Open Positions and Collaborations

The Cellular Biomechanics and Sports Science Laboratory at Villanova University has a fully-funded PhD position available to conduct research on bio-inspired super-lubrication. The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background in fluid mechanics. The research project will involve experimental and theoretical investigation of fluid flow in a functionalized soft porous media. Financial support for tuition and stipend will be provided.

Dr. Wu actively collaborates with scientists in different research areas and applies his expertise in fluid mechanics to a large varieties of problems. His current collaborations include working with:

1. Villanova University’s Dr. Sridhar Santhanam and Dr. Chandra “Sandy” Sehgal from the Department of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania to examine pulsatile flow in large blood vessels and flow-mediated dilation
2. Dr. Feroze Mohamed from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Dr. Andrew Newberg from the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health to examine concussive brain injury using MRI
3. Dr. Liyun Wang from the University of Delaware to examine the ultrastructure and permeability of biological systems, e. g., skeleton muscles, intervertebral discs and bone lacunae-canaliculi system
4. Villanova University’s Dr. Gang Feng to examine the multiscale transport phenomena in a nano-porous media
5. Dr. Li-Zhu Wu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences to examine fluid flow in a functionalized supramolecular porous media
6. Villanova University’s Dr. James W. Wilson to examine the normal force mechanotransduction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
7. Dr. Huidan Whitney Yu from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis to examine patient-specific hemodynamics of renal arterial systems
8. Villanova University’s Dr. C. Nataraj, Drs. Mannes, Guion, Nguyen, Shah, and Rajah from NIH, and Dr. Asare from Bucknell University, to develop a system for semi-automated management of blood loss during surgery. Dr. Wu’s previous collaboration with Dr. Nataraj on the hydrodynamics of unmanned surface vehicles was supported by the Office of Naval Research.
9. Dr. Bo Li from Villanova University on fluid-controlled nano-manufacturing and its applications to drug delivery
10. Dr. Rungun Nathan from Penn State Berks on various projects that involve experimentation and instrumentation.