Research topic
Research Description
Particle-laden flows are ubiquitous in numerous systems such as energy processes and blood flows. Unfortunately, such flows are incredibly complex and manifest persistent instabilities in flow properties spanning a wide range of spatiotemporal scales. To this end, this postdoctoral project is proposed to develop a state-of-the-art multiscale computational modeling framework to predict the details of multiphase flow and transport phenomena. The goal of this project is to model the microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic particle-laden flows and transport process, and to develop an efficient numerical modeling framework to pave the way for an integrated multiscale flow and transport model. During my postdoctoral stay, I will use these advanced tools to perform simulations and to generate large data sets of particle-laden flows. During my PhD study in Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), I have acquired an experience in computational modeling of particle-laden flows and have developed a data-driven modeling method. Once the model is established, it will be used for rapid prediction and optimization of energy processes and blood flows problems.
Why did you decide to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at UBC? Did you consider other opportunities?
UBC is a world-famous university that has advanced research facilities, and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE) has a long history that achieves a worldwide reputation. There are many famous professors who are working in the ChBE. Also, I benefit from the rich and invigorating educational and research environment provided by UBC. These advantages will allow me to work in ideal conditions. I see my postdoctoral project at UBC as the next step in my journey towards an academic career and I am excited by the prospect of applying my skills to solve new problems. Due to this, I finally chose the UBC.
What specifically attracted you to your research group?
My supervisor, Prof. Wachs is a member of the Complex Fluid lab at UBC which is one of the major complex fluids groups worldwide and has specializes in multiscale modeling and parallel computations of multiphase flows. I have gained experience in numerical modeling and data-driven modeling of particle-laden flows. It is a good match between my supervisor and me, and has a potential to expand my PhD study to address cutting-edge issues in energy processes and blood flow-related applications. I believe these advantages will significantly increase the success of this project and will consolidate the leadership of UBC in multiscale modeling of energy processes and blood flows.
What advice do you have for new postdoctoral fellows?
I would advise students to choose a postdoctoral project that is built on your prior knowledge of PhD study, and to find a good match between a supervisor and you. Find someone who can help expand your prior PhD study to address cutting-edge problems. The most important thing is to follow your heart and your interest.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your postdoctoral fellowship?
I am excited by the prospect of applying my skills to solve new problems and having the chance to expand my prior SJTU study. This will further trigger my passion for scientific discovery and my thirst for knowledge.
What does receiving this award mean for your career?
I see this postdoctoral project at UBC as the next step in my journey towards an academic career. When I complete the fellowship training, the knowledge and skills I will have acquired at UBC will provide me with the skillset I need to apply to an academic position as a principal investigator in a research institute or University.
What do you think the next step in your career will be?
My next step is to try to acquire an academic position as a research associate or a principal investigator in a top research institute or University.