Join Us
Our TrustAI Lab develops responsible AI systems that support reliable and accountable decisions. We work on:
- Responsible and trustworthy AI: Developing AI systems that are fair, interpretable, and aligned with human values.
- Causal inference: Understanding cause-and-effect relationships in complex data systems.
- Large language models: Studying the capabilities, limitations, and safety of modern language models.
- AI safety and alignment: Building AI systems that behave as intended and remain controllable.
- AI for natural and social sciences: Applying AI techniques to advance research in scientific domains.
Fully funded positions available
We offer funded research assistantship (RA) positions for motivated graduate students. These positions include a tuition waiver, a competitive monthly stipend, health insurance coverage, conference travel funding, and access to high-performance computing resources.
Research environment
Our lab provides a collaborative environment in which students work on research with practical applications, collaborate with researchers in AI and machine learning, present findings at conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, and AAAI, engage with industry and government partners, and develop technical and professional skills.
Clemson University is classified as an R1 (Very High Research Activity) university, ranked among the Top 40 public universities and within the Top 80 universities nationwide in the United States.
Candidate expectations
- Strong foundation in machine learning and deep learning
- Proficient programming skills in Python and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
- Solid mathematical background (linear algebra, statistics, optimization)
- Ability to read and understand research papers
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Collaborative mindset and intellectual curiosity
Application process
Before submitting a formal application, please send the following materials (combined in a single PDF) to yongkaw@clemson.edu:
Required materials:
- Detailed resume/CV
- Undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable)
Optional but recommended:
- GRE/TOEFL scores (if available)
- Publications, preprints, or technical reports
- GitHub/GitLab portfolio showcasing coding projects
- Relevant coursework or project descriptions
If we determine there’s a good fit, you’ll be encouraged to submit a formal application to the Computer Engineering program at Main Clemson Campus, select Intelligent Systems as your specialty area, and mention my name (Yongkai Wu) in your statement of purpose and Potential Faculty Advisor Selection.
Applying to more than one program? Clemson University allows you to apply to more than one program. Applications at Clemson are customized to meet the needs of each specific program and are not interchangeable between programs. After submitting your first application, you can return to the online admissions portal (using your same user ID and password) and pick your alternate graduate program.
Program information
Interested in responsible AI research? I would be glad to hear from you.