I'd like to do research with you. Can I?

Great! I'm always looking for outstanding graduate students (and undergrads, too) to work with in the areas of compilers, computer architecture, and embedded systems. If you're currently attending or have been admitted to Georgia Tech., and are interested in working with me, send me email with your resume and a short description of your background and interests (M.S. students, I do not have any money to fund you, and do not expect this situation to change).

If you're not a student at Georgia Tech., then I highly suggest you apply, but realize I am not on the admissions committee and I have no power to accept your application.

FYI, I get tons of form letters from students (i.e., identical emails that start with "Dear sir" that are sent to hundreds of professors). These are considered spam and I will not read them. Please add the word "potato" to the subject of your email to show me that you've read this web page and have at least done some homework. Your odds of a response drastically improve if you've read at least one of my papers and propose some way to extend the ideas in an interesting direction.

When I do hire students, these characteristics are what I'm looking for (in order of importance):

Motivation
Good communication skills (particularly coherent writing)
Experience with large software systems
Strong programming and debugging skills in C/C++/Java/assembly
Background in computer architecture
Basic knowledge of compilers (any prior experience related to the compiler backend, analysis and optimization, is great, but not required)

Can I talk to you about your class/my schedule? Can you give me a copy of the syllabus?

I'm glad you're interested in my class! If you need more information, just show up on the first day, where I will go over the syllabus, the expected background knowledge, the workload, and pretty much answer all the questions people keep emailing me about. If I don't answer your question on day 1, I'd be more than happy to meet you in person to discuss things.

If you're looking for advice on classes in general, your advisor or the counseling office is a much better source of information.

I tried really hard in your class, can I have an A?

Just like in the real world, effort is necessary but not sufficient condition for success in my classes. If you did not receive an A in my class, there is a good reason for that and I am not going to change your grade. Beyond this, there is significant scientific evidence that your college GPA has little to no effect on your happiness or success in life, so your time (and my time) would be much better spent in activities that do increase your happiness instead of complaining about your grades. Go spend time with friends, or get some exercise instead (activities that do increase your happiness).

Is my research paper any good?

Check our my handy guide on how write a good research paper.