We are actively recruiting PhD students across all five thrusts. Here's what we look for, what a PhD with us looks like, and what to send.
Strong backgrounds in VLSI circuit design, computer architecture, applied physics, or cryptographic systems are particularly relevant. We are especially interested in students who want to work at the intersection of two thrusts — hardware security plus superconducting electronics, or CMOS Ising plus power delivery, for example.
Submit a formal application to the University of Rochester ECE PhD program. December deadline for the following Fall.
Send a brief email to [email protected] describing your research interests, with a CV and a list of relevant coursework.
Pick two recent group papers that you found interesting and mention them in your email — what surprised you, what you'd extend, what you didn't follow.
Short virtual chat with Prof. Köse, then conversations with current group members. We try to give every applicant a fair, fast answer.
Funding is guaranteed for the first year through a research or teaching assistantship that covers tuition, stipend, and health insurance. Continued funding in subsequent years depends on academic progress, project fit, and the availability of grants, assistantships, or fellowships. In practice, students in good standing have continuous support through completion.
Master's students at Rochester are welcome to do a thesis with us if there is a project match, and several of our MS alumni have gone on to strong industry roles or to PhDs elsewhere. We do not typically advise non-thesis MS students.
Yes — please email Prof. Köse directly with your coursework and a sentence on which thrust interests you. We particularly welcome undergraduates who can commit at least two semesters; strong undergraduate researchers may have the opportunity to co-author a publication and, in some cases, continue with the group as a PhD student.
Typically one PhD student per year, though this depends on funding, project fit, and the current size of the group. We keep the group small enough that every student gets weekly one-on-one advising and direct access to industry collaborations.
Physics backgrounds are an excellent fit for the superconducting and quantum thrusts; CS systems and security backgrounds are a great fit for hardware security and Ising machines. We will help you fill in the EE coursework you need in your first year.
No.