Research Team

Prospective Students

The SecNet lab is looking for self-motivated and hardworking graduate and undergraduate students to explore research in the areas of network security, data privacy, applied cryptography, wireless networking, and mobile computing. If you are interested in the above research areas, please contact Dr. Cong Pu to find out more details.

• Prospective Students

  Dr. Cong Pu is looking for self-motivated and hardworking Ph.D. students all year around in the research areas of network security, data privacy, applied cryptography, wireless networking, and mobile computing. Teaching / Research Assistantships ($1,929 per month, nine months, plus tuition remission) are avaiable for the qualified Ph.D. students. Dr. Cong Pu's research group looks for students with the following background (these are not all requirements, but the more prospective students satisfy the better):

  • B.S. or M.S. in computer science or electrical engineering

  • Coursework and understanding of computer network, network security, and algorithm design

  • Strong programming skills and experience (e.g., C, C++, Java, and MATLAB)

  • Solid math, probability and statistics background

  • Experience with writing software or working with real-world testbeds/platforms

  • Research publications in security and networking

  Prospective Ph.D. students who have interests in the above research areas are suggested to look at Dr. Cong Pu's recent papers and departmental Ph.D. entrance requirements before sending the following required materials to Dr. Cong Pu via email.

  • Curriculum Vitae (2 pages)

  • Statement of Research Interest (1-2 pages)

  • Sample Publications (if any)

  • Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts

  • GRE (The CS department requires GRE; but there is no score requirement)

  • TOEFL or IELTS

  For OSU admitted Ph.D. students, please contact Dr. Cong Pu and discuss the Ph.D. opportunity.

  Prospective students are suggested to consider the above criteria to decide whether or not to apply.

  • Thesis / Creative Component Opportunity for M.S. Students: Dr. Cong Pu is looking for M.S. students to work towards the Thesis Option or the Creative Component Option. For OSU admitted master students, please contact Dr. Cong Pu and discuss the opportunity. For prospective master students, please apply the OSU Master's in Computer Science program.

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant Opportunity: Research assistant positions are available for ambitious undergraduate students. Undergraduate students who (1) have relevant research experiences or have strong performance on programming/algorithm/math courses; and (2) could devote enough time on research are encouraged to apply. After overcoming the learning curve, undergraduate students will receive hourly wage, $10 - $12 per hour. For further information, please contact Dr. Cong Pu.

    • Female, low-income, first-generation, and under-represented minority students are strongly encouraged to apply.

  • Independent Study for M.S. and Undergraduate Students: Dr. Cong Pu offers independent study courses focusing on network security, data privacy, applied cryptography, wireless networking, and mobile computing. Please contact Dr. Cong Pu for more information.

  • Visiting Scholar Opportunity: Visiting scholars are always welcome for co-work at the Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Oklahoma).

FAQ

• Q1: What kinds of research will you do?

  A1: The SecNet lab conducts research in the areas of network security, data privacy, applied cryptography, wireless networking, and mobile computing.

• Q2: What are the basic requirements for doing Ph.D.?

  A2: Dr. Cong Pu is looking for students who (1) are proficient at programming and algorithm design (e.g., active contributions to repos on Github, experience with writing software or working with real-world testbeds/platforms, reference letters); (2) could prove or demonstrate a solid math, probability and statistics background (e.g., research publications, reference letters, strong performance in relevant courses); and (3) have good writing / communication skills (e.g., writing samples, videos on your talk, skype interviews).

• Q3: How to increase your chance of being admitted?

  A3: (1) Anything that can prove your strong research skills, ranging from publications in good conferences and journals, to research experiences in relevant and reputed research groups; (2) Anything that can showcase you have great potentials for doing research, from high GPA, rank and awards, to strong reference letters from regarded folks.