FAQs for Dr. Liao's Graduate Students and Prospective Students

General Direction

GTA Application Guidelines

Application Guidelines for GRA/PhD/Research Mentorship

  • If interested in Dr. Liao's GRA/PhD/reserach mentorship, please ensure you meet ALL minimum requirements.

Reference Request

Communication Guidelines

Course Registration

GTA Application Guidelines

Application Guidelines for Dr. Liao's GTA Positions

  • Must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
    • Uphold academic integrity and ensure fairness in all class activities.
    • Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including reliability, commitment, self-motivation, and efficiency, with a proven ability to meet deadlines and consistently complete tasks to a high standard.
    • Successfully complete a minimum of two courses under Dr. Liao's guidance.
      • GPA must be A+ in both courses.
      • The average score across all tests and exams must be in the top 15% of the class for the course qualifying for a GTA candidate.
        • The cutoff score for each class:
          • Spring 2025: AIT 526 (92), AIT 614 (96).
          • Fall 2024: AIT 526 (90), AIT 614 (96).
          • Spring 2024: AIT 526 (101), AIT 614 (96).
      • For AIT 726, the test scores must first meet AIT 526 GTA requirements.
      • For other courses, the test scores must at least meet AIT 526 or AIT 614 requirements.
    • An overall graduate GPA must be 3.95 or higher out of 4.
    • Demonstrate self-motivation and responsibility.
    • Exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Submissions:
    • The latest graduate transcripts and resume.
  • Notification:
    • Only selected, qualified candidates will receive the notification for further evaluation.
  • GTA Position Duration:
    • The position is offered on a contractual basis (one term only).
    • No extensions are granted; all current GTAs must reapply for subsequent term positions and comply with all specified requirements as above.

Application for GRA/PhD/Research Mentorship

Application Guidelines for Dr. Liao's GRA/PhD or Research Mentorship

  • Must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
    • Uphold academic integrity.
    • Demonstrate strong passion for research and a genuine interest in advancing knowledge.
    • Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including reliability, commitment, self-motivation, and efficiency, with a proven ability to meet deadlines and consistently complete tasks to a high standard.
    • For undergraduate students,
      • BS in CS, AI, mathematics, EE, ECE, automation, physics, bioinformatics, or related fields.
      • Overall undergraduate GPA >= 3.80 out of 4. Math, CS/AI/ML, and related STEM course grades must be A-/A/A+.
    • For graduate students,
      • Must meet above BS major and GPA requirements.
      • MS in CS, AI, data science, robotics, quantum computing, bioinformatics, or computational neuroscience.
      • Overall latest graduate GPA >= 3.95 out of 4. CS/AI/ML and related STEM graduate course grades must be A/A+.
      • If taking Dr. Liao's courses, must rank in the top 10% for every score in each test or exam.
        • The cutoff score for each test/exam in each class:
          • Spring 2025: AIT 526 (Test 1: 82, Test 2: 105), AIT 614 (Exam: 98).
          • Fall 2024: AIT 526 (Test 1: 81, Test 2: 105), AIT 614 (Exam: 96).
          • Spring 2024: AIT 526 (Test 1: 102, Test 2: 105), AIT 614 (Exam: 96).
      • 1+ year R&D experience in at least one of the research areas:
        • deep learning, AI architecture, advanced NLP
        • computer vision, robotics, Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
        • quantum computing, computational neuroscience
        • cybersecurity, bioinformatics
      • Strong programming and problem-solving skills.
      • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
      • Strong technical writing skills.
      • Strong team player with collaborative skills.
    • Preferences:
      • 1+ high-quality research publication as the first author.
      • 2+ years programming work experience (including internships).
    • Required Submissions:
      • A cover letter (300-500 words).
      • For BS students, the latest resume and undergraduate transcripts.
      • For MS students, the latest resume and both undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
      • Code samples and/or project Github link. If code work was team-based, clearly outline your individual contributions.
      • 1-3 research publications as the leading author.
    • Notification:
      • Only selected, qualified candidates will receive the notification for further evaluation (algorithm test, coding test, math test, etc.).
    • Position/Mentorship Duration:
      • GRA positions are offered on a contractual basis.
      • Voluntary, unpaid research mentorship (professor volunteering or both parties) is at the discretion of the professor and may be terminated at any time due to scheduling demands, student performance, or other factors.

Reference Request

Requesting A Reference from Dr. Liao

  • Must meet following necessary requirements
    • Academic Performance:
      • The GPA for every course under Dr. Liao's guidance must be A+.
      • The average score across all the tests and exams in each course under Dr. Liao's guidance must rank in the top 15% of the class, as specified in the cutoff scores.
      • An overall graduate GPA must be 3.95 or higher out of 4.
    • Time Spent & Relevant Experience: The student should have engaged in sufficient interactions with the professor and possess relevant experience (e.g., research projects, GTA/GRA) that the professor can discuss.
    • Strong Work Ethic: The student should demonstrate reliability, commitment and efficiency, with proven records to meet deadlines and consistently complete tasks to a high standard.
    • Clear Communication: The student should clearly communicate their goals, including the purpose of the reference and the deadline.
    • Professionalism: The student should approach the professor in a respectful and professional manner.
    • Advance Notice: The student should give the professor ample time (usually at least a few weeks) to prepare the reference.
    • Express Gratitude: After receiving the reference, the student should thank the professor, regardless of the outcome.
  • Submissions:
    • Once you meet the above requirements, please send an email to request a reference from the professor. The email should include the course title and section number for Dr. Liao's class, the purpose of the reference, job description, and the submission deadline.
    • Upon receiving the professor's permission, please submit your most recent graduate transcripts, resume, and any relevant project work.

    Guidelines for Instructor and Academic Advisor Communication

    Please contact the course instructor or GTAs ONLY if you have following questions related to

    • course syllabi, class schedule,
    • course content, assignments, assessments, and
    • any other questions related to course teaching.
    • NOTE: for more information about Dr. Liao's courses, please
      • find course syllabi on the webpage,
      • find class schedules on Blackboard, which are only available for registered students, or
      • contact the GTA first if you have any other course-related inquiries.

    Otherwise, please contact your academic advisor for assistance.

    • For AIT advisors, please contact msait@gmu.edu. For more information, please visit the Advising webpage.
    • For other programs (such as DAEN), please contact your own academic advisors.
    • For some AIT course questions rather than course teaching listed above, you may contact AIT advisors for assistance.

    Course Registration

    For any course registration questions, please contact university registration office.

    Registration Errors

    • Check if you meet the course prerequisites.
      • If not, please complete the prerequisite course(s).
      • If yes, please check if you are in the CEC programs.
    • Otherwise, please contact your academic advisor for assistance.

    Override

    Late Registration

    • Contact the university registration office to get a Late Schedule Adjustment (LSA).
    • Follow the instructions on the form to get signatures from the course instructor, course department chair/director, and/or other required faculty members.
    • Follow the instructions on the form and contact the course department chair/director's office team at ISTDEPT@gmu.edu or your academic advisor so they can send the signed form to the right channel.
    • For any questions related to this issue, please be sure to contact your academic advisor for assistance.

    Other Resources