JOB: Fully funded PhD Position in Environmental Science and Policy at the University of Miami

This is a fully funded, four-year, Ph.D. degree granting position that aims to help the student develop interdisciplinary research skills to address environmental issues and generate positive societal impacts. In the first two years, the student will take four core courses taught by faculty in the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. The student will also take courses in the School of Communication on social science research methodologies and environmental communication, as well as emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality/augmented reality/mixed reality, and experience design. The student is expected to pass the qualification exam by the end of the second year on the core courses. During the third and fourth years, the study is required to engage in research for their dissertation, focusing on topics related to emerging technologies and environmental communication.

The student will be advised by Dr. Ching-Hua Chuan (https://chinghuachuan.com), and work closely with her on research projects throughout the four years. Dr. Chuan is currently an Assistant Professor of Interactive Media at the University of Miami. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California. Dr. Chuan’s research interests include AI, human-centered computing, computational communication research and music information retrieval. Her interdisciplinary research explores the applications of AI and emerging technologies such as augmented/mixed reality for social change. Dr. Chuan and her team won the 2022 Page Legacy Scholar Grant on sustainability communication with their mobile app intervention for facilitating pro-environmental habits. She is also a core faculty member in the Frost Institute of Data Science & Computing (https://idsc.miami.edu/) at the university.

University of Miami locates in Coral Gables at the heart of Miami, Florida with vibrant culture and various events for creative art exhibitions and innovative technology expos. University of Miami is a private university that categorized as R1 (doctoral universities – very high research activity). The University has 12 schools and colleges as well as several centers and institutes that create a supportive foundation for interdisciplinary initiatives and research. More information about academic programs at University of Miami can be found at https://welcome.miami.edu/academics/index.html

Qualifications  

• M.S. in computer science, data science, interactive media, digital media design, environmental/physical science, or related fields
• Prior experience with VR/AR/XR or UX/UI
• Prior experience with computer programming and/or academic research
• Good communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams

How to apply