Opportunities
We study combustion and fire phenomena using experimental and analytical techniques. A strong background in heat transfer, combustion, fluid mechanics and related fields is desired, although strong skills in one particular area has often been complementary in our lab. Most of the experiments in our laboratory are smaller scale, however we collaborate with the US Forest Service, IBHS, and others to perform larger-scale experiments. Some projects heavily emphasize numerical simulation, in particular to model Wildland-Urban Interface Fires, too. The goal of our work is to understand the underlying physical phenomena and then to apply that knowledge to practical problems.
Berkeley Undergraduates
We look for interested undergraduate students to perform research at the start of each semester and in March-April for summer research. During the semester we ask for a 10+ hour commitment per week your first semester or 30+ hours in the summer. Research is often on a volunteer basis or for credit. Students who have previously worked in the lab during the semester may sometimes be able to find limited paid summer research opportunities. If interested please fill out this form and ALSO email Prof. Gollner with your name, year, CV, and interests.
The goal of undergraduate research is to expose students to the research experience and provide training. In return you often assist graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with their experiments. After a semester there are opportunities to change projects and gain more scientific independence. We have had many students contribute to research eventually becoming co-authors on published articles after a summer and semester of research. Note a time commitment is necessary to make this work and coursework and your personal wellbeing must still come first!
Postdoctoral Scholars
We do not currently have any postdoctoral scholar opportunities at this time. We occasionally have openings in the area of wildfire simulations and modeling, laboratory, or field experiments.
Fellowship recipients are often welcome with their own funding sources so long as research interests align. The UC Presidents Postdoctoral Program is one opportunity. The current program offers postdoctoral research fellowships, professional development and faculty mentoring to outstanding scholars in all fields whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity at UC.
PhD Students
Prof. Gollner takes students through the Mechanical Engineering department. Positions are highly competitive and applications for Fall admission are due late December every year. Read about the admissions process here.
If you are interested in our research and applying to the PhD program please alert Prof. Gollner with your name, CV, and most of all why you are interested by the application deadline. This will help him pull your file during the admissions process! Many fellowships are available to strong incoming candidates and research support is almost always guaranteed by Prof Gollner before admission.
Note it is very difficult to support international candidates due to additional tuition and fees.
Candidates should already have a B.S. or M.S. degree in Mechanical, Fire, Chemical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
MS Students
The Department of Mechanical Engineering will not offer a standard Master of Science terminal degree option any more. Students who are interested in a terminal master’s program may wish to consider our Master of Engineering Program.
Visitors
We often have several international visitors in the lab. Typically PhD students and faculty. We welcome funded visitors with a strong technical background, closely aligned research interests, and an acceptable level of communication in English. There are NO funded visitor positions. Visits should be for at least 6 months, preferably 1 year so that there is adequate time to train and contribute to a research project.
With visa requirements, initial interest must be expressed at least 6 months in advance and a formal application to the university 4 months in advance. To start send Prof. Gollner an email with your CV, research interests, desire to visit, and planned funding source. Note all visitors are required to pay a non-negotiable $2500 university fee