Guide for Prospective Students

Like all faculty, I receive more emails from prospective students than I am able to respond to. This is a quick guide to help with frequently asked questions. My response rate to emails that are covered by the below is likely to be low.

Prospective PhD Students

Prospective PhD students should submit a formal application to the UCSD CSE department and mark me as a prospective advisor. Please do not email your application to me. PhD admissions in the United States always require a formal application in the fall for admission to the department the following fall.

My research focuses almost exclusively on public-key cryptanalysis. If you wish to work on this topic and are applying to work with me, you should discuss your experience and interest in attacks in your research statement.

Non-UCSD Masters Students

I have no influence over admission to the UCSD masters program. If you are interested in working with me as a masters student, you should apply to UCSD, get accepted, join the program, and then follow the advice for UCSD masters students.

UCSD Masters Students

If you wish to do research with me, please take a course with me (CSE 207B or a special topics course), get an A, and talk to me about doing a research independent study.

UCSD Undergraduates

If you wish to do research with me, please take a course with me (CSE 107 or 127), get an A, and talk to me about doing a research independent study. I sometimes supervise groups for ERSP or similar.

Non-UCSD Interns (bachelors or masters)

I generally do not have the capacity to supervise non-UCSD undergraduates or masters students. There is no formal internship program. I do occasionally supervise visiting students who are already working with a collaborator or colleague elsewhere.

High School Students

I do not have the capacity to supervise high school students. If you would like university experience, I would suggest reaching out to graduate students to see if any are willing to take you on.

Postdocs

I do not typically have existing funding for postdocs. If you work in a closely related area or with a collaborator and are able to apply for external funding we may be able to work something out.