Openings
Our Structures, Networks, And Polymers (SNAP) Lab invites motivated students across mechanical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, computation (AI/ML), soft matter physics, and related fields to apply.
Ph.D. Openings
We are actively recruiting for multiple funded Ph.D. positions related to directions outlined on our research page.
Interested candidates should email the following materials to chartquist@ufl.edu:
- A copy of their updated resume or CV.
- A summary in the body of the email outlining why they are interested in the role and how their background (research, courses, skills, tools, etc.) aligns with the direction of the group.
Applicants will also be directed to apply for the Ph.D. program in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Florida here. In the cover letter of your application, please detail your interest in our group and how your goals align with our technical directions.
- B.S. degree in a relevant discipline of engineering or science, such as mechanical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, etc.
- Motivation and desire to solve important and challenging problems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities, leadership experience, and academic achievement.
- M.S. degree in a relevant discipline of engineering, science, or computation.
- Experimental/theoretical background in any of the following areas:
- Mechanical testing and/or structural characterization.
- Solid mechanics and/or fracture mechanics.
- Polymer synthesis and/or characterization.
- Computational/programming background in any of the following areas:
- Programming and/or modeling experience in MATLAB.
- Machine learning and/or artificial intelligence (Python, etc.).
- Computational modeling using Finite Element Analysis (ABAQUS, etc.).
- Strong record of research experience evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, patents, etc.
Potential projects include but are not limited to…
- Fracture of soft materials: applying principles in solid mechanics, materials science, and polymer physics to study failure across length scales in polymeric, biological, and architected soft materials.
- Computation in structural characterization: applying principles in optimization, modeling, and machine learning to better measure the underlying structure within soft materials.
We are also exploring directions related to the mechanics of materials in biology and medicine. We seek to apply fundamental principles in mechanics to better understand and design against material failure within the body.
Undergraduate and M.S. Opportunities
We are also seeking students enrolled in B.S. or M.S. programs at the University of Florida with interest in our research to join the group.
If eligible and interested, please email the following materials to chartquist@ufl.edu:
- A copy of your updated resume or CV (highlighting relevant experience).
- A summary in the body of the email of your research interests and how your background and goals align with the direction of the group.