Graduate Students
In general: Students interested in pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. graduate research with our group should email me to inquire about current funding opportunities. Please include your CV and a short description of your research interests.
Current Specific Openings: I have a PhD opening in my lab to work on a newly funded project that will investigate flocculation dynamics in estuarine boundary layers. The project is being conducted in collaboration with a team of researchers from the University of Delaware that includes Tom Hsu, Kelsey Fall, and others. The work is funded by the National Science Foundation and involves field work in the Delaware River Estuary and laboratory experiments at Virginia Tech. I’m looking for candidates with a strong interest in fluid-particle dynamics in natural settings, an ability and willingness to work with their hands, and solid analytic capabilities (basic mechanics background and ability to code). Students with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Civil Engineering, Geosciences, Oceanography, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, and related fields are all welcome to apply. I’m looking to have the new student start in the Fall 2026 semester at the latest.
Undergraduate Students
Virginia Tech undergraduate students who are interested in finding out more about the lab and research opportunities that exist should contact me by email or talk with me after class.
Application Process
Students who are interested in working with our group for their M.S. or Ph.D. need to apply to the Environmental and Water Resources Engineering graduate program in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department. A link to the application page can be found in the top right corner of the departmental home page (www.cee.vt.edu). Additional information regarding the application process and requirements can be found on the Prospective Graduate Students page. Limited funding is available through teaching and research assistantships on a competitive basis. Ideal candidates will have an interest in exploring fluid mechanics and sediment transport through laboratory, field, and numerical experiments. Interested B.S. and M.S. students with backgrounds in civil engineering, physics, geosciences, ocean sciences, or mechanical engineering are all welcome to apply. In the application, indicate that you would like to work with Kyle Strom. Interested students may first contact me via email to inquire about potential openings. If you do so, please send me your CV and a note regarding your research background and interests. However, if you contact me by email, please note that I cannot tell you whether or not you will be accepted if you formally apply.
Postdoctoral Associate
I currently do not have any funded openings for postdoctoral associates.
Competitively funded positions are available through Virginia Tech’s Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowships program. It is likely that proposal ideas broadly in line with our research thrust will fall under “The Security Frontier” within the broader Research Frontiers Track. Details pertaining to eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and proposal requirements and formats can be found on the main fellowship page – Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowships. If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please send me an email outlining your background (with a CV attached) and the details pertaining to your research idea for the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship.