Are you ready to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in urban and regional planning using cutting-edge computational tools? The Urban Agility and Resilience Lab in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) at the University of Florida is seeking talented and motivated PhD students to join our team!
We are part of a STEM-designated PhD program housed within the College of Design, Construction and Planning. With a track record of producing outstanding alumni, we are looking for the next generation of most competitive scholars and innovators.
What are we looking for? Qualified candidates should have:
• A strong foundation in urban/data analytics, statistics, computer/data science, GIS, engineering, or a related analytical field.
• A passion for applying advanced computational approaches to address real-world urban and regional planning challenges.
•Proficiency in Python and/or R (required).
• Multi-/interdisciplinary backgrounds and an interest in exploring the intersection of data science/AI and human-built environment systems (preferred).
Research Focus Areas: Successful candidates will work on innovative projects that analyze, model, simulate, and visualize human and built environment interactions across spatial and temporal scales. Key focus areas include:
•Generative Deep Learning Models for Spatial Regeneration Planning.
•Descriptive, Comparative, and Predictive Urban Analytics (e.g., big spatial, semantic, and visual data).
•Resilience of Integrated Human and Built Environment Systems to Extreme Events.
•Crisis Informatics (e.g., information integrity, misinformation, risk communication).
•Community Health and Climate Change.
Why Join Us?
• Work in highly innovative, multidisciplinary lab and institutional environments that value both research independence and collaborative teamwork.
• Phased and structured mentorship starting with early-stage coaching and transitioning to advanced guidance from Dr. Yan Wang, your committee, and the lab’s senior members.
• Our program includes a robust PhD education plan tailored to support your academic and professional growth (Learn more:https://dcp.ufl.edu/academics/phd8/).
• Be part of a growing and vibrant AI research environment at a top-tier university (UF: R01; #7 among Top Public Schools and #30 among National Universities by U.S. News, and the #1 public university according to Wall Street Journal in 2024).
• Our URP department is home to one of the nation’s strongest graduate planning programs, with the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program ranked in the top 25. Additionally, we offer innovative graduate programs in urban analytics: https://dcp.ufl.edu/urp/
How to Apply?
To express your interest in joining the Lab as a PhD student, please email your CV and a Letter of Intent to Dr. Wang(yanw@ufl.edu) with “ Doctoral Research Openings” in the title of the email. Candidates must also apply to the University of Floridato be considered as prospective members of the Lab. Self- motivated, creative, resilient, and highly competitive individuals with excellent oral and written communication skills are highly welcomed to join my research Lab!
For prospective Fall 2025 PhD applicants, it’s not too late to apply! Dr. Yan Wang will begin interviewing qualified candidates starting in earlyJanuary 2025. We encourage interested applicants to submit their materials soon to ensure consideration. We look forward to learning more about your interests and aspirations.
