CIRO Lab at the University of South FloridaResearch opportunities at the CIRO Lab
CIROComputational Intelligence for Robotics & Orbital Dynamics
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Join CIRO

Opportunities to learn, contribute, and collaborate.

CIRO welcomes motivated students and collaborators with strong foundations in mathematics, engineering, programming, and a deep curiosity for space systems.

Preparation

Build the foundations for meaningful research.

Students should have a strong background in calculus and differential equations, physics and dynamics, and programming in MATLAB or Python appropriate to their academic level. Knowledge of aerospace engineering, astrodynamics or orbital mechanics, and controls is preferred.

Recommended preparation includes Orbital Mechanics, Space Mission Design and Planning, Space Systems, Space Propulsion and Transportation Systems, Stability & Control, and Motion Planning and Control. Students are strongly encouraged to take a course taught by Prof. D’Ambrosio.

01

Graduate research assistant

Subject to available funding, CIRO may offer fully funded Ph.D. positions. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. D’Ambrosio via email to inquire about current openings and eligibility. When a position is available, candidates should provide the following supporting documents by email:

  1. Curriculum vitae (CV).
  2. Motivation letter.
  3. A brief research statement highlighting the candidate’s research interests and how they align with research carried out at the CIRO Lab.
  4. Professional references and their contact information.
  5. Degree transcripts.
02

Undergraduate research assistant

USF undergraduates are welcome to inquire about openings and should provide a CV, motivation letter, and academic transcript.

03

Visiting student, collaborator, or researcher

CIRO welcomes visiting students, collaborators, and researchers. If you are interested in joining the group for a research visit or through an exchange program, first review the laboratory’s main research areas and expertise. Then contact Dr. D’Ambrosio via email to express your interest, verify availability, and identify potential research topics.

Please include your CV, academic transcript, and a tentative research plan describing the work you propose to carry out during the visit.

More information about international student services and exchange programs is available through USF World.

04

Observer

Students exploring CIRO’s research may attend laboratory meetings and selected hands-on activities to gain exposure and bridge background gaps.

Funding pathways

External fellowship opportunities

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to assess their eligibility for external fellowships before admission.

  • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
  • Department of Defense NDSEG Fellowship
  • Department of Defense SMART Scholarship
  • NASA Space Grant, NSTGRO, and FINESST programs
  • Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
  • Hertz Fellowship
  • Fulbright Scholarships for non-US citizens

Applicants from outside USF who wish to work with CIRO should explicitly identify Prof. D’Ambrosio in their application to the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Ph.D. program.

Discuss current availability →