Dr. Yan Liu

Professor

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Biography

Yan Liu is a full professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). He joined USC in August 2010 after serving as a research staff member in the Data Analytics Group at IBM T.J. Watson Research Center since November 2006. Liu holds a Doctoral Degree and Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Peking University. His research interests encompass machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare and sustainability, covering specific topics such as novel machine learning models for time series analysis, explainable models, and efficient algorithms for sampling optimization. Liu has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field, highlighting significant achievements during his career.

Research Interests

Experience

Director

2010-08-01 — Present

CS-centric Machine Learning Center, USC • Los Angeles, CA

Director of the Center focused on Machine Learning research and its applications.

Research Staff Member

2006-11-01 — 2010-08-01

IBM T.J. Watson Research Center • Yorktown Heights, NY

Performed research in Data Analytics and contributed to various projects.

Awards

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ACM Distinguished Member

2021-01-01
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Senior Member

2020-01-01
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New Voices

2018-01-01
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Biocom Catalyst Award

2017-01-01
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Okawa Foundation Research Award

2013-01-01
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NSF CAREER Award

2013-01-01
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James H. Zumberge Research Innovation Fund Individual Award

2011-01-01
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Yahoo Faculty Research & Engagement Award

2011-01-01
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ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award Honorable Mention

2007-01-01
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Paper Award

2007-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.