Group openings
TL;DR – Who should contact us?
• Ph.D. applicants (CSE or home-unit programs like AE/ME) who like HPC, numerics, and continuum physics
• Current GT Ph.D. students interested in exascale CFD or multiphase flows
• GT undergraduates (≥ 2 years left) with strong coding skills and interest in scientific computing
• We are not currently taking standalone M.S. students
In the Computational Physics Group, you will work on the latest methods in computational science for pressing societal problems. Our work spans a broad range of
- Technical advancements: Modeling, design, numerical methods, simulation, algorithms, high-performance computing, non-von Neumann emerging architectures (quantum, RISC-V and Arm, etc.)
- Application areas: Biology, medicine, and therapies, defense, aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and flight, solid mechanics, hydrodynamics, energy
Check out our papers to learn more.
We are always hiring determined new group members.
If you are interested in joining the group, what to do next depends on who you are:
I am interested in a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech
Excellent. In this case, you have two options:
-
Apply for the CSE Ph.D. program. If you do this, place my name in your faculty preference list (you get to pick two faculty). If this is you, I recommend not emailing me, since I will see you application regardless. Feel free to email me if you have a special circumstance that was not in your application, but you would like me know about or consider. However, I encourage you to include all relevant details in the application itself for transparency purposes.
-
Apply for a Ph.D. in a program where CSE has a home unit, like Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering. If you do this and are interested in working with me, send me an email indicating the program you applied to, CV, and transcripts.
If you are on the fence, I recommend applying for the CSE program, which is remarkably flexible regarding advising and course work.
I am already a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech
Fill out this form then send Spencer an email. Include your current degree program, your year in that program, why you are interested in our group, your CV, current transcripts, and previous advisor(s).
I am interested in an M.S. from Georgia Tech
I am not currently accepting Master’s (M.S.) students or applications, from GT or elsewhere.
I am an M.S. student at Georgia Tech
If you are interested in a Georgia Tech Ph.D., follow the instructions under “I am already a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech.” Otherwise, see “I am interested in an M.S. from Georgia Tech.”
I am, or am about to be, an undergraduate at Georgia Tech
The group has had numerous undergraduate researchers. Many have published great work and I am very proud of what they have accomplished. Continuing in this spirit, I am always open to working with keen undergraduate students.
- If you have two years or more remaining in your degree program, fill out this form then send Spencer an email indicating your matriculation year/semester, degree program, CV, transcripts, and what about the group you are interested in. Be as specific as possible.
- Note that I do not start new projects with undergraduates with less than two years remaining in their degree programs. The reason: There is unlikely to be enough time for you to fully own and complete a project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I email before applying?
• Ph.D. applicants to CSE: No need to email—I’ll see your application. Only email if you have special circumstances not covered in your application.
• Ph.D. applicants to home-unit programs (AE/ME): Yes, email me after applying with your program, CV, and transcripts.
• Current GT students: Fill out the form first, then email with all requested materials.
What should I include in my email?
• Your CV, transcripts, and a brief explanation of why you’re interested in the group
• For current GT students: your degree program, year, and previous advisor(s)
What counts as “2 years left” for undergraduates?
You should have at least 4 semesters remaining (including the current one) before graduation. This ensures enough time to complete a meaningful research project.
Do you fund rotations or trial periods?
We don’t have formal rotation programs, but current GT students can discuss potential projects before committing.
What are typical timelines?
• Ph.D. applications: Follow GT’s application deadlines (typically December for Fall admission)
• Current GT students: Can join at any time, but earlier is better for project planning
• Undergraduates: Can start in any semester, but we prefer students who can commit for multiple semesters
