PhD Position in AI-Enhanced Bridge Digital Twins and Structural Health Monitoring at Florida International University Florida International University in United States

Florida International University (FIU) is offering a PhD position in the area of AI-Enhanced Bridge Digital Twins and Structural Health Monitoring, starting Fall 2026. The position is supervised by Assistant Professor Giulia Marasco, who is also the Co-Director of the Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC). The research project aims to advance next-generation bridge assessment by developing intelligent monitoring systems and high-fidelity digital twins. The work will integrate cutting-edge sensing technologies, such as wireless sensor networks, mobile sensing platforms (including vehicle- or UAV-based sensors), and acoustic emission systems, to enable dense, scalable, and real-time data acquisition for structural health monitoring.

The central focus will be on data-driven and physics-informed modeling approaches for damage detection, condition assessment, and prognosis. Advanced deep learning techniques, including graph neural networks, spatio-temporal models, and hybrid AI-physics frameworks, will be explored to capture the complex structural topology of bridges, sensor interdependencies, and multi-scale degradation mechanisms. The models will be designed to fuse heterogeneous data sources and embed physical constraints, improving interpretability, robustness, and generalization.

The ultimate goal is to develop AI-powered diagnostic and predictive tools that enhance bridge digital twins, enabling continuous condition monitoring, early damage detection, and reliable predictive maintenance strategies to support data-driven decision-making in infrastructure management. Applicants should have a Master's degree in civil engineering or a related field, programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or C++), a strong analytical mindset, self-motivation, and good communication skills. Interested candidates should send their CV and a 1-page research statement to [email protected]. For more details, refer to the attached document and the supervisor's LinkedIn profile.