We have mulitple fully funded Ph.D. student openings for Fall 2022.
We are always looking for highly motivated individuals, who are interested in cutting-edge modeling and simulation technologies, as well as their applications in the optimal design and operation of smart, sustainable, and resilient buildings, communities and cities. Some of our research projects are
- Exploring multi-scale modeling technique for future smart and connected cities using the equation-based Modelica language and building upon our open source Smart and Connected Community (SCC) Modelica library and apply it to the communities in Colorado;
- Developing advanced control strategies for grid-interactive resilient communities expanding upon our open source Net Zero Energy Community (NZEC) Modelica library based on a real-world net zero energy community in Florida;
- Creating open source Modelica models for the optimal design of grid-interactive efficient district energy system;
- Investigating holistic building system modeling and control based on our open source end-to-end data center cooling system modeling and optimization package;
- Inventing smart sensor networks and machine learning methods to modernize cities via smart garden alleys with application in Indonesia;
- Harvesting real-world data for multi-scale building stock classification and energy performance prediction via US-Ireland R&D partnerships;
- Performing large-scale building energy simulation on supercomputers to support buidling energy rating programs.
What can we offer?
All our Ph.D. students are fully funded. In addition, we have developed a system for training and mentoring, including
- a personalized career development plan,
- a dedicated student mentor,
- weekly individual technical meeting with Dr. Zuo to go deep in your research,
- bi-weekly group meeting to share your research and learn from other lab members,
- various training materials, guidelines, and tips developed by our members,
to ensure that all our Ph.D. graduates will have:
- deep knowledge in your specific area, which is evidenced by publishing at least 4 first-author papers at top journals.
- broad vision about other related research area, which is evidenced by co-authoring multiple journal papers with lab mates.
- multi-disciplinary background in physical systems, software engineering and numerical analysis. Many of our projects are related to developing open source modeling tools for the energy efficient buildings and communities, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Modelica Buildings Library. Our students will become experts in both physical system and software development.
- extensive collaboration with other universities, DOE national labs (e.g., ANL, NREL, LBNL, LLNL, ORNL, PNNL), and companies.
- excellent communication skills in both writing and presenting.
- good management skills including project management, interaction with sponsors and external partners, lab management, recruitment, and mentoring new Ph.D. students.
- experience in grant proposal development. Several students have helped securing multi-million dollars external grants from National Science Foundation and US Department of Energy.
- strong support in applications of various internal and external awards and fellowships. Our students have won numerous awards every year.
What do we expect?
We expect the applicants have strong interests in computer modeling and simulation as this is our main research focus. In addition, we expect the following from our applicants:
- devoted to research and work hard
- solid background in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, building and community energy and control systems.
- research experience with tangible outcome (e.g., peer reviewed publications)
- willing and be able to learn new knowledge quickly
- work independently in a team environment
- good English verbal and written communication skills
- programming experience (e.g., C/C++, Modelica, Matlab, Python)
- previous research experience in modeling and simulation is preferred, but not required
How to apply?
Due to the interdisciplinary nature in our research, Dr. Zuo can admit graduate students from three different programs in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering:
In addition, as an Affliated Faculty, Dr. Zuo can also admit graduate students at Department of Mechanical Engineering.
To start your application, please click the link to department's graduate program webpage: Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering or Department of Mechanical Engineering. The webpages have detailed information about the department's requirements, application procedure and link to graduate school's application portal where you can submit your application. Each program has its own research focuses, requirements for admission and graduation. Please read them carefully before you select the program in your application. In your personal statement, please indicate that you want to work with Dr. Zuo so that your application will be brought to our attention.
If you have any questions about your application, please feel free to contact Dr. Zuo or any of our members.