Francisco Cepeda
Assistant Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Oakland University
Francisco Cepeda
Assistant Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Oakland University
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Assistant Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Oakland University
I am an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Oakland University. My research focuses on how carbon materials form, transform, and can be engineered within thermochemical and catalytic systems. In our lab, we study processes such as methane pyrolysis and electrified heating to understand how carbon structures emerge, evolve, and can be tailored into high-value materials for energy and sustainability applications.
Our approach combines experimental diagnostics and advanced modeling of carbon-forming processes to connect fundamental mechanisms with reactor and system-level design. Over the years, I have collaborated with research groups in North America, Latin America, and Europe on combustion diagnostics, carbon nanomaterials, and sustainable energy conversion.
Opportunities
I am currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student whose background and interests align with some of our research directions in thermochemical energy conversion, methane pyrolysis, or carbon materials. Strong preparation in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science — especially with experience in combustion, catalysis, thermal systems, or heterogeneous reactions modeling — will be a good fit. If you are interested in pursuing doctoral research in these areas, please get in touch with me directly at franciscocepeda@oakland.edu. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value diverse perspectives in our group.
Motivated OU undergraduate students are welcome to participate in research projects in the E-Carbon Lab. If you are curious about clean energy, advanced materials, or computational modeling, there are opportunities to get involved at many levels.
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