PhD Funded Student Position—CLOSED
Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
Seeking a motivated student interested in the impacts of climate change on electrical power systems (bulk electricity grid). Research may be related to the impacts of climate change on renewable and conventional energy, electricity transmission infrastructure, and electricity use and how those impacts interact with energy transitions to wind, solar, and electric vehicles on the grid. This work is primarily computational and may include using optimization software to model bulk electric power systems, modeling the performance of conventional and renewable power plants, managing large data sets, and visualizing spatial information.
Dr. Dyreson’s lab is in the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics at Michigan Technological University. We collaborate with the Great Lakes Research Center, Keweenaw Energy Transitions Laboratory, Advanced Power Systems Laboratory, and departments across campus including civil, environmental, and geospatial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and social sciences.
Applicants should therefore bring a strong fundamental engineering background along with interest in energy systems and interdisciplinary work.
Required Background
- MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Solid programming skills
- Introductory coursework in thermodynamics
- TOEFL > 90 iBT or IELTS > 7.0 overall band score (international students)
Desired Background
Candidates should demonstrate at least one of the following strengths (academic
research or industry experience are accepted):
- Wind or solar power modeling, resource estimation, or forecasting
- Electrical transmission or distribution systems modeling, operating, or planning
- Thermoelectric, renewable, or hydroelectric power plant analysis or operation
- Energy efficiency, demand side management, or building HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning)
- Energy-water nexus
- Accessing and using climate data (general circulation models)
Michigan Technological University is located in Houghton, Michigan. This is a small rural town with abundant, year-round outdoor activities, access to National Parks and historic sites, and cultural activities centered on campus.
We seek students that want to be part of and promote an inclusive workplace. For more information on research activities in Dr. Dyreson’s lab see the faculty directory and faculty website.
To Apply
Send an email to adyreson at mtu.edu as follows:
- Use the subject line “Interest in climate impacts on power systems”,
- describe your interests and confirm one or more of the items listed under “Desired Background” above, and
- attach a C.V.
Note that applications to this position are separate from applications to the graduate program.