Personal Web Page

Dr. Peng (Patrick) Sun

Assistant Professor

Room: Engr II 402
Phone: (407) 823-1206
E-mail: Peng.Sun@ucf.edu

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, May 2017
Rice University, Houston, Texas

M.S. in Structural/Earthquake Engineering, June 2012
Southeast University, Nanjing, China

B.S. in Civil Engineering, June 2009
Southeast University, Nanjing, China

ACADEMIC TRAINING

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Intelligent Systems and Smart Cities, 2017-2020
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

RESEARCH AREAS

  • Quantifying human activity using deep learning-based computer vision technologies
  • Sensing and analyzing social dynamics in both public open spaces and in-door built environment
  • Characterization and development of strain sensors for civil infrastructures using nanomaterials
  • Designing MEMS-based thin-film sensors to measure structural response, human health, and activity-related responses
  • UAV-satellite based remote sensing techniques for the built environment and natural environment
  • Photogrammetric computer vision for structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation

TEACHING

CGN 3501C Civil Engineering Materials
(Fall 2020 and 2021)
EGN 3331 Mechanics of Materials
(Spring 2021 and 2022)

Two Ph.D. Fellowship/Research Assistantship on Smart Cities

Dr. Patrick Sun’s Resilient Infrastructure Sensing and Evaluation (RISE) laboratory in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF at Orlando, http://www.cece.ucf.edu/) is looking for two motivated Ph.D. students starting in Fall 2022.  Two Ph.D. positions with full financial support are available immediately (e.g., fellowship and Research Assistantships). We encourage applications from highly self-motivated students with a solid background in one of the realms: (1) sensor development and integration for smart cities (e.g., IoT, energy harvesting, sensor fusion, thin-film sensor), (2) photogrammetry, image/signal processing, or data science (e.g., photogrammetric computer vision with coding experience in python or C++, machine learning), (3) UAV-based or UAV-satellite synergic remote sensing for built/natural environment (e.g., LiDAR, thermal, multispectral imaging, etc).  We seek strong applicants with rich hands-on experience in experiments. Applicants with EE/CS or ME/CE backgrounds are preferred. Applicants with a strong interest in applying these tools to tackle research problems in smart infrastructures and smart cities. Interviews will be offered immediately if applicants have matched backgrounds.

Successful candidates will conduct thesis research in one or more of the following areas:

  • Characterization and integration of sensing system for IoT and smart cities applications
  • UAV-satellite based remote sensing techniques for the built environment and natural environment
  • Photogrammetric computer vision for structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation

To express your interest in joining the group, please email your CV and a short cover letter (with “Prospective Ph.D. students” subject) to Dr. Patrick Sun  (email: peng.sun@ucf.edu, website: www.cece.ucf.edu/sun and www.patrick-sun.com).  Decisions will be made soon once applicants have strong and matched backgrounds. Applications for research interns and visiting scholars/students are also welcome.