Prospective Graduate Students

M.S. and Ph.D. Student Recruitment

The ARMOR Lab is currently seeking M.S. and Ph.D. students for Fall 2025 admissions interested in the following research areas:

• Digital Twins

• Metamaterials

• Wearable sensors

Students interested in the general themes of structural health monitoring, nondestructive evaluation, tomographic methods, and human performance assessment are also encouraged to apply. Top candidates will have demonstrated a strong background and/or experiences in areas such as:

• Additive manufacturing techniques

• Chemistry lab experience

• Electromagnetics

• Materials processing

• Mathematics

• Mechanics

• Numerical modeling (e.g., finite element modeling)

• Optimization

• Physics

• Programming in Matlab and/or Python

• Technical writing and publication preparation

Underrepresented and female prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply. Depending on the project, preference may be given to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who can potentially work on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DoE) projects. Candidates interested in other topics that fall under the umbrella of the ARMOR Lab are also encouraged to apply. When applying, one should follow these guidelines and steps:

• Formally apply to the Structural Engineering Program at UC San Diego.

  • Applications open September of every year for admissions in the following Fall.

  • Complete all testing requirements before the application deadline (e.g., TOEFL if applicable).

  • The GRE is no longer required for UC San Diego graduate applications; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a score.

  • Indicate your interest in working with Prof. Ken Loh in the online application, which opens late September each year

  • Complete application by the deadline and as early as possible.

• Send an e-mail to Prof. Ken Loh stating your interests.

  • Include your CV/resume

  • Indicate if you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

• Review of applications begins late-December and usually ends in February.