Master’s Research Opportunities

The E-Carbon Lab welcomes inquiries from current Oakland University master’s students interested in completing a research thesis or participating in a substantial research project.

Possible topics include:

• Methane pyrolysis and thermochemical reactors

• Carbon-material synthesis and characterization

• Carbon-particle and reactor modeling

• Scientific programming and data analysis

• Electrified heating processes

• Relationships between carbon-processing conditions and material properties

Funding for master’s students is not guaranteed and depends on project availability, qualifications, and available research or teaching support.

Interested OU students should send a CV, unofficial transcript, brief description of their technical interests, and an explanation of any previous research, programming, or laboratory experience.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Current Oakland University undergraduate students may contact the E-Carbon Lab regarding research opportunities during the academic year or summer.

Projects may involve:

• Assisting with laboratory experiments

• Preparing catalysts or carbon samples

• Processing and analyzing experimental data

• Developing scientific Python or MATLAB tools

• Conducting literature reviews

• Supporting microscopy, spectroscopy, or other materials-characterization work

• Building or testing components for thermochemical experiments

Previous research experience is not required, but students should have a strong academic record, reliability, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in research. Availability depends on current projects, mentoring capacity, and funding.

Prospective students must contact Dr. Francisco Cepeda at franciscocepeda@oakland.edu.

Please send a single email with the subject line:

Prospective [Ph.D./Master/Undergrad] Student – [Your Name]

Include:

1. Curriculum vitae

2. Unofficial university transcripts

3. A 250–400-word research-fit statement explaining:

   • Which track you are applying under

   • Your relevant experience

   • Your personal contribution to your most relevant research project

   • Why you are interested in the E-Carbon Lab

4. If applying for a Ph.D. position, indicate it is for the computational modeling or the experimental track.

5. If applying for a Ph.D. position, include evidence of relevant work, such as a publication, thesis chapter, technical report, code sample, or GitHub repository, when available. 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a technical interview