The Department of Computer Graphics Technology’s Yawen Lu successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation and is now embarking on a new journey at Adobe.
Lu recently completed his doctorate in technology under the guidance of Professor Yingjie Chen at the Purdue Intelligent Visualization and Interaction Lab (PIVIL). Lu has made significant contributions to the field of computer graphics technology, particularly in developing advanced video and imaging algorithms during his time at Purdue Polytechnic. His research earned Lu plaudits at a variety of conferences and has also paved the way for his next chapter at Adobe, where he will contribute to artificial intelligence and computer graphics innovations.
As he prepares to take this next step, Yawen reflected on his journey at Purdue, sharing insights about his research, the impact of faculty mentorship, and the experiences that shaped his path to Adobe. He also offers valuable advice for current students aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
Can you briefly tell us about your journey in the CGT department and what initially attracted you to this field?
I was drawn to CGT by its unique blend of technical and creative design in Prof. Chen’s lab. Purdue’s CGT program stood out for its industry connections and comprehensive curriculum spanning both technical foundations and real-world applications.
Could you give a short overview of your Ph.D. research and its significance to the field of computer graphics technology?
My Ph.D. research focused on developing leading video and imaging algorithms for motion analysis in complex real-world environments. The work significantly reduced tracking ambiguity under fast-motion and texture-less scenes.
Which aspects of your Ph.D. work or CGT experiences best prepared you for your current role at Adobe?
The interdisciplinary nature of my research was invaluable preparation. Working across video understanding, reconstruction and generation, and collaborating with industry partners gave me a holistic perspective that’s essential at Adobe.
What was your most rewarding project or moment during your time in the CGT department?
Each year, we present our lab’s works at top-tier conferences was particularly meaningful. Seeing our work recognized by the broader community and engaging with other students opened potential collaborative opportunities.
How did your experiences and interactions with faculty and peers in CGT shape your career trajectory?
The collaborative culture in CGT exposed me to diverse perspectives and approaches. Faculty mentorship provided both technical guidance and suggestions in career and life development, while peer collaboration taught me to communicate ideas effectively, which is really a crucial skill in my current role.
In what ways did your advisor contribute to your professional growth or help guide you toward this career opportunity?
My advisor excelled at balancing guidance with autonomy. He challenged me to go beyond technical solutions to also consider users and practical applications. He also facilitated connections with other professionals and support me for internships.
What aspects of Adobe attracted you most, and how does your role align with your academic expertise?
Adobe’s commitment to innovation at the intersection of creativity and technology perfectly aligned with my research interests. My role in developing Generative AI allows me to apply my learnt knowledge while working on tools that empower creators. The collaborative environment and opportunity to create new content, such as images, music, or text, are impacting millions of users and artists.
What advice would you offer current students in the CGT department who aspire to secure positions at companies like Adobe?
Build projects that demonstrate both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving would be my suggestion. Don’t underestimate the importance of communication skills—try to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences is important. Finally, take full benefits to leverage strong CGT network and faculty connections for internships and positions.
About CGT
Purdue University’s Department of Computer Graphics Technology is constantly working toward being the nation’s leader in its field. By continuously updating their curriculum, adding new technology and software, the Department of Computer Graphics Technology is ensuring that its students are on the forefront of every new advance. With nearly every industry benefiting from the use of computer graphics, a degree from the department would enable students to go almost anywhere.