We are a research group led by Prof. Maria Antoniak at the University of Colorado Boulder, where we focus on natural language processing and cultural analytics. In our work, we develop and critically evaluate computational methods to analyze how language reflects culture and society, and we frequently collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in healthcare, the humanities, and the social sciences.

Some recent themes of interest include probes of pretraining datasets, social storytelling in online communities, poetry as data, narrative medicine, and investigations of how people are actually using language models, especially for creative and personal goals.

Members

Interested in joining?

I am recruiting new PhD students to start in fall 2026! To join as a PhD student, you need to apply to the Computer Science or Information Science Departments at the University of Colorado Boulder.

I do not currently have any paid RA or TA positions for MS students.

If you are already admitted to CU Boulder or you work at another institution, you can fill out this form. We will contact you if you are a fit for an open position.

FAQ

Are you recruiting PhD students?

Yes, I am recruiting 1-2 PhD students in Computer Science at CU Boulder to start in Fall 2026.

What are you looking for in PhD students?

I’m looking for students with experience in (1) natural language processing, (2) software engineering or data science, and (3) academic research. My work is interdisciplinary, and I appreciate when students have experience in areas outside of computer science. I also value time spent in industry and/or pursuing other interests outside of academia. Students with non-traditional backgrounds are very welcome to apply.

How can I apply to do a PhD with you?

You need to apply to the CS PhD program at CU Boulder and list me as a potential advisor in the application form. I can also advise and co-advise students in Information Science.

There is no need to email me. I’m sorry, but due to the volume of messages, I will probably not be able to reply to any messages about PhD admissions. I appreciate your interest very much — but for context, I receive at least one request like this per day, and it is simply impossible to respond to, let alone meet with, everyone who reaches out to me.

If application fees are a burden, check out CU Boulder’s various fee waiver programs. Unfortunately I can’t provide feedback on your application ahead of time or provide any guarantees about admission.

Some resources:

• CU Boulder’s CS graduate admissions homepage, including information about fee waivers
• CU Boulder CS program’s tips for creating an impactful application and opportunities for an application fee waiver
• Virtual information sessions for the CU Boulder CS graduate programs

Do you have advice about PhD applications?

Check out my blog post on this topic. I’ve tried to make this a comprehensive guide to the PhD application process and what it’s like to study at Cornell Information Science (which is where I did my PhD). You might also like to consult this huge list of resources.

I’m an undergrad or master’s student, can I do research with you?

I don’t currently have any paid RA positions for undergrad or master’s students. If you’re still interested, please fill out this form. Due to the volume of requests, you are unlikely to receive a response unless I have an opening for you.