Openings
PhD Position Openings
RoLAC lab's research is focused on developing robust and safe controllers for
robots and modeling complex dynamic systems by using nonlinear geometric methods,
optimization, and machine learning. We welcome highly motivated PhD students
with the following qualifications to join our group:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, computer engineering or related areas.
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, C++ (preferred), Solidworks (preferred), etc.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Motivated to learn new skills and explore new areas.
- A Master’s degree in electrical, mechanical, computer engineering, or related engineering areas
or hands-on experience in robotics is preferred but not required.
To apply for any of these openings, please review the
application information on the graduate school website
and complete the online application
through the graduate school and mention Dr. Tan Chen as a prospective
advisor in your application. Due to the large number of applications, interested students are strongly encouraged
to contact Dr. Tan Chen at tanchen (at) mtu.edu upon completing the application. Along with the email, please include your CV, transcript,
and TOEFL/IELTS scores (if available), and mention 'PhD Application' in the email subject.
Financial support is contingent on the availability of funding.
Undergraduate or Master's students
The RoLAC lab has openings for highly motivated undergraduate and Master's students interested in robotics, control,
and deployment of the technology for real-world applications. Please email Dr. Chen to express interest in joining the group.
I will schedule a meeting to discuss specific projects that would fit your interests and background. Note that students
without the desired background will still be considered provided they show interest/passion for the project and
committment to developing the required skills.
Advising Philosophy
I believe that a major goal of being an advisor is to provide guidance to students, helping them succeed in a career they are passionate about. The PhD journey can be demanding but very rewarding, and I anticipate that my students will be self-motivated and proactive in reaching out whenever they need help or guidance. As an advisor, I prioritize setting aside a dedicated time slot each week for individual meetings. This ensures that we remain aligned in our research objectives and share a common understanding. Witnessing my students achieve their goals is a fulfilling experience. I will encourage my students to apply for awards, fellowships, and similar opportunities, and I am committed to working alongside them to support their career aspirations.
About Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech was established in 1885 and is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It has been ranked the 3rd best university in Michigan (following the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and Michigan State University) by US News and World Reports. Michigan Tech is well known for the engineering programs, which were ranked among the best in the nation. Michigan Technological University's College of Engineering has been ranked among the top 100 graduate engineering schools in the US News & World Reports “Best Graduate School” rankings.
