Ph.D. student in Multiscale Wildfire Smoke Modeling and the Built Environment

#PhDPosition #PhDOpportunity #PhD2027 #WildfireSmoke #WildfireResearch #WUI #BuiltEnvironment #BuildingScience #AirQuality #MultiscaleModeling #EnvironmentalEngineering #ArchitecturalEngineering #MechanicalEngineering #CivilEngineering #ComputationalModeling #IndoorAirQuality #CommunityResilience #WPI #WorcesterPolytechnicInstituteThe research group at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is seeking a PhD student interested in multiscale modeling and experimental investigation of wildfire smoke, with applications to the built environment, air quality, and community resilience. The expected start time is Spring or Fall 2027.The research will explore how smoke from wildfire and wildland–urban interface (WUI) fires is generated, transported, and interacts with buildings across different scales. A central goal is to connect fundamental understanding of smoke behavior with practical approaches to smoke-resilient building design, building operation, and reduced human exposure.The student will pursue a focused dissertation topic within this broader research area, developed in consultation with the advisor and informed by the student’s background and interests. Potential directions include multiscale smoke transport, interactions between smoke and the built environment, outdoor-to-indoor pollutant transport, and computational approaches that connect physical models with experimental observations.QualificationsApplicants with backgrounds in architectural engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, atmospheric science, or related engineering and science disciplines are encouraged to apply. Candidates should hold, or be completing, a bachelor’s or master’s degree.Relevant preparation may include coursework or projects in building science, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, environmental transport, numerical methods, or related subjects. Experience with programming, simulation, laboratory work, or environmental measurements is helpful, but applicants do not need experience in every area.Prior wildfire research or familiarity with specialized fire-modeling software is desired but not required. We welcome applicants with strong academic preparation, scientific curiosity, and an interest in connecting modeling with experiments to address challenges at the intersection of wildfire smoke and the built environment. Further requirements from the graduate school can be found at the following link. https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/graduate/how-to-apply?itemId=item-27Scholarship and ApplyA research assistantship will be provided for tuition waiver and financial stipend. Official applications should be completed using the online portal (https://gradapp.wpi.edu/apply/). Please also email a detailed Curriculum Vitae including GPA and TOEFL/IELTS score to Dr. Shichao Liu at sliu8@wpi.edu. GRE is recommended but not required. Please include the phrase “PhD applicant 2027” in the Subject line of the email.