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Research Opportunities

The University of Houston's Geosensing Systems Engineering & Sciences graduate research program and the National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping, funded by the National Science Foundation, have funding available for multiple Ph.D. students. We are looking for qualified candidates who are interested in the following research themes:

  • Geodetic measurements of crustal deformation, land subsidence, or other geophysical or biophysical processes using GNSS, InSAR, lidar, and other remote sensing techniques
  • Machine learning, big data processing, and multi-temporal time-series analysis for applications using SAR, lidar, and electro-optical remote sensing
  • Assessing and simulating impacts of reservoir operation and climate change on downstream inundation and sediment transport using satellite remote sensing and modeling
  • Development of precision measurement techniques for seafloor geodesy applications in marine and coastal environments.

Students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, geomatics, geosciences, physics, astronomy, computer sciences, or geology interested in the GSES program are encouraged to inquire by filling out the Graduate Student Openings Form. Prospective students may be required to provide appropriate GRE scores (GRE and TOEFL scores for international students) for admission to the GSES graduate program. Funding is available for start dates in both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. The deadline for admission for the Fall semester is February 1st, and the Spring deadline is September 1st. The application process and forms can be found on the University of Houston Civil & Environmental Engineering department website.

Openings

We invite interested students to reach out to us by filling out the Graduate Student Openings Form.

 

Undergraduate Opportunities

2026 Geodesy-Focused Summer Undergraduate Research Program/Fellowship

A 10-week paid program ($4,000 stipend) for STEM undergraduates to obtain practical experience conducting research in the fields of Geodesy and Geosensing Systems Engineering. Students will support GSES faculty, graduate students, and staff in research projects, while also participating in the UH SURF program weekly seminar.

Key aspect of the program / Important things to know:

  • Duration of internship is from June 1–August 7
  • Participants are expected to dedicate 35 hours per week to the program
  • Each intern will have a faculty mentor and will work closely with graduate students
  • Most research activities will be conducted on-site, when working with lab equipment and geospatial datasets
  • Final deliverable is a PowerPoint or poster presentation, depending on student/mentor interest
  • Skills gained: geospatial analysis, lidar data processing, programing (Python and GIS tools), geodesy and remote sensing, introduction to machine learning, research methodology, presentation and technical communication skills
  • Interns are expected to virtually attend one weekly SURF seminar
  • Workdays are from Monday to Friday, with flexibility

To apply, complete this form: Undergraduate Summer Research Application. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

(Please note: application form will ask for your research interest and research motivation.)