At the Circular Materials and Advanced Manufacturing (CMAM) Laboratory, we welcome motivated and curious students who are passionate about scientific discovery, engineering innovation, and solving challenging research problems.
Our interdisciplinary research environment brings together experimental mechanics, computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Students have opportunities to develop expertise in fundamental materials behavior, conduct experimental investigations, build predictive computational models, and contribute to research with practical engineering applications.
We value scientific curiosity, independent thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and a commitment to high-quality research.
We welcome inquiries from prospective Ph.D. and master's students interested in pursuing research in the following areas:
Mechanics of materials, constitutive modeling, damage, and fracture
Computational mechanics, finite-element analysis, and peridynamics
Artificial intelligence, physics-informed machine learning, and digital twins
Advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and process optimization
Polymer and elastomer durability, aging, and lifetime prediction
Sustainable manufacturing, recycling, and circular materials
Applicants with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, materials science, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, computational science, or related disciplines are encouraged to express their interest.
How to express your interest
Prospective graduate students should email Prof. Georges Ayoub with:
A brief introduction describing their academic background and research interests.
An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
Academic transcripts.
A short statement explaining why they are interested in CMAM and how their background aligns with the laboratory's research.
Relevant research experience, publications, or technical projects, if available.
Please use the subject line: Prospective Graduate Researcher – CMAM Lab – [Your Name].
Research positions and financial support depend on project needs, available funding, and university admission requirements.
CMAM encourages undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on research experience to explore opportunities within the laboratory.
Depending on ongoing projects, students may participate in experimental testing, materials characterization, additive manufacturing, computational simulations, data analysis, and research documentation.
Interested students should send a brief email describing their academic background, technical skills, research interests, and availability, along with a résumé.
Successful research requires more than technical knowledge. We seek students who demonstrate:
Scientific curiosity: A genuine interest in understanding complex engineering problems.
Critical thinking: The ability to question assumptions, analyze evidence, and develop well-supported conclusions.
Perseverance: The motivation to work through challenges and uncertainty inherent in research.
Independence and initiative: A willingness to learn new methods, explore ideas, and take ownership of research tasks.
Collaboration and integrity: A commitment to teamwork, responsible research, and effective scientific communication.
Prior research experience is valuable but not always essential. Motivation, willingness to learn, and long-term commitment are equally important.
CMAM actively welcomes collaborations with academic researchers, research institutions, and industrial partners.
Our research combines experimental characterization, computational mechanics, AI-enabled modeling, and manufacturing technologies to address challenges in material performance, product durability, process optimization, and sustainable manufacturing.
We are interested in collaborative research projects, joint funding proposals, industry-sponsored research, and interdisciplinary initiatives that connect fundamental scientific discoveries with engineering applications.
Researchers and organizations interested in collaboration are encouraged to contact the laboratory director.
Prof. Georges Ayoub
Professor and Director, Circular Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory
Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering
College of Engineering and Computer Science
University of Michigan–Dearborn
Office: 2240 Engineering Complex
Address: 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA
Email: gayoub@umich.edu
We look forward to connecting with prospective researchers, collaborators, and industry partners.