Prospective Students

Current research project focuses on high-fidelity modeling of building response to simulated events from a nearby shallow-crust fault.

PhD Program (DOCI)

I warmly welcome prospective PhD students to explore the opportunity of joining our PhD program (DOCI) at the Universidad de los Andes to work with my on your research ideas.

My research focus involves the application of high-performance computing, programming, and visualization techniques across a broad spectrum of disciplines, namely:

  • Seismology and Seismic wave propagation
  • Advanced Constitutive and Nonlinear Dynamic Finite Element Modeling
  • Soil, Fluid, and Fluid-Soil-Structure Interaction Modeling and Simulation
  • Thermal and Underground Flow Modeling
  • Physics-informed Risk Assessment and Structural Life-cycle Prediction
  • Offshore/Onshore Wind Applications and Scouring Processes

These areas of study are integral to addressing the global challenges we currently face. By becoming a part of our program, you will be directly contributing to our understanding and response to these issues. I anticipate that applicants will have an interest in one or more of these fields, and possess programming skills in a high-level language (Python, Matlab, Julia, etc.). Familiarity with a low-level language (C, C++, Fortran) is preferred, but I also value the enthusiasm to learn one and would facilitate that process.

In the future, I am keen on expanding research capabilities into data-driven modelling via sensor data (in collaboration with ASDEA Hardware) and mechanical device design for diverse applications through modeling and 3-D printing. Embracing emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning is also a key direction for upcoming projects.

I am a proactive contributor to OpenSees, I am continuously looking for opportunities to explore other areas within the purview of my research interests, to expand the modeling capabilities of the simulation framework. Contributing to OpenSees not only heightens the visibility of your research but also garners valuable feedback from its extensive community. Thus, becoming an OpenSees developer is highly encouraged and would be a possible outcome of your work. On the other hand, I'm always open to trying out or developing new frameworks better suited for specific problems, so I'm very open to new ideas.

For more details about the PhD program at Universidad de los Andes, including the application process, please visit this link. We accept applications from English-speaking candidates, even though the program is primarily conducted in Spanish.

Both Chilean and international students are required to apply for funding through scholarships from the Chilean Agency of Research and Development ANID. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and potential for research excellence. The application process includes writing a research proposal under my sponsorship, where we'll jointly design a research plan. ANID funding includes tuition expenses, a monthly stipend, as well as funds assignable towards achieving your reseach goals (buying laptops, workstations, books, etc.), together with relocation aids. Check out ANID's website for more up-to-date information and feel free to ask me for further guidance on this.

Master's Program (MSCI)

We also offer a Master's (MSCI) program which is oriented to research in the field of civil infrastructure systems, students are now being sought to pursue these degrees by doing research with me. More information on the program can be found here.

Completion of the master's/PhD program typically leads to the publication of a scientific article (paper) in a top journal (Q1 ranking on JCR Thompson Reuters) in the fields of computational mechanics, earthquake engineering, nonlinear/probabilistic dynamics, to name a few, which would boost the students CV immensely.

National or international students interested in pursuing such a degree should contact me directly.