FAQ

Interest in joining our group

 

PhD applicants: The 2025-26 PhD application cycle is open! I primarily admit PhD students through the iSchool program though also have the ability to recruit through the CSE program.

I am recruiting a PhD student to start Autumn 2025. If you are interested in applied NLP and human-centered AI in the domains of healthcare and/or accessibility, I welcome your application. I am not replying to individual emails from applicants at this time, though I aim to review all applications that specify me as a potential advisor.

Masters/Undergraduate students: I occasionally accept advanced undergraduate and Masters students enrolled at UW or elsewhere to conduct research. If you are at UW, you can receive credit for research. If you reach out, please include your CV and the following information in your email:

  • Which research questions or problems interest you?
  • Why is this lab the right place to conduct this research?
  • What do you hope to get out of this collaboration?
  • Are you proficient in Python? If so, what frameworks (ML, NLP, data analytics, data visualization) are you familiar with? If you have sample code from an open source project (not a class project), please send a link.
  • Have you worked with other faculty before on research? If so, summarize what you worked on.
  • Have you taken any courses with content in NLP, ML, AI, CV, HCI, data/text mining, data science, or research methods (including any you are currently enrolled in)?
  • If you have led any research publications, please include these as an attachment and describe your contributions.

Other inquiries: Postdocs and visiting students should email to discuss potential opportunities. Please include a description of your research interests, alignment with this lab, CV, any relevant recent publications, and your timeframe. If you are an international student, you may need to apply through the UW's VISIT program. Please note there is a 12-week lead time for visa applications and a 12-month limit on PhD visits.

Requesting letters of recommendation

 

If you were a student in my class, will I write you a letter of recommendation?

I am happy to write letters for students in my classes only if I am confident I can write a strong letter that will help your application. This is because a short, thin, or lukewarm letter is more likely to hurt your chances of admission into a program than help them.

I typically consider writing letters only if you've met the following criteria:

  • You have taken and fully completed a class with me
  • You did well in my class
  • I should have some sense of your skills, work ethic, and personality that goes beyond just the grade you received in my class
  • You gave me at least two weeks advance notice, and preferably more
  • You will waive your right to read your letter

(Adapted from Benjamin Mako Hill)