Join Us!

to model, analyze, optimize, and control future aerial vehicles

Graduate Students

We are always seeking highly motivated Ph.D. and Master’s students with a passion for interdisciplinary research that is critical to future aerial vehicles.

To be successful in our lab, you are expected to be creative, diligent, and passionate about your research problem. Typically, you should be good at at least two of the following three subjects:

  • Mathematics: Linear algebra, Real analysis, Differential equations, Probability and statistics, Numerical methods, etc.
  • Physics: Aerodynamics, Solid mechanics, Structural dynamics, etc.
  • Programming: Python/MATLAB/C++/Fortran, Object-oriented/functional programming, etc.

You are expected to have or gain the grit to grind through the many challenges a researcher would face.

Several things to note if you plan to apply to the Ph.D. program in Aerospace Engineering at the Penn State:

  • You are encouraged to plan ahead and contact us first before applying to the Ph.D. program.
  • You need to get admitted to the Master’s program first if you do not have a Master’s degree.
  • Typically, your expenses of the first year, including tuition and stipend, will be covered.

Undergraduate Students

We are also seeking highly motivated undergraduate students who seek to gain research experience. As part of the lab, you are expected to get hands dirty with research problems: review literature; contribute to new ideas; learn, implement and apply computational tools; generate and analyze data. Exceptional students may have the opportunity to develop papers and present at conferences, and/or write Honors theses. Undergraduate research assistants may also receive course credit for their effort (AERO 496 or possible equivalent for their home departments).

  • In principle we do not take 1st and 2nd year students. Good academic standing (i.e., A) in multivariate calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra is a must.

How to join

If you are interested in joining the lab, please start by contacting Dr. Daning Huang via a short email containing:

  • Your complete educational background
  • Your unofficial transcripts
  • Your relevant research/academic/industrial experiences
  • A 300-word statement on your research interest in the lab (here is a good place to start)