About the Project
We seek a curiosity-driven candidate with a background in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Computer Science who wants to make a difference in pressing environmental problems.
You will join a vibrant group that develops and uses state-of-the-art models at the University of Birmingham (UK).
We are seeking self-funded students.
Projects can include collaborations and placements in public sector or industry.
The School of Engineering is ranked in the top 10 for Engineering research in the UK for GPA and 4* research (REF 2021).
Research Topics
If you are a motivated individual looking for a PhD and with possibilities of self-funding, please contact Dr Bruño Fraga (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/civil/fraga-bruno) to discuss ideas and explore what projects better fit your interests. These are some of the general topics that I am interested in:
- Data-driven Models for Multiphase Flows: our group has extensive experience simulating multiphase flows, in which water, air and solids interact. We want to use our knowledge and datasets to develop and train a new generation of hybrid CFD/machine learning models to tackle the most relevant scientific questions and produce practical applications.
- Airborne disease spread: our model is able to track the spread of pathogen-laden aerosols or fungal spores in complex environments. Help us design safer and healthier buildings and spaces using our advanced tools!
- Indoor air quality and thermal efficiency: we need to ensure that the indoor spaces where we spend most of our time are comfortable, healthy and safe. It is challenging to provide good ventilation in airtight buildings, but our models can help shaping the building design of the future.
- Microplastic transport: we are developing models to predict the fate of microplastic pollution in freshwater systems like rivers or lakes. We want to investigate what happens in the oceans and the exchange of microplastics between water bodies and the atmosphere to design better strategies to capture them
Candidate Requirements
- An academic background in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.
- An Undergraduate degree with a 2.1, first class is desirable.
- A Masters' degree in a one of the above subjects is desirable but not essential. The student will have the opportunity of taking a relevant M-level module during their PhD.
How to Apply
Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Bruño Fraga (b.fraga@bham.ac.uk)
Funding Notes
We are seeking self-funded students.