Graduate Student Position

Open Graduate Student Positions

Start Date: as soon as possible. Dr. Piasecki's workgroup currently has openings for graduate students interested in working in the area of Hydrologic Information Systems and/or Hydroinformatics as well as Numerical Modeling of Transport Processes in Free Surface Flow regimes. These positions are for students that seek the PhD degree only. Applicants should have a strong background in Water Resources, Hydrology or Hydraulics, preferably coupled with some background in object-oriented programming as it is an essential part of the work to be carried out. In addition, it would be helpful if the applicant has skills pertaining to operating systems like WINDOWS, LINUX, and SOLARIS.

Hydroinformatics

Current research efforts focus on the development of

Hydrologic Information Systems. http://www.cuahsi.org/his.html
community specific Metadata sets (Hydrology, Coastal, Hydraulics) http://dublincore.org; http://www.isotc211.org;
web-based numerical modeling systems along the idea of a multi-user Community Model

The Hydroinformatics track requires that the applicant be interested in the use of WEB technologies like object-oriented programming in JAVA, the use of the Extended Markup Language XML, and the application of relational data bases like mySQL and postGREL. In addition, concepts like the Resource Description Framework (RDF), and the Semantic Web will play an integral part in the research work as does the use of metadata standards and development of domain ontologies (OWL). While this is not a typical profile for an applicant and as such might deter potential interest, the merger of knowledge in a traditional engineering or earth science discipline with concepts developed in the area of Computer Science, reflects a growing trend in many areas necessitated by the need of cross-disciplinary research and collaboration. To this end, Drexel University has an excellent Information Science Technology (IST) program (ranked number ONE in the nation) that provides an outstanding curriculum with course offerings ideally suited for a cross-disciplinary education.

Numerical Modeling

Current research efforts focus on the development of

numerical engines for modules for the fate and transport of pollutants and sediments based on the use of the 3D hydrodynamic model UnTRIM by V. Casulli
multi-user numerical modeling systems based on the use of web-based technologies and databases
optimization systems for optimal load control of pollutants for water quality standard compliance

The numerical modeling track requires a strong background in analytical and numerical modeling techniques as well as the use of programming languages as FORTRAN, C, C++ or JAVA. Ideally, the applicant will also have a good background in environmental engineering with knowledge pertaining to mixing and transport processes in lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

Application

Before the applicant is encouraged to formally apply for acceptance to the PhD program in the department, for initial screening purposes interested applicants should sent a resume including a focused expose on what the specific research interests are to

Dr. Michael Piasecki
Dept. of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA

e-mail: Michael.Piasecki@drexel.edu
web: http://pages.drexel.edu/~mp29

This page was last edited 09/28/06

For comments and suggestions please contact Michael.Piasecki@drexel.edu