Current positions
I am actively recruiting self-motivated undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students who are interested in algorithmic research and its applications to networked systems.
- MSc and PhD students: Please contact me using the instructions in How to reach out before submitting your application. If we identify a potential fit, follow the University of Ottawa's graduate application instructions and identify me as a potential supervisor. MSc and PhD students will receive funding through teaching and research assistantships. Additional funding opportunities include NSERC CGRS-D, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and uOttawa Admission Scholarships. Students may also have access to computing resources through the Vector Institute.
- Undergraduate students: Opportunities may be available through programs such as the NSERC USRA and the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship. Students with backgrounds or interests in algorithms, optimization, control, machine learning, power systems, or computer networks are encouraged to apply. In your email, briefly describe your motivation and relevant background. You are welcome to propose a topic, or we can work together to identify a suitable research problem. Longer-term engagements are preferred because they provide time to build the necessary foundations and gradually develop an independent research direction.
My research
My group develops algorithms with provable guarantees for decision-making under uncertainty. We bridge optimization, machine learning, and control to enable reliable decisions in networked systems, including electric vehicle networks, AI data centers, and LLM serving systems.
Current research topics include:
- Online algorithms: how to make sequential decisions when future inputs are uncertain.
- Learning-augmented algorithms: how to make reliable use of predictions for decision-making when predictions are imperfect.
- Algorithms with societal constraints: how to balance efficiency with societal objectives such as fairness, risk, and sustainability.
- Optimization and control of networked systems: how to design efficient algorithms to support real-time decisions in energy, computing, and communication systems.
Prospective students are welcome to propose related directions that connect with these themes.
Who should apply
You may be a good fit if you:
- have, or expect to complete, a degree in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, mathematics, operations research, or a related field;
- are excited by mathematical problem-solving and rigorous algorithmic research;
- have a solid foundation in algorithms, probability, optimization, control, or machine learning.
How to reach out
Email bo.sun [at] uottawa [dot] ca and attach the following as PDF files:
- your CV;
- your full academic transcript;
- a one- to two-page statement of interest summarizing your relevant experience, future research interests, and why you want to work with our group;
- if you have publications, identify the one you are most proud of and briefly describe your contribution.
Due to the volume of inquiries, I may not be able to reply to every message individually.