Marcio Giacomoni

Marcio Giacomoni at The University of Texas at San Antonio is recruiting a PhD student for an NSF-funded project on safe and efficient restoration of drinking water systems through multiphase flow modeling and control . The research focuses on the refilling of transmission mains and water distribution networks, with an emphasis on modeling and monitoring multiphase air-water flow , air compression, air release, and pressure dynamics. The project aims to develop computationally efficient models that capture the dominant physical mechanisms without relying on expensive full multiphase simulations. A key methodological component is the use of physics-informed neural differential equations combined with conservation-law models and sensor data. This PhD opportunity is in the Civil Engineering program at UTSA and is expected to begin in Spring 2027 . The project is collaborative, involving Jose Vasconcellos (Auburn), Ahmad Taha (Vanderbilt), and Thomas Beckers (Vanderbilt). Preferred qualifications include strong computational and programming skills, a background in computational fluid mechanics or hydraulics, experience collecting data in water distribution networks, and interest in water resources systems analysis. To apply, send a cover letter describing your qualifications and interests together with a curriculum vitae to Dr. Marcio Giacomoni at [email protected] . A project information link is also provided in the post.