A project report is usually required at the end of the summer job. To apply, simply send your transcript and resume to my attention and make an appointment with me. You should initiate this process early January to be in time for NSERC or McWork scholarships.
A: It varies from year to year, but it is usually around 10 persons: about 8 students, 1 or 2 postdocs, or 1 visiting scholar.
A: Almost all of my former Ph.D. students got academic positions, some work in high-tech consulting companies. Most former M.Sc. students work at high tech companies or research labs.