Opportunities

Prospective Ph.D. students

The Fluid and Structural Mechanics Laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tennessee Tech University, led by Dr. Peng Zhang, is now accepting applications for one Ph.D. position with an anticipated start date as early as Spring 2025. The successful candidates will be part of multiple research projects, including the investigation of fluid-structure interaction phenomena and development and modeling of multifunctional sensors and actuators. For a list of ongoing projects, please refer to the link here.

The admitted candidates will be supported through graduate assistantships, which cover tuitions, fees, and a competitive monthly stipend. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a CV, transcript, and a short description of your research interests and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects to Dr. Peng Zhang (pzhang@tntech.edu). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Minimum Qualifications
The prospective Ph.D. student is expected to have a solid research experience in Engineering. A minimum of a Master of Science or equivalent degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics is required. We are looking for candidates who have: i) a drive to pursue an excellent career in research; ii) outstanding oral and written English communication skills; iii) a strong work ethic with a results-driven attitude; and iv) the ability to design, conduct, and interpret experiments, under the mentorship of the Principal Investigator.

Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with a strong publication record and an interest in experimental fluid mechanics are highly preferred.

Paid Undergraduate research positions

The Fluid and Structural Mechanics Laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tennessee Tech University, led by Dr. Peng Zhang, is now recruiting multiple undergraduate researchers, with an immediate start date. The candidates must be a full-time enrolled undergraduate student at Tennessee Tech. The successful candidates will be involved in the experimental and computation aspects of the ongoing research projects of the lab. A list of ongoing projects can be found here.

The recruited candidates will be supported by a competitive stipend. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a CV, transcript, and a short description of your research interests to Dr. Peng Zhang (pzhang@tntech.edu).

Minimum Qualifications
The prospective undergraduate researchers are expected to have a strong interest in scientific research. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The candidates must have: i) the motivation and drive to learn new concepts and knowledge; ii) outstanding oral and written English communication skills; and iii) a strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and in a group.

Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with strong interests in smart materials and sensors and/or experimental fluid mechanics are highly preferred.


About Tennessee Tech: Tennessee Technological University (https://www.tntech.edu/) is a public research university in Cookeville, Tennessee, United States with over 10,000 students. Within Tennessee Tech, the Mechanical Engineering Department is the largest department both in the College of Engineering and the University. In addition to involvement in research projects, graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to grow professionally through participation in student organizations and co-op opportunities. Graduates from the Mechanical Engineering program have a nearly one-hundred-percent employment rate within few months after graduation. The employers appreciate the hands-on experience, job-ready knowledge and skills, humility, work ethics, and professionalism our graduates bring them. Tennessee Tech is committed to a diverse workforce by fostering an inclusive work environment for students, faculty, and staff.