Our community values

Our values are embodied in everything we do: our research, learning and teaching, collaborations, engagement with communities, and our interactions with each other. We are committed to upholding these values to foster a positive and supportive environment for all members of our team and those we have the privilege to work with. 

Join the team!

Prospective Undergraduate Researchers

We are always interested in having motivated undergraduate students join our lab. Our research includes modeling, theory, computation, and data analysis. Given the interdisciplinary nature of energy systems research, we are also open to students outside of engineering, including those in technology and policy programs, law, and social sciences. We may already have projects in the lab -- most of these will be advertised as a UROP position. However, if you have a project in mind that aligns with the research in our group, please reach out and we can discuss potential collaborations. Depending on your prior experiences and the project, we may pursue projects in collaboration with other faculty. You will typically be paired with a graduate student who will be your day-to-day point of contact on your project. We will also set up regular meetings with me, during which I can advise on the project. 

For current U-M Ann Arbor students: please see the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) guidelines and open projects. 

For students not at U-M Ann Arbor: please see the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) guidelines and eligibility.

Prospective Graduate Researchers

Our research sits at the intersection of multiple fields: systems/electrical/infrastructure engineering, operations research (optimization) and machine learning, controls, and other aspects of energy systems. Our projects may also have collaborators outside of engineering disciplines, including economists, policy-makers, social scientists, etc. The projects will likely cross-cuts many of the engineering departments. As such, students who do not have an undergraduate degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering should not be discouraged to apply to the CEE program. Students with backgrounds in related engineering disciplines (ex. electrical, mechanical, industrial and operations research, etc.) should apply. Mathematical maturity and an interest in energy and sustainable systems research are critical. 

Apply: please see the admissions information on the CEE website. Indicate "Intelligent Systems" in your application materials. 

Fee waivers: please see information on the Rackham Graduate School website

Connect: If you would like to connect regarding your application, please email me. Include your CV, transcripts, and a brief description of any research experience and research interests. Limit your statement to <1 page -- concise and to-the-point language is better than filling a page. Do not email me your GRE scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores, letters of recommendation, etc. 

Note: I will not be considering GRE scores in admissions decisions. Studies suggest GRE scores are not representative indicators of success in PhD programs, and may present a financial or time barrier, especially where GRE test preparation and taking centers are less accessible. 

Prospective Postdoctoral Scholars

At this time I do not have funded positions for postdoctoral scholars. If you are interested in collaborating, or if you have existing funding (ex. a fellowship) please reach out to me by email. 

Visitors and Exchange Students/Researchers

I've greatly enjoyed working with visiting researchers in the past -- it presents an excellent opportunity for learning, knowledge sharing, and advancing critical projects together. The objective, scope, and duration of the visit and project should be planned prior to your arrival. Please reach out via email to discuss more.

General note for international students and researchers: The visa application process is out of my hands, and I will not be able to provide guidance on this matter. However, I would like to make it clear that your application and our correspondence will be treated in the same way as all other applicants, regardless of country of origin. For additional guidance as an international student: U-M has excellent resources to support you during your time here and I encourage you to seek out their guidance and support.