Exploring Opportunities at the University of Arizona

About Me and My Research Journey

My name is Chen Jingdi, and I am currently conducting postdoctoral research at the LIONS Lab at Carnegie Mellon University. Previously, I earned my PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering as well as a Master’s in Statistics from George Washington University, where I had the privilege to work under Dr. Tian Lan. I completed my undergraduate studies at the School of Mathematical Sciences at Fudan University.

Upcoming Position at the University of Arizona

This fall, I will join the University of Arizona’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor. My research group will focus on a diverse range of areas, including artificial intelligence, multi-agent reinforcement learning, network optimization, cybersecurity, and the application of large language models within ECE. We are excited about collaborative opportunities with esteemed organizations like Nokia Bell Labs and the United States Military Academy (USMA). Our goal is to support students in securing internships and visiting opportunities during the summer.

Funding and Opportunities for Graduate Students

We have ample funding available to support several fully-funded PhD students. We are also offering postdoctoral and internship positions. For application details, please refer to the lab’s homepage and fill out the registration form available there.

Supporting My Students

I deeply understand the concerns prospective PhD students face regarding whether they can complete their degree and what kind of mentor they will have. I was fortunate to be advised by the exceptional Prof. Tian Lan, who not only provided rigorous guidance but also taught me how to become an independent researcher. Throughout my PhD journey, I experienced continuous encouragement and respect, fostering an incredibly joyful academic experience. Along the way, I even adopted three cats and two golden retrievers! My hope is to embody my mentor’s supportive approach, ensuring that my future students enjoy their time in research and graduate feeling fulfilled.

Application Updates

I have received a significant number of inquiries from prospective students. While I cannot respond to everyone individually, I will reach out via email for suitable candidates to schedule interviews. Thank you for your understanding!

Understanding the Application Process

I also empathize with students from Fudan University who may be struggling with GPA metrics in the application process. I truly welcome applications from all students and understand the complexities of the grading system at Fudan. I hope everyone finds a school that meets their expectations and receives satisfying offers!

Final Notes on the Application Timeline

With a high volume of applicants, I am thoroughly reviewing each submission. There’s no need to worry about the April 15 deadline; I can manually process selected candidates within the University of Arizona system. If you receive other offers that require urgent decisions, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email for a quicker response. I aim to complete all interviews and provide results before April 15. Thank you all!

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to delve into the realms of AI, cybersecurity, or network optimization, there are abundant opportunities ahead. I am excited for the journey that lies ahead at the University of Arizona and look forward to fostering a positive and enriching environment for my future students! ✨