Join
The Vision Laboratory is open to highly motivated individuals interested in joining our team. We currently have positions available for graduate students (both PhD and Master's) as well as undergraduate students. Please read the following instructions carefully before applying.
Graduate students (PhD and Master's)
Candidates with a background in Mechanical Engineering must have excellent knowledge in solid or fluid mechanics and strong computational modeling skills. While experience with imaging and image processing is a plus, it is not mandatory. Knowledge in biology is not required.
Candidates with a background in Biomedical Engineering must have a certain level of mechanics background knowledge. Alternatively, candidates must be open to acquiring this knowledge through self-directed reading. Experience with handling animals or tissues is considered an asset.
If you are interested in joining The Vision Laboratory, please email Dr. Hua the following documents:
A detailed CV highlighting your skills and research experience
University transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
Any papers or manuscripts for which you are the first author (if applicable)
Dr. Hua will carefully review each application received. If your application documents make you stand out, Dr. Hua will arrange a Zoom interview with you (approximately 30-45 minutes in length). During the interview, be prepared to:
Summarize at least one of your previous research projects, outlining the objective, methods, major findings, and significance
Demonstrate familiarity with at least a couple of the lab's original research papers
Propose a rough concept of a potential research project that you would like to pursue if you join the lab. Ensure that the project aligns with the lab's overall research focus. In addition, explain the experimental and/or computational techniques you are interested in learning through this project
Demonstrate that you have looked into funding opportunities if you are a U.S. citizen
Discuss your long-term professional goals
Prepare questions. Good questions show that you have truly given this potential career step some thought
If the Zoom interview is successful, Dr. Hua will proceed to the next step by contacting your references. If everything continues to progress positively, Dr. Hua will offer you the graduate assistant position.
Important Note: When submitting your official application, please apply for the Mechanical Engineering graduate program, as the graduate program in Biomedical Engineering will not be available for application until Fall 2024.
Undergraduate students
Undergraduates from all grade levels are welcome to apply, especially those majoring in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Science. Candidates who have completed any of the courses listed below will be considered favorably:
BME 311 Biomechanics [Link]
BME 411 Tissue Mechanics [Link]
BME 511 Computational Biomechanics [Link]
BME 524 Microscopy for Engineers [Link]
ENGR 309 Statics [Link]
ENGR 312 Mechanics of Materials [Link]
ENGR 323 Fluid Mechanics [Link]
ME 426 Kinematics: Analysis and Synthesis [Link]
ME 535 Experimental Stress Analysis [Link]
CSCI 251 Programming for Engineering and Sciences [Link]
CE 310 Introduction to Structural Mechanics [Link]
CE 511 Structural Dynamics [Link]
If you are interested in joining The Vision Laboratory, please email Dr. Hua your resume and transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable). Upon reviewing your application documents, if your skills and background align with the research focus of the lab, Dr. Hua will arrange an in-person meeting with you at his office (A303 Brevard Hall). If all goes well, he will extend an offer for the research assistant position.
Important Note: For students joining during the semester, a commitment of at least 10 hours per week in the lab is required. If you opt to join during the summer, a full-time commitment of at least eight weeks is expected. A stipend will be provided based on your time commitment and the progress of the research project.