What you’ll do
- Vibe-code with modern AI coding tools (Copilot/Codex/Claude, etc.) to prototype quickly and iterate safely.
- Build AI-for-trading / quantitative analysis projects: data pipelines, feature engineering, backtesting, and risk-aware evaluation.
- Design and evaluate reinforcement learning agents for traffic management and safety.
- Train and test a robot dog for locomotion and navigation tasks (simulation-first; hardware when possible).
- Build reproducible ML pipelines, run experiments, and summarize findings.
- Optionally, write trend-focused survey papers: read recent work, synthesize insights, and produce a polished review.
- Collaborate in small teams; contribute to clean code, reproducible experiments, and posters/papers.
What I look for
- Curiosity, reliability, and consistent communication.
- Interest in AI/ML and the social impact of computing.
- Python experience is helpful, but motivation and learning ability matter most.
- Willingness to read papers and iterate on feedback.
How to apply (3 steps)
- Send an email to wdu@skidmore.edu with subject line:
Prospective RA – Your Name. - Attach your unofficial transcript and 1-page résumé.
- Include links to code/projects (GitHub, class projects, portfolios) plus a short paragraph on your research interests.
I typically reply within 1–2 weeks during the semester.
FAQ
Do I need prior research experience?
No. Strong coursework, curiosity, and follow-through can be enough to get started.
Are opportunities paid?
Some positions are for credit or independent study; paid summer RA positions depend on funding cycles.
Can first- or second-year students apply?
Yes. Early interest is welcome.
Can external collaborators reach out?
Absolutely—please use the Contact page and include a short collaboration idea.