Zhaowei Tan's Homepage

Note to Perspective PhD Students

[中文版本]

09/28/2024: I'm looking for 1-2 PhD students for Fall 25. This year, I'm particularly looking for students interested in theoretical computer networks and AI for networks.

If you are seriously considering working with me, please read the notes below before contacting me.

Q: Do you have any openings this year?

I'm always open to recruiting new students who aim at academic excellence. We have multiple exciting projects on networking and systems, including, but not limited to, 5G/IoT networking and systems for their reliability, security, and emerging applications. You should check my recent publications to see if you feel interested and comfortable working on them.

Q: Glad to know that you are looking for new students. Am I qualified though?

You are expected to have a solid background in networking and/or system. Any of the following would be a strong indication:

Networking research experience: including wireless networks, network security, Internet, vehicle networks, software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), mobile sensing, ...
Decent understanding of one or multiple wireless network systems (protocol and architecture)
Knowledge of physical layer design and implementation of wireless access networks (e.g., using software-defined radio)
System research experience, such as design and implementation for networked or distributed systems
Experience with "hacking" Android (rooting, kernel writing, native C programming...)
Of course, you should show your dedication and preparation for research. PhD is a long journey; it could be tough if you don't enjoy it!

Q: It seems that I'm qualified, but why should I work with you?

Here are several things that might appeal to you.

Our group works on numerous interesting and exciting research projects. We hold the highest standard on research and our works are published in top venues (NSDI, MobiCom, SIGCOMM, ...) I'm also open to new topics. If you have something on your mind, I'm happy to chat about that!
I do care a lot about my students. I want you to achieve your goals and have a successful PhD career. I will try my best to help you succeed, including providing as many resources as I could, advising on doing great research, and many more. I also want you to enjoy your life outside of being a researcher. For that, I am flexible in my advising plan to facilitate your style and career goal. You are encouraged to email my students to have a sense of what it feels like to work with me.
UCR CSE is competitive and still growing. Our department is ranked #10 in US for system research (broadly defined) according to csranking. You will have the privilege to collaborate with other renowned faculties working on networking, system, and security in our department.
You can enjoy plenty of sunshine at SoCal. Riverside is conveniently located near Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Diego. You have easy access to food, entertainment, sports, etc. in those metropolitan areas, while staying at Riverside is much more affordable.

Q: Everything sounds great, but would I go broke before I earn my degree?

Don't worry! The position would be fully funded. You will be supported by the department fellowship in your first year. The years to follow will be covered by the department through teaching assistantship or by me through graduate student researcher. You basically don't pay anything, while earning a monthly stipend.

Q: I'm convinced. How could I join?

To be officially considered, please follow the application procedure of either UCR CSE or ECE. You shall mention my name in the online application system. I will reach out to you if I find your background a fit. You could certainly contact me before that, although I cannot make any promise or decision until seeing your formal application. To do so,

Current UCR student: The best way for reaching me is to drop by my office hour or make an appointment. It's also a good idea to take my class and have a better understanding of my research.
Non-UCR student: Send an email to ztan@ucr.edu with your CV attached. Please kindly put [Prospective PhD] in the subject, or your email might be wrongly recognized as spam.