Join us!
2026 Application cycle update: The group is fairly saturated with PhD students at this time, and we are highly unlikely to accept any PhD applicants for the 2026 admissions cycle (i.e., for applications submitted fall 2025 for a fall 2026 start). It may be possible that exceptions can be made for students with backgrounds that are in excellent alignment with the group AND who have external funding (or a strong possibility of getting external funding) to support their studies (e.g., NSF GRFP). If you think this describes you, feel free to reach out.
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The McBride Lab was launched in January 2024 at the University of Pennsylvania within the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). The group has students at all levels from undergraduate to PhD to postdoctoral fellows! PhD applications to SEAS are typically due on December 15th, and you can find information about applying to the MEAM PhD program here.
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Students with skill sets in environmental chemistry, interfacial engineering, nanofabrication, and fluid mechanics with backgrounds in environmental, chemical, or mechanical engineering may be well-matched to the group's research. However, more important than your background or existing skills is your commitment to sustainability research, your curiosity, your creativity, and your persistence.
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We work hard to actively cultivate an environment that is collaborative, diverse, welcoming, and inclusive. All group members will be expected to uphold these ideals and contribute to a positive group culture, without exception.
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Please feel free to reach out to Professor McBride to inquire about open positions and for information on applying to any of the programs at SEAS. If you are inquiring about PhD openings, please attach your CV and write a short description of your research interests. Transcripts, recommendation letters, and other attachments are not required. If you want to learn more about what I look for in PhD candidates, please click here.
sammcb@seas.upenn.edu
Specific Opportunities
There are no specific opportunities at this time.
Application Resources
Regardless of whether you are applying to UPenn to work in my lab or applying to other positions, there are a few best practices that may be helpful to know. Here are some resources:
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How to reach out to professors: https://sites.google.com/view/apply-academic-positions/graduate-student
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Johns Hopkins database of graduate funding opportunities: https://research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-opportunities/graduate
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A Reddit guide to applying to engineering graduate programs: https://www.reddit.com/r/gradadmissions/comments/d2hrqr/the_ultimate_guide_to_applying_to_engineering/
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Penn SEAS guide to applications: https://gradadm.seas.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/