Trustworthy vehicular networks
Intrusion and misbehavior detection, Sybil attack mitigation, trust assessment, and defenses against false information in connected and autonomous vehicle networks.
Research alignment
Questions that connect our work
The lab studies how communication and computing systems can remain trustworthy under mobility, resource constraints, and adversarial behavior.
Connected and autonomous mobility
Reliable communication, routing, and coordination for the Internet of Vehicles and intelligent transportation, including connectivity challenges in rural environments.
Intelligence at the network edge
Edge and fog architectures, distributed detection, and learning-based methods for timely, resource-efficient decisions in dynamic networks.
Secure IoT and next-generation wireless
Security and networking foundations for interconnected devices, intelligent infrastructure, and emerging 6G systems.
Join the lab
Research pathways
Doctoral research
Ph.D. opportunities
Dr. Paranjothi welcomes inquiries from prospective doctoral students whose interests align with the lab’s research. Doctoral work emphasizes the formulation of original research questions, the design of principled methods, and rigorous evaluation through analysis, simulation, or experimental systems.
Candidates should demonstrate intellectual initiative, persistence in solving open-ended problems, and a commitment to clear scientific communication. Students already admitted to OSU who are seeking a research advisor are also encouraged to get in touch.
Graduate scholarship
M.S. thesis opportunities
Master’s students interested in the thesis option are invited to discuss a focused research problem within the lab’s areas of expertise. Thesis projects involve a critical review of prior work, the development and evaluation of a technical contribution, and a carefully documented research study.
Current OSU students should include their coursework, relevant projects, and anticipated graduation timeline when inquiring. Prospective students should also review the M.S. program and its application process.
Early research experience
Undergraduate research
Undergraduates with a strong interest in networking, cybersecurity, or intelligent systems are encouraged to inquire about contributing to ongoing research. Projects may involve software development, simulation, data analysis, or experimental evaluation.
Prior research experience is helpful but not essential. Strong performance in programming, algorithms, and mathematics, together with the ability to commit consistent time to a project, provides a valuable foundation. Include your current year, relevant courses or projects, and expected weekly availability.
Assistantships and research support. Please inquire about current funding opportunities. Availability, appointment terms, and eligibility depend on project resources and departmental policies; funding is not guaranteed by admission or an initial research discussion.
Academic preparation
A foundation for meaningful contributions
For graduate research, a background in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related field is valuable. The following experiences help students engage with the lab’s work; applicants need not have expertise in every area.
- Coursework in computer networks, security, algorithms, and operating systems.
- Programming experience in languages such as Python, C, or C++, with evidence of thoughtful software design and debugging.
- Preparation in discrete mathematics, probability, statistics, and experimental analysis.
- Experience with simulation, networked systems, data-driven methods, or hardware and software testbeds.
Research practice
Beyond technical preparation
Successful research requires curiosity, careful reasoning, and the willingness to refine an approach when evidence challenges an initial assumption.
- A specific connection between your interests and the lab’s recent publications.
- The ability to read technical literature and explain a research question clearly.
- Careful documentation, reproducible experiments, and responsible research practice.
- Initiative in independent work and constructive participation in a collaborative research environment.
Publications, substantial course projects, open-source contributions, and research reports can help demonstrate your preparation. Prior publications are welcome, but are not necessary for an initial inquiry.
Start a conversation
How to inquire
Begin by reviewing the lab’s recent publications. Explain which research questions interest you and how your experience could contribute.
- Introduce your research goals. State the opportunity you are seeking, your current institution or OSU enrollment status, and your intended start term.
- Provide a concise academic CV. Highlight relevant coursework, technical skills, research experience, and selected projects. Approximately two pages is appropriate for an initial inquiry.
- Describe your research interests. Graduate applicants should include a brief statement of one to two pages connecting their preparation and proposed interests to the lab’s work. Undergraduates may provide a short explanation in the email.
- Include supporting evidence. Share publications, a research report, or links to relevant code and projects, if available. Graduate applicants may include unofficial transcripts to provide context for their academic preparation.
- Clarify your application status. If you have applied to or been admitted by OSU, indicate your program and entry term. Current students should note any relevant scheduling or degree milestones.
Graduate admissions and formal applications
A research inquiry is separate from an application for admission. Submit official application materials through OSU’s graduate admissions process. Consult the current program requirements for transcripts, recommendations, GRE scores, English-language proficiency, and deadlines; test results and official records should be submitted as directed by OSU.