Openings

Last Updated 07/03/2025

The Metasonics Lab is looking for motivated undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students to join our research team. Our lab focuses on dynamic systems and multiphysics design, with applications in acoustics, sensors, piezoelectric materials, and power/data transfer using sound. Projects span critical domains such as nuclear waste monitoring, biomedical imaging, and the underwater Internet of Things.

Our work combines hands-on experimental prototyping with theoretical and simulation-based design, covering acoustic, mechanical, electrical, piezoelectric, and thermal domains. Students work in multidisciplinary teams to:

• Design piezoelectric and electromagnetic transducers

• Develop devices to control wave propagation (e.g., acoustic lenses)

• Integrate hardware, electronics, and software for real-world acoustic systems
  
  

We do not expect prior experience in acoustics—just a strong foundation in a related area, curiosity, and the drive to learn.

PhD Students

PhD students in the Metasonics Lab are expected to take the lead on research projects, work independently, and mentor junior members. You’ll develop new systems to transmit power and data through complex media using sound, including batteryless acoustic IoT devices. Ideal candidates have a solid foundation in at least one of the following areas and an interest in learning others:

• Finite element simulation (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, ABAQUS)
  
  

• Mechanical design and prototyping (Solidworks, 3D printing, machining)
  
  

• Laboratory measurements and instrumentation
  
  

• Embedded systems (PCB design, microcontrollers, FPGAs)
  
  

• Piezoelectric materials and transducers
  
  

• Acoustic design and sensing systems
  
  

• Signal processing (time/frequency domain, filtering, spectral analysis)
  
  

A Master’s degree is not required for admission to the UC Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. program.

Start Dates: Summer 2025 or Fall 2025
To apply: Email your CV and a brief paragraph explaining your interest to Dr. Ahmed Allam at ahmed.allam@uc.edu

MSc Students

MSc students can contribute to focused research projects while gaining deep experience in modeling, simulation, and/or experimentation. You'll work alongside PhD students to design, build, and test acoustic systems, with the option to tailor your thesis around hardware prototyping, simulation, or algorithm development.

Ideal backgrounds include:

• Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field
  
  

• Comfort with MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific tools
  
  

• Exposure to instrumentation or lab measurement systems
  
  

Project themes include:

• Ultrasonic imaging and sensing
  
  

• Acoustic energy transfer
  
  

• Acoustic metamaterials and wave control
  
  

To apply: Send your CV and a short note about your interests to ahmed.allam@uc.edu

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduates are welcome to join the lab through research credits, summer internships, or honors projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience in design, fabrication, testing, and signal analysis while contributing to real research problems.

We are especially interested in students who:

• Enjoy building and testing systems
  
  

• Are curious about sound, sensors, and emerging technologies
  
  

• Have taken courses in dynamics, vibrations, electronics, or programming
  
  

Students from mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering are all encouraged to apply. No prior research experience is required—just interest and commitment.

To get involved: Reach out to ahmed.allam@uc.edu with your CV and a few sentences about your background and goals.