Calling Future PhDs: Summer Research Camp in Applied Optimization & AI
Are you an advanced undergrad or Master’s student with experience in Optimization or ML/AI modelling? If you are passionate about research and planning to pursue a PhD, this is for you.
MIT-UF-NEU 2026 Joint Summer Research Camp
The MIT-UF-NEU 2026 Joint Summer Research Camp is a free, fully online, 3-month program exploring computational methodologies for smart cities and transportation.
Organized by faculty from MIT, University of Florida, and Northeastern University:
- Prof. Jinhua Zhao (MIT)
- Prof. Cathy Wu (MIT)
- Prof. Shenhao Wang (UF)
- Prof. Haris N. Koutsopoulos (NEU)
I will be serving as a mentor this year — and I’m excited to work with motivated students on cutting-edge research at the intersection of optimization, AI, and real-world complex systems.
Program Highlights
Research. Work one-on-one with a doctoral or postdoc mentor on a research project. You’ll get hands-on experience tackling real problems in computational transportation and smart city systems.
Publish. Co-author a paper targeting a top journal or conference. Past attendees have a strong track record of publishing and entering elite PhD programs.
Present. Showcase your work at final presentations in September. This is a real opportunity to build your academic portfolio and get feedback from leading researchers.
Who Should Apply
We are particularly seeking students with strong foundations in:
- Operations Research
- Machine Learning / AI
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Transportation Engineering
…and related fields. If you are eager to apply generative AI, algorithmic decision-making, and scalable optimization to real-world complex systems, this camp is designed for you.
Key Details
| Format | Fully Online (Late May – Early September 2026) |
| Cost | 100% FREE |
| Deadline | April 17, 2026 (11:59 PM EST / AOE) |
| Apply | Application Form |
| Full Details | Program Information |
| Questions | Contact Ao Qu at qua@mit.edu or reach out to me directly |
Important: This program has no authorized third-party agencies. Any claims charging a fee are false.
Why This Matters
Summer research camps like this one are among the best ways to prepare for a PhD. You get mentorship, a publication pipeline, and exposure to how top research groups operate — all without leaving home. If you’re on the fence about pursuing a PhD, this is a low-risk, high-reward way to find out if research is for you.
If you’re already committed to a PhD path, having a co-authored paper and a recommendation from a mentor at MIT, UF, or NEU is exactly the kind of signal that admissions committees look for.
Timeline (Anywhere on Earth, AoE)
Apply Now
The deadline is April 17, 2026. Don’t wait.
Please share this with anyone who might be a great fit.
Please note that AI V&V Lab is not associated with this event in any way. We are only promoting the event for better visibility within our network and community