VNFully funded Ph.D. positions in Civil/Ocean Engineering
Dr. Amini’s research group at the University of Rhode Island (URI) seeks highly motivated graduate students interested in pursuing innovative research in broad areas of structural engineering, fluid-structure-soil interaction modeling, multi-hazard analysis, and resilience modeling. One/two fully funded Ph.D. positions are available in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering or Department of Ocean Engineering. The appointment is expected to start immediately (preferably Spring 2024) but no later than Fall 2024. For further information, please refer to the URI graduate admission website at https://web.uri.edu/graduate-school/admission/.
Research topics:
· Multi-hazard analysis, risk assessment, and resilience modeling.
· Wind, surge, and wave modeling, fluid-soil-structure interaction.
· Evacuation simulation and life safety risk assessment for natural hazards.
· Performance-based design, fragility, and reliability analysis.
· Small- or large-scale physical experiments focusing on fluid-structure interaction.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields.
· Familiar with computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis and/or finite element modeling (FEM).
· Strong background in statistics, probability theory, and numerical methods.
· Programming experience with MATLAB, C/C++, Python, or other languages.
· Excellent technical writing and strong communication skills.
About PI:
Dr. Mehrshad Amini is an Assistant Professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Ocean Engineering at URI. He completed his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Pennsylvania State University in 2021. Before joining URI, Dr. Amini was a postdoctoral scholar at Oregon State University. His Ph.D. research lies in fluid-structure interaction modeling, focusing on wind and wave impacts on elevated residential buildings, while his postdoctoral research focused on life safety risk and economic resilience metrics for coastal communities vulnerable to earthquake and tsunami hazards.
About URI:
The University of Rhode Island is a comprehensive doctoral research, Land Grant, Sea Grant, and Urban Grant University. The College of Engineering has state-of-the-art facilities thanks to a $150M investment in the Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering (opened in 2019) and the recent approval of a state bond to build a new Ocean Engineering complex at the Narragansett Bay Campus. Rhode Island’s proximity to the ocean moderates its weather compared to other New England States.
How to apply:
Motivated candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Amini at mehrshad.amini@uri.edu with the subject line “URI Graduate Application”. Candidates must provide a brief overview of their research background, CV, unofficial transcript, and one selected publication (if applicable). Selected applicants need to apply directly through the URI and meet Ph.D. admission requirements.
