Cynthia Matuszek

FAQ

1. Yes, I am taking new students, especially PhDs. I am looking for self-motivated people who listen well and work well in a close-knit, collaborative group. Good communication skills help. The first step is talking to me.

2. Attend the meeting/reading group. A good way to get involved is to ask if you can go to group meetings or seminars and actively participate. Independent studies and RA appointments usually come after that.

3. Independent studies. These start with a brainstorming session, then a 2-page statement of what you are planning to do. We'll have weekly meetings and/or emailed status reports, a final 6-8 page research paper-style report, and a final presentation.

4. Funding isn't immediate. I prefer to offer RAs after I've already worked with you (in independent study, class, or group meetings).
   • Master's students are not usually funded via research assistantships.
   • I don't offer TA-ships; that's departmental.

5. YMMV: Every point on this list is somewhat flexible.

During our meeting I will ask two big questions; think about these beforehand:

Why THIS lab?

• Robots/machine learning are cool? That's true! What experience do you have with them ("none" is okay)? What specifically about them appeals to you?
• You need funding? That's fine! But, read the point above, funding isn't immediate.
• You have an idea that you think might make a neat research project? Awesome, let's talk about it!
• You don't have an advisor and you're talking to people? That's a great move! Let's talk.
• You need to connect with a (any) faculty member because you need letters of recommendation? Cool! Let's talk about what you can do that would be beneficial to us both.
• Are you trying to develop skills to show potential employers (and the actual project doesn't matter)? Great! We always have tasks.

What are your goals? What do you want to do?

• Push the boundaries of what machine learning can do?
• Work on robots that can use language to listen and talk to people?
• Develop robotics for social good (for example, helping seniors live independently)?
• Tackle hard problems in natural language and communication?
• Learn to use modern robotics tools and software?
• Something with robots, which are cool, but you aren't sure what?
• Something else that you'll tell me about?

Ph.D., Master's, and Undergraduate

• Undergraduates usually get the most from research later (junior and senior year). Consider taking AI, machine learning, NLP, or robotics for background. I'm happy to talk to you, but you usually need to focus on the basics first. We actively recruit Meyerhoff and CWIT scholars. Please come talk to me.

• Master's students will often do projects that help the overall research direction. Thesis students have generally gotten deeply involved in a research project and are hoping to do some research professionally.

• Ph.D. students and prospective PhDs are especially welcome.
  • PhD students usually receive paid tuition and a stipend to live on.
  • You'll start by getting familiar with the projects in the lab (and reading a LOT of papers). Over time, that will evolve into your own project, something that you are guiding yourself.
  • All PhD students publish papers; most will travel to conferences in interesting places. It's a lot of fun.

Okay, I want to know more!

If you've done research work before, or if we've met at a conference, or someone pointed you towards me, or something, you can email me for more about UMBC and to tell me about yourself and why I should look out for your application. Please don't send me a resume. Just tell me how our interests overlap and why you're interested in my lab and work. Basically, answer the questions above.

To apply: