Fully Funded PhD Position in Structural Engineering and Wind Engineering at University of Michigan
The University of Michigan's RESLab (Research on Efficient and Resilient Structures Laboratory), led by Professor Seymour M.J. Spence, is seeking highly motivated PhD students for fully funded positions in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The research focus is on structural engineering, with particular emphasis on performance-based wind engineering, probabilistic uncertainty modeling, and the resilience and adaptation of communities to severe wind events. The lab also explores advanced topics such as machine learning for nonlinear stochastic structural analysis, metamodeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) wind and rain simulation, hybrid data/physical modeling, and distributed computing frameworks for social wellness decision-making.
RESLab offers a dynamic research environment with cutting-edge projects, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong record of impactful publications. Students will have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects that integrate civil engineering, computational methods, and community resilience, preparing them for leadership roles in academia and industry. The lab is recognized for its contributions to wind engineering, structural optimization, and the development of probabilistic frameworks for system-level analysis and design.
Applicants should have a solid background in civil or structural engineering or a closely related discipline. Experience in wind engineering, probabilistic modeling, machine learning, or computational methods is highly desirable. The position is fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend, and is open to both domestic and international students. The application deadline is December 15, 2025, for Fall 2026 entry. Interested candidates should apply through the Rackham Admissions site for the Structures Program in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. For more information about the lab's research and recent achievements, visit the RESLab website. Direct inquiries can be sent to Dr. Seymour M.J. Spence at [email protected].
Key research areas include: structural engineering, wind engineering, probabilistic modeling, machine learning, community resilience, stochastic analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and distributed computing. The University of Michigan provides a vibrant academic community and extensive resources to support graduate research and professional development.
