How do I apply?

At UniMelb, you will need a letter of support from me in order to apply. As a result, you should fill out the google form above (preferred) or email me with your CV, transcript, and a short description of your research interest. If I think we are a good initial fit, then I will ask for more information and to conduct a chat over Zoom!

Doing Your PhD at UniMelb

There are several reasons why doing your PhD at Melbourne might be a good fit.

Firstly, you will be fully funded (tuition+stipend) working with me. Admitted students will likely have the majority of their funding (tuition, stipend) provided by the Australian government. This is important because it means that we have much more research freedom to pursue our ideas, compared to other funding systems.

Second, UniMelb is a great place to do HCI research. The HCI Group at Melbourne is very large compared to most other schools with 16+ faculty members, so there is ample opportunity to collaborate. The University of Melbourne is ranked 11th in the world in HCI (and 19th or 38th best university in the world overall).

Third, your PhD is 3.5-4 years here with a focus on just doing research. You do not have required coursework and teaching during your PhD.

Fourth, PhD students in Australia are generally well supported with good work-life and academic freedom. Melbourne is one of the world’s most livable cities (currently ranked 4th globally), with a free tram system in the city center and a vibrant, diverse culture. It has a somewhat high cost of living; overall, it is roughly similar to Toronto Canada, Manchester England, Houston USA, Phoenix USA, Barcelona Spain ...

What kinds of students are you hiring?

The most important things are that you:

• communicate & write well and have research experience, even if it did not produce strong output. In my opinion, the ability to frame, write, and present research well is equally as important as conducting it. I insist on having students who do not have to rely on generative models to frame research and write well.


• have good (relevant, novel, interesting, feasible, ...) ideas. Through items like your research statement, interview, or recommendation letters, you can show that you are able to conduct high-level "research thinking". I certainly expect for my mentoring to include tailoring and helping to build upon your already great ideas!


• are great to work with. Academia is much better when done with kind, supportive, and upstanding colleagues.

In terms of research area, anything that is technology + well-being (in a broad sense) goes. My PhD thesis is on "Virtual Simulation for Mental Health"; however, many other things are interesting to me that fall under well-being (e.g., social interaction, preventing tech-facilitated abuse, identity and culture, large-scale community well-being, ...). The best thing that a student could bring is interesting & new ideas!

If you are international: this year, I am primarily recruiting students who qualify for Tier-1 scholarship in Australia. However, exceptions can be made. If you are a domestic student for Australia/NZ: you likely don't need to worry as you will be funded given decent academic performance.