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. Prior to his current position, he was a research staff member in the Data Analytics Group at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center from November 2006. Liu holds both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University. His research interests primarily focus on machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare and sustainability, including climate science and traffic analysis. He explores various specific topics such as novel machine learning models for time series analysis, explainable machine learning, and efficient algorithms for sampling optimization.

Research Interests

Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Applications Sustainability Time Series Analysis Explainable Machine Learning Optimization Algorithms

Experience

Director

2010-08-01 — Present

CS-centric Machine Learning Center • University of Southern California

Research Staff Member

2006-11-01 — 2010-07-31

IBM T.J. Watson Research Center •

Awards

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ACM Distinguished Member

2021-01-01
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National Academy Inventors Senior Member

2020-01-01
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New Voices National Academies Science, Engineering, Medicine

2018-01-01
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Biocom Catalyst Award Winner

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 SIAM Conference Data Mining

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.