Prospective Students
We look for students and scholars who have strong interests and backgrounds in robotics, design, control, tactile sensing, and machine learning.
PhD Students
The ideal candidates are expected to have a solid background in one or more of the following areas: soft robotics, mechanism design, control, machine learning, tactile sensing, and robotic manipulation. The applicants must have completed bachelor's or master's degrees in ME, ECE, IE, or closely related disciplines prior to starting the positions. Self-motivated candidates are particularly welcome. The ability to work collaboratively and interdisciplinary with strong written and communication skills is highly desired. A track record including international conferences and journal publications is a plus. Strong hands-on and/or programming skills are highly preferred. The applicants are expected to be familiar with one or more of the following platforms: SolidWorks, ABAQUS/ANSYS, ADAMS, Python, PyTorch, MATLAB, ROS, Arduino, raspberry pi.
If you are interested in working with us, we encourage you to apply to the Purdue IE PhD program and mention Dr. She in your statement. Feel free to contact Dr. She via email with the title “Prospective PhD Students” and include the following information: (1) CV, (2) a copy of transcripts; and (3) contact information of three references. We will reach out if there is a potential fit.
Please check the end of this page for additional funding information.
Undergraduate/Master Students
We are excited to work with undergraduate and master students at Purdue who are interested in my research. Projects are always available for students with backgrounds or interests in any of the following areas: soft robotics, mechanism design, control, machine learning, tactile sensing, robotic manipulation. We do not fund master's or undergraduate student researchers when they just start out with the lab. We do offer research credits. You are expected to commit to at least 10 hours per week and a minimum of 2 semesters in the lab.
If you are interested in working with us, feel free to contact Dr. She via email with the title “Prospective Undergraduate/Master Students” and include the following information: (1) CV, (2) a copy of transcripts; and (3) contact information of three references. We will reach out if there is a potential fit and we can then set up a meeting for discussion.
Please check the end of this page for additional funding information.
Visiting Students and Scholars
If you are looking for a visiting scholar position, please contact Dr. She via email with the title “Prospective Visiting Students/Scholars” and include the following information: (1) CV, (2) a copy of transcripts; and (3) contact information of three references. We will reach out if there is a potential fit. Due to the limitation of our lab space, the visiting position may not be always available. Being flexible in the visiting period could be helpful.
Postdocs
Please see the Lillian Gilbreth Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities at Purdue Engineering:
(1) Toward Soft Robotics for Precise Manipulation
(2) Novel 3D Vision and Touch Sensing for Autonomous and Flexible Robot PCB Assembly
In addition, we are open to working with exceptional candidates to apply for external funding. Example external postdoctoral fellowships include the Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, the Computing Innovation Fellows (CIFellows), and the NSF Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Interested individuals may contact Dr. She via email with the title “Prospective Postdocs” and include the following information: (1) CV; (2) contact information of 3 references; and (3) representative publications. We will reach out if there is a potential fit.
Funding Resources at Purdue for Accepted MS Research and PhD Students
If you are a non-funded MS Research or PhD student in the group and are interested in funding opportunities at Purdue, please explore the following venues:
1. School of Engineering Education TA
3. Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures TA
4. Math TA
5. Library Openings. The Libraries Research Department may have openings as well. Please contact the Libraries Human Resources (494-2899) or the hiring supervisor: Michael Witt, Assistant Professor of Library Science, (765) 494-8703, mwitt@purdue.edu
6. Look at Purdue Graduate School Student Funding Resources
7. Look at Purdue Student Employment page for different resources.
9. Residence hall assistantship. University residences cover tuition and fees for out-of-state graduate residence hall assistants as though they are Indiana residents. Applications should be made to the Director of Residential Life, Smalley Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 in the fall.