PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Come build thoughtful, useful research with us.
We welcome Ph.D., master's, and undergraduate students, as well as remote collaborators and research interns, who are excited to combine rigorous methods with consequential problems in AI, operations research, transportation, logistics, and sustainability.
Who thrives here
You do not need to arrive with every technical skill already in place. We value intellectual curiosity, reliability, kindness, and the willingness to learn. Strong candidates enjoy moving between mathematical ideas, computational experiments, and the real systems that motivate the work.
Our group is especially interested in students who want to explore one or more of the following:
- Learning-augmented and generative-AI methods for optimization
- Sequential decision-making and reinforcement learning
- Transportation, urban mobility, logistics, and supply-chain systems
- Sustainable AI and life-cycle assessment
- Responsible deployment of data-driven decision systems
DOCTORAL
Ph.D. students
Ph.D. students work toward independent research contributions while building depth in optimization, machine learning, data analysis, and domain knowledge.
How to apply: follow the dedicated two-stage Ph.D. application process below. An email inquiry does not replace the interest form or the official USC application.
GRADUATE
Master's students
Master's students may contribute through thesis research, independent study, or focused projects, depending on preparation, interests, and current availability.
Helpful preparation: coursework or experience in optimization, probability, statistics, programming, or machine learning.
EARLY RESEARCH
Undergraduates
Undergraduate researchers can begin with a well-scoped project and grow toward independent work. Prior research experience is welcome but not required.
What matters most: steady time commitment, curiosity, and comfort asking questions when something is unclear.
REMOTE
Remote researchers
Students who are not based locally may be considered for clearly scoped remote research projects when the work and mentoring plan are well suited to online collaboration.
A strong remote fit: dependable communication, independent progress, and sufficient overlap for regular research meetings.
INTERNSHIP
Research interns
Research internships may be available for students seeking an intensive, project-based experience during the academic year or summer.
When contacting us: include your preferred dates, expected duration, location, and whether you are seeking academic credit or financial support.
PH.D. APPLICANTS
A dedicated two-stage application process
Applications are welcome for Spring and Fall 2027. Qualified students will receive full funding covering a stipend and tuition. Students apply to the Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. program and pursue industrial-engineering-oriented research.
Complete the lab interest form
Submit the prospective graduate student interest form with:
- CV or résumé
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- A research-interest statement of no more than one page
- Contact information for three references; letters will be requested from finalists
- Optional links to publications, code repositories, or a portfolio
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a virtual or in-person interview. Questions may be sent to zyin at sc dot edu with the subject “Prospective PhD student”.
Submit the official USC application if selected
Candidates selected through the lab's preliminary review must also apply through the USC application portal and submit every document required by the Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. program.
Review the Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. requirements · Open the USC Graduate School application page
Application deadlines
Spring 2027: September 20, 2026, for international applicants; October 5, 2026, for domestic applicants.
Fall 2027: January 1, 2027, for international applicants; January 15, 2027, for domestic applicants.
Master’s, undergraduate, remote, and internship inquiries
For opportunities other than the Ph.D. program, contact Zhuoli Yin directly at zyin at sc dot edu with the subject line “Prospective Opportunity — [Master’s/Undergraduate/Remote/Internship] — [Your Name]”. Please attach:
- Your CV
- A short research statement describing your research interests, relevant preparation, and why you would like to work with our lab
In the email body, briefly introduce yourself and identify the degree or opportunity you are seeking. For remote projects or internships, also include your location, availability, preferred dates, and expected duration. Please keep the message concise and specific.
A note on admissions
Ph.D. applicants must follow the dedicated process above. For all applicants, admission decisions and degree requirements are governed by the relevant university and program. A conversation with the lab or submission of the interest form does not guarantee admission, funding, academic credit, an internship, or a research position. Opportunities depend on program eligibility, applicable university and employment rules, project fit, mentoring capacity, and available support.