Prospective


I enjoy working with brilliant minds across the world. I am constantly seeking out exceptional PhD/master/undergraduate students and visiting scholars, who share my passion for advancing the fields of Data Visualization, Human-Centered AI, and Data Science. If you are a highly motivated individual with a keen interest in these areas and are eager for an opportunity to work with me, please take a look at the following information.

What you should know about me: While a strong academic profile is highly appreciated, I value qualities beyond quantifiable metrics: dedication, curiosity, and communication skills matter to me. Before reaching out to me, please take the time to familiarize yourself with my research areas by checking my recent publications, my research themes of interest, and talks. I enjoy discussing my research and would love to hear your valuable thoughts about my work. You don't need to be an extraordinary talent, but passionate curiosity is a must.

How to contact me: Due to the high volume of emails I receive daily, I may not be able to respond to all of them promptly. To ensure that your important application message receives proper attention, I kindly request that you format your email appropriately with a subject line structured as "Prospective [Type of Research Opportunity] - [Current Position] - [Institute/Organization]" (e.g., Prospective PhD - MEng - MIT), and relevant information in the body text based on the position you are applying for (see details below).


PhD

We have several openings for fully funded PhD students. If you do find the research themes of my lab excite you and you are eager to work with me in the next a couple of years, you should:


RA (open only for current UC Davis students)

If you are a master student or an exceptional undergraduate already at UC Daivs, and wish to join my Lab for exciting research opportunities. You are welcome to send me an email with:

Note: please arrange for one letter of reference to be sent to dyuliu@ucdavis.edu within two weeks of submitting your application. Priority will be given to those who have taken my classes (ECS 163/272/273/289G), and in such cases, a recommendation letter is not required.


Postdoctoral Researcher

Currently we do not have funded positions for postdocs. However, scholars with external funding (e.g., UC Davis Postdoctoral Fellowship Program) are generally welcome. In such cases, if our research interests align, I can provide a letter of support for your application process if needed. Please email me at dyuliu@ucdavis.edu and include your CV, publications, and references.


Visiting Student

We welcome students from outside of UC Davis to pursue their thesis research here. It's important to note that during these visits, the visitor is usually responsible for all expenses. Generally, you will be working on a project of mutual interest. Funding may be available in certain cases if the project aligns with our ongoing projects. If you are interested please email me at dyuliu@ucdavis.edu and include your cover letter, research statement, and two representative publications (optional for visiting master/undergraduate students). Please arrange at least one (PhD two) letter of reference to be sent to me via email within two weeks of submitting your application.


Visiting Professor

We welcome and host faculty from other universities. To ensure proper space and planning, it is recommended to arrange these visits at least 6 months in advance. If you are interested in visiting, please contact dyuliu@ucdavis.edu.


Serving on Your Dissertation Committees

If you are a Ph.D. or master's student seeking my participation on your dissertation/thesis committee, I would be glad to explore this possibility, provided we share common research interests. Please contact me via email ahead of time to initiate the discussion.

★★★★★ Why CS@UC Davis? ★★★★★

UC Davis stands as a world-class university, renowned not only for its academic excellence but also for its transformative impact on students’ lives, groundbreaking research, and commitment to sustainability. Discover the FOUR key strengths that make UC Davis and our CS department truly exceptional: