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Cai group, a.k.a. Extreme Materials Lab, in Materials Science and Engineering Department at Virginia Tech is an interdisciplinary research group at the interface of materials science, tribology, and corrosion. We explore the processing-structure-property relationships in structural metals and materials using experiments, analytical theory, and computer simulations. Our current research focuses on understanding the deformation and corrosion of materials under extreme conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to, high strain rates, irradiation, corrosive environment, high surface friction, cyclic loading, high temperatures, etc. 

PhD Student Opening – Fall 2027

We are seeking highly motivated PhD students to join our research group in Materials Science and Engineering starting in Fall 2027. Applicants with backgrounds in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or other related fields are encouraged to apply.

We are especially interested in students who are curious, motivated, and excited to work at the intersection of materials synthesis and characterization, extreme environment testing, multiphysics modeling, and AI-guided design and discovery of advanced materials and coatings.

Interested students are encouraged to get in touch and apply.