Is my research paper any good?

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

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 committeee and I can not admit you.

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 webpage and have at least done some homework. Your odds of a response drastically improve if you've read at least one of my research 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
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)

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

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. In addition, 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 compaining about your grades. Go spend time with friends, or get some exercise instead.

Can you write me a letter of recommendation?

If I don't know you, no. If you took a class with me, I'll write a letter saying how you did, but these letters are generally worthless unless you did a really good project or othewise demonstrated some exceptional characteristics in class. If you've done research with me, of course I will write you a letter. Make it as easy for me to write as possible: send me a resume, remind me about the project you did in my class, etc.

shout out to joel!