Dr. Zhao (a former PhD Graduate and Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Geomechanics Group) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and is looking to expand his research group with talented individuals in various fields of Geological Engineering. The research opportunity will involve close collaboration with Professor Giovanni Grasselli’s group at the University of Toronto, and include a student exchange program from PolyU to Toronto, Canada.

Dr. Zhao’s research interests range from In situ and operando experiments under CT to machine learning, non-destructive testing and characterization methods in the fields of seismic signal and CT image analysis, acoustic emission, and ultrasonic tomography. This is in addition to employing the hybrid finite-discrete element method (FDEM) to better understand, evaluate, and verify fault/joint surface roughness and frictional behavior.

Through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) you get the chance to pursue a post-secondary PhD program in Hong Kong’s universities. The HKPFS is open for anyone and everyone in the fields of Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology.