Refer a Friend or Colleague

The Fluid and Structural Mechanics Laboratory (https://sites.tntech.edu/fsml) of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tennessee Tech University, directed by Dr. Peng Zhang, is now accepting applications for one Ph.D. position with an anticipated start date as early as Spring 2025. The successful candidates will be part of multiple research projects, including the investigation of fluid-structure interaction phenomena and development and modeling of multifunctional sensors and actuators.

The admitted candidate will be supported through graduate assistantship, which covers tuitions, fees, and a competitive monthly stipend. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a CV, transcript, and a short description of your research interests and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects to Dr. Peng Zhang (pzhang@tntech.edu). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Minimum Qualifications

The prospective Ph.D. student is expected to have a solid research experience in Engineering. A minimum of a Master of Science or equivalent degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics is required. We are looking for candidates who have: i) a drive to pursue an excellent career in research; ii) outstanding oral and written English communication skills; iii) a strong work ethic with a results-driven attitude; and iv) the ability to design, conduct, and interpret experiments, under the mentorship of the Principal Investigator.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with a strong publication record and an interest in experimental fluid mechanics are highly preferred.

About the PI: Dr. Peng Zhang received his Ph.D. degree in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech in 2016 and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the New York University from 2016 to 2021. His research interests include experimental mechanics and material science, with applications in fluid-structure interactions and multi-functional sensors. Dr. Zhang’s research has been disseminated through more than twenty journal publications and numerous conference publications and presentations. Dr. Zhang is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tennessee Tech.

About Tennessee Tech: The Tennessee Tech University (https://www.tntech.edu) is a public research university in Cookeville, Tennessee, United States with over 10,000 students. Within Tennessee Tech, the Mechanical Engineering Department is the largest department in both the College of Engineering and the University. In addition to involvement in research projects, graduate students have the opportunity to grow professionally through participation in student organizations and co-op opportunities. Graduates from the Mechanical Engineering program have a nearly one-hundred-percent employment rate within few months after graduation.  The employers appreciate the hands-on experience, job-ready knowledge and skills, humility, work ethics, and professionalism our graduates bring them. Tennessee Tech is committed to a diverse workforce by fostering an inclusive work environment for students, faculty, and staff.