Open Positions

Summary

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) opportunities
* multiple openings
* open until filled
* starting Fall 2023 or Spring 2024
Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) opportunities
* open indefinitely
* starting on or after Summer 2023

Introduction

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Memphis. I am looking for multiple Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) to begin in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 semesters. My research focus is split into three categories:

  1. Modeling of complex physical systems (physical science aspects, focused on systems and fluids),
  2. Theoretical multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) and modeling for design (MfD) studies (mathematical optimization aspects), and
  3. MDO application to the floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT), ocean energy systems, aerospace systems, and electric vehicle battery management systems (application aspects).

However, each of these three categories is not an individual project. A student who works on a particular funded project may explore at least one or more categories of my research focus depending on the project’s technical needs.

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) opportunities

I am looking for multiple Ph.D. students with research interests in:

  1. Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) methodologies and Modeling for Design (MfD) studies in theoretical and computational aspects, and/or
  2. Floating offshore wind turbine system development using the MDO methodologies, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and control co-design (CCD).

The position will be available from Fall 2023 and open until filled. Students planning to apply for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semester are welcome to contact me.

Direct Ph.D. without master’s degree may be available for those with strong research experience during their undergraduate, internship, or work. At this moment, I do not seek any master’s student.

Minimum qualifications:

  1. The student who applies for the ME graduate program must be able to pass through the admission process of the graduate school of the University of Memphis. Please refer to the minimum qualifications stated in the ME Graduate Program information webpage.
  2. GRE score above the minimum set by the department is required at this moment. No exception.
  3. The student must have programming skills with any computer language for scientific/engineering purposes (e.g., Python, C, C++, Fortran, MATLAB, etc.)
  4. The student must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in their undergraduate degree.
  5. The student must have a strong ability in communicating with verbal and written English.

Preferred qualifications:
** Don’t be overwhelmed. “Preferred” does NOT mean that they are required.

  1. Familiarity with engineering design optimization.
  2. Familiarity with computational modeling and simulation.
  3. Familiarity with wind turbine systems in any aspect.
  4. Strong programming skills with Python 3 or C++ languages.
  5. Familiarity with Linux, Git, and open-source tools.
  6. Any level of experience with any of the following software codes:

Please consult with me regarding the advertised positions before applying for the graduate program. Please email me at yhlee@memphis.edu with the subject line: “ME GRA at UofM – Your First and Last Name.” Please include a brief explanation of your research interest, knowledge, qualification, and most recent CV in your email. Please also specify how your research interests align with my research directions.

Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) opportunities

I am looking for multiple undergraduate researchers who want to explore topics, including multidisciplinary design optimization, floating offshore wind turbines, engineering design optimization, or control co-design. The position will be available from Summer 2023. Please email me at yhlee@memphis.edu with the subject line: “ME URE at UofM – Your First and Last Name.” Please include a brief explanation of your research interest, knowledge, and most recent CV in your email.