Prospective Graduate Students

I am not currently accepting new students.

I am currently recruiting students to work with me in Human-Robot Interaction, Human-Computer Interaction, Tangible Computing, and related fields. Competitive funding is available.

My research area...

My work revolves around how people interact with technology. This statement is very broad, but reflects my interest in general and highlights that I am open to exciting new projects. While I primarily work with robots and off-the-desktop computing, feel free to pitch an idea to me and see if its something I would be interested in. If you do not have a research idea or project, that is okay, we can work on one together. Visit my main page and our HCI group website and read some of the publications.

Wondering if you would fit into my group? I address many issues below:

  • Background -- You need a computer science degree, and HCI exposure is a definite bonus. Truly exceptional candidates with other related degrees (Design, Psychology, Sociology) will be considered, but relevant computer science experience is still required.
    • the department requires a GPA of 3.0 / 4.5 for admission, although generally much higher (>4.0) is expected
    • strong programming skills and enthusiasm for large programming challenges is must. Research devices often require charting new territory and documentation, libraries, and forums are not always available.
    • HCI is inherently multi-disciplinary, and you should have an interest in the psychological and sociological aspects of technology use. In HCI you will perform user studies with your new interfaces.

The HCI group also has two other professors who do similar research:

  • Professor Andrea Bunt, human-computer interaction, applied artificial intelligence and user modelling
  • Professor Pourang Irani, information visualization, document navigation, ubiquitous devices, gaming, computer supported cooperative work

MONEY issues

Funding and day-to-day income can be a major concern for many graduate students. The UofM has many funding opportunities, but many of them require time-consuming applications and a competitive GPA. If you are ahead of your game, I can help you with developing strong scholarship applications. Further, many require an early application so get your application in before christmas for best odds.

  • UofM graduate tuition information can be found on the university website, be sure to click "graduate fees"
  • Funding is very competitive, is not usually guaranteed unless a scholarship is received, and can vary from year to year and from student to student. it is your responsibility to investigate and prepare for funding applications.
  • All applicants are automatically considered for Department of Computer Science entrance scholarships, although they are very competitive. These are worth $16,000 / year for two years for MSc students, and $20,000 / year for four years for PhD students.
  • There are University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships offered to select strong students. Valued at $12,000 / year for two years for MSc and $16,000 / year for four years for PhD.
  • Canadian students should apply to the nationally competitive NSERC post-graduate scholarships, deadline in Sept. one year before you can accept the award. These are basic $17,500 / year for two years for a MSc, and $21,000 / year for four years for a PhD (note: PhD years may be limited if same student also received the MSc award). Holders of these can also apply for generous "top-ups" ranging from an additional $7,500 to $12,500 per year.
  • Specifically for international students, maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or better (out of 4.5) makes you eligible to apply to the International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship or the International Graduate Student Scholarship, each valued at $4000 per year.
  • there are limited opportunities to earn additional income ($500-$2000 / semester) by working as a marker or teaching assistant. This is generally not required.
  • I can directly provide funding packages to very strong applicants.

When you email me!

If you want me to take your application seriously please address the following points in your email when you contact me:

  • confirm that you have read this webpage
  • an outline of some of your interests, particularly if they are related to my research.
  • an explanation of any prior research or HCI experience you have, including possibly publications
  • your CV or resume, details of your degrees, GPA, and awards and scholarships received. Graduate and senior-level courses taken. Scanned copies of transcripts are helpful if available.
  • why you are interested in working with me at the University of Manitoba
  • contact information for at least two references (email and telephone)

Application procedure

  • first send me the email i explained above. Sorry, but I CANNOT RESPOND TO ALL EMAIL
  • if your application looks promising, I will respond within several days, and ask for a telephone, skype, or gchat conversation.
  • after reviewing several applicants, I inform you if I can offer you a student research position, and then you must follow the university's requirements for application:

The university procedure has several steps

  • GET STARTED EARLY! Have your application in before Christmas to be considered for all scholarship opportunities. To start in September, Canadians must have final applications in by June 1, and international students by March 1. For January start, Canadian deadline is October 1 and international students are May 1.
  • submit an application to the Faculty of Graduate Studies with all supporting material.
  • send an email to Ms. Lynne Hermiston at the Department of Computer science informing her that you are intending to apply to the graduate program and to work under my supervision. Include a digital copy of your transcripts if available, and the reference number to your graduate studies application.
  • If you are not Canadian, after being formally accepted into the program apply and obtain a Canadian student visa before arriving in Canada. This can be a lengthy process so leave due time.

A very large thanks to Dr. Stephane Durocher for doing all the research that made this page much easier to construct!!