Join the CSU Vision Lab!
The CSU computer vision lab conducts state-of-the-art research in computer vision and related topics. Our current emphases are video-based activity recognition, face recognition (and related biometrics), and biologically-inspired vision. These topics are prone to change, however, with advances in the state of the art, new funding opportunities, and the evolving interests of our students and faculty.
How To Join
If you are...
A CSU Faculty Member
The computer vision lab is run by Bruce Draper and Ross Beveridge, but maintains active and open collaborations with Michael Kirby (Mathematics), Chris Peterson (Mathematics), Geof Givens (Statistics), Lucy Troup (Psychology) and Ray Browning (Exercise Science). If you are interested in our work and have something to contribute (whether science or application), please contact Ross or Bruce!
A Post-doctoral Scientist
We do not, in general, hire post-docs. We try to keep the size of the lab small and to focus our resources on full-time graduate students. However, if you have an independent source of funding and want to work with us, please contact Ross or Bruce.
A Prospective Graduate Student
If you are interested in joining the CSU computer vision lab to pursue your Ph.D. (or even to pursue an M.S., with the possibility of continuing on), you must first apply to the department (this is free; see below). We typically admit one new Ph.D. student and one new M.S. student per year with funding. Ph.D. offers come with five years of funding (stipend + tuition waiver); M.S. offers come with two. These positions are highly competitive. When evaluating candidates, we look for (1) previous publications in the field of computer vision, (2) good math skills (e.g. good Math GRE test scores), and (3) evidence of creativity and intellectual depth (in the statement, resume and reference letters).
The application process is free. When and if you are admitted, you will be asked to send the original copies of your documents and pay an application fee, although the fee can be waived in the case of financial hardship. (If you are not admitted or decide not to attend, you pay nothing.) To apply, you will need GRE test scores, transcripts, a personal statement, a resume (or CV), and the names and email addresses of three references who will write you letters. Students from non English speaking countries also need a TOEFL test score. When you have this information, you can begin by clicking here.
Good luck!
A CSU CS Graduate Student
If you a graduate student in the CS department who is not currently part of the lab, but computer vision research seems interesting to you, come get involved!. During the academic year, we hold a weekly reading/research group meeting that is open to all CSU graduate students. (Ask Ross or Bruce for the current day and time.) This is the easiest way to meet the people in the lab and find out what we are working on, and there is no commitment on your part.
If you get more serious about working with us, you will want to take some classes. Start with CS410. This is a computer graphics class, but with a heavy emphasis on the underlying mathematics of image formation, including coordinate transformations, perspective projection, pin-hole and thin lense camera models, reflectance, and illumination. As such, it lays a groundwork for computer vision research. Then take CS510, which is the basic image computation course and covers template matching, Fourier image analysis, linear subspace models (e.g. PCA), object detection, and object recognition. If you do well enough in CS410 and CS510, we may invite you into the lab and offer to be your advisors.
A CSU non-CS Graduate Student
If you are a graduate student in another department at CSU, the techniques for becoming involved with the lab are pretty much the same as for CS graduate students (see above). However, we can not give degrees to students who are not in the CS department. If you are in the mathematics, statistics, psychology or exercise science departments, consider working with our affiliated faculty (listed above). If you are in the ECE department, special arrangements can be made for Ross or I to serve as a co-advisor, but you still need an advisor in the ECE department (and we have to be motivated). Students in other departments should talk to us.
A CSU Undergraduate Student
Gifted undergraduates often join the vision lab. We look for students who are doing well in CS and math classes, show initiative, are willing to work hard, and who are fun to work with. If you fit this description, talk to Ross or Bruce.
A non-CSU undergraduate
Sorry, we don't do summer projects. Do well at your current institution, and then apply to us for graduate school!