I am always looking for talented and motivated students who are broadly interested in dynamics and controls. Currently, I cannot offer any financial assistance; however, I have many projects for undergraduate and graduate students. If you are interested in working with me, please read below.
WHY WORK WITH ME?
Some of us like to solve fundamental problems, while others are interested in applying fundamental knowledge to solve real-world problems. I offer opportunities for both fundamental research and applied research. In my work, I develop new techniques for the analysis and control of dynamical systems. Then I apply them to solve problems associated with mechanical systems and civil and aerospace structures.
With me, you will develop an in-depth understanding of concepts of vibration, nonlinear dynamics, and controls. I will equip you with tools and techniques from these areas that will allow you to take your research in any direction to answer questions that you find are interesting. Also, you will have the opportunity to learn a broad range of skills involving analysis of ordinary differential equations, machine learning, and programming in Mathematica.
WHAT TYPE OF BACKGROUND SHOULD YOU HAVE?
Must have a degree in engineering/ physics/ mathematics.
Must be interested in dynamical systems and should have some basic understanding of ordinary differential equations.
Must have some prior research experience.
INTERESTED IN JOINING MY GROUP?
If you are interested in working with me, please contact me and include the following information.
Your CV
Your academic background (if possible, please send a copy of your unofficial transcript)
Prior research experience that you have
Your research interests
Any ideas that you would like to pursue
Copies of any first-author journal articles or conference papers
MY APPROACH TO ADVISING
As an advisor, I see it as my responsibility to
Promote a happy, welcoming, and inclusive work environment where all ideas are valued, and everyone is treated fairly and with respect regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, or socioeconomic status.
Work with you to develop, pursue and complete research projects that you find interesting, complement your skillsets/ research interests, and tackle fundamental problems in dynamics and controls.
Equip you with the tools and techniques you need to do your research.
Hold regular, one-on-one weekly meetings to discuss research or any other issues to make sure you are advancing.
Provide timely feedback on your manuscripts or research proposals.
Provide financial assistance for your graduate degree. Typically, the assistance comes from a combination of teaching assistantships and research assistantships, and it includes tuition costs, stipend, and research-related expenses (conference travel, conference registration, accommodation during a conference, etc.).
Provide career guidance and advice
Be flexible.
Every student is different. An advising style that works for one student may not work for another. Let me know your expectations from me. With your feedback (what's working and what's not), I can be a better advisor to you, which will help you to achieve your goals.
You cannot complete research in days or months. It takes years! I understand everyone has a life outside school. Things change, and everyone goes through ups and downs. As long as you communicate with me, I will do everything I can to adjust to difficult situations and to offer help, if appropriate.
MY EXPECTATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
As a graduate student, I want you to
Maintain a happy, welcoming, and inclusive work environment. This requires participation from all of us.
Be honest and respectful. It should go without saying that there is zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, and scientific misconduct.
Put your health (physical and mental) and family first. It is tough to focus when you are not healthy or have problems at home. If you have such problems, please take some time off and resolve them first. Believe me, this way, the time spent on research will be more productive and, most importantly, enjoyable.
Be enthusiastic and motivated of your work. I will always be there to motivate you throughout your graduate school years, but I expect you to be self-motivated. Only then you can be productive and enjoy your work. During graduate school, everyone goes through good times and bad times. There will be times when you won't be able to find the solution to a problem for months. Such scenarios could put you in a situation from where it is hard to get back without self-motivation.
Read the scientific literature. If you want to become an expert on a topic, you have to read papers constantly. This will help you to gain new ideas.
Serve as a reviewer (PhD students only) for various publications. This is another way to gain new ideas.
Plan. Spend time and make a reasonable plan for what you want to achieve this week, this month, this year, and over the next few years. Of course, you have to revise your plan from time to time. I will help you to make sure that you have a feasible plan.
Submit/ publish at least 1 manuscript (master's students) or 4 manuscripts (PhD students) before you graduate.
Be willing to apply for internal and external funding. Although I will make sure you have financial assistance throughout your graduate school years, I expect eligible students to apply for internal and external funding, such as NSF GRFP. I will help you to identify the topic of research and to craft your application material.
Be flexible. Please keep in mind that research is not a 9 to 5 job. Sometimes you have to devote a lot of time to meet a deadline, but once the work is done you can reward yourself with a vacation.