Prof. Hu welcomes inquiries from students (both Algoma and external) interested in working with human-computer interaction, extended reality (XR), and immersive analytics - i.e., using XR technologies to visualize AI models and making them more interactive. Prof. Hu is also greatly interested in using AI in understading data generated within a virtual environment. It is important to note that Prof. Hu frequently receives inquiries from students with an interest in connectionist AI (i.e. deep learning, neural network, and etc.). Although Prof. Hu's research area does touch upon AI, it must substantially connect with HCI and/or XR in some way. For instance, he is very interested in visualizing a neural network using XR technologies, or applying a machine learning technique to XR data (e.g., trajectories, gaze tracking).

Since September 2025, Prof. Hu is collaborating with Prof. Muhammad Azam, and Prof. Somang Nam on creating an XR-based machine learning visualization system with Harris Adedeji. From May 2025 until August 2025, he was working with Prof. Azam and Meet Shekhada on a similar project.

Current Algoma University Students

Current Algoma University students, both undergraduate and graduate, can ask Prof. Hu to supervise their projects for course credits. There are several options:

• Computing Project: A graduate or an undergraduate student work on a project for a semester for 3 course credits. Although any interested student can inquire with Prof. Hu at anytime to express interests, they should also be aware of rules and regulations before enrolling into a computing project course. This is not a paid opportunity.
• Bachelor's Degree: An undergraduate student can complete a Bachelor's thesis under Prof. Hu's supervision. Normally, the course will begin in a fall semester and end with a defence in the spring semester. The student will earn 6 course credits. Although rare, the student can also work for 6 credits in the summer semester as well. This is not a paid opportunity.

Unfortunately, there is currently no paid opportunity.

Prof. Hu may try to publish some student work as scientific papers. If he decides to publish a student's work, usually, the student will be listed as the first author, and himself as the final author.

External Students

Although Prof. Hu is not able to hire a Master's degree student, he is keen to collaborate with external students and any other professors. Algoma University may also have spots for Mitacs Globalink intern which allows some international students to complete internships in Canada.

Tips for Emailing Professors (for Prospective Research-based Students)

Any prospective research-based Master's degree will do well to follow the advice below. Even though Prof. Hu can only co-supervise at Algoma University, anyone interested in research could do well the follow the advice below.

1. Send Away the Expression of Interest Emails: Each university in Canada has its own application system. Some do not require students to identify prospective supervisors. However, please try to identify one anyway and send them an expression of interest.
2. Cold-Call Emails Are Fine, But...: It is OK to contact professors out of nowhere to express interest; all professors are used to this. Please do your research first though. For instance, I got emails from someone who wanted to do an almost pure AI work with minimal consideration for human-computer interaction and extended reality. Also, please make sure to not contact the part-time professors; they cannot supervise a research-based student!
3. More Information Please: If you have done your research but are still unsure about the professor's research area, you can still contact them. However, instead of framing the email as an expression of interest, the student should frame it as a friendly email asking the professor to provide more information about themselves. Only once you have a better idea, you can tell the professor that you are interested working with them (or move on to the next one after thanking the professor).
4. Choose Wisely: An application fee is expensive. Instead of applying to everywhere and to everyone, please select a few professors. Also, getting a research-based supervisor is very much like a wedding. You are basically stuck with the person for years. They will know your vices, and you will know theirs. Also, yes, most people probably wants a PhD from the best-ranking university. However, getting into a good school doesn't guarantee a happier life. It is more important to find a supervisor whose interests and personalities match yours.
5. Oh, Canada?: Many international students seem to have an unrealistic view of Canada. However, before choosing Canada, it may be wise to check out other countries as well. Sometimes, it is not the stress of the program that gets you. Instead, it's the geography, and the city. For instance, while Halifax is beautiful in the summer, you may want to rethink if you are not a fan of hurricanes. The Canadian immigration policy is also getting increasingly tougher. I had to tell my international students: Immigration Canada of my days is not the same as today's.
6. Attend Graduate School-Prep Seminar: If your school offers seminars on how to prepare a graduate school application, attend them! They will advice you on what to do. (For instance, I learned that if someone did not do well on their GRE, they don't have to let the school knows unless GRE is required.)
7. No AI Please: Please do not use AI to generate the first email. These emails are overly long and difficult to understand. The emails also look spookily similar to each other.