The Leverage Lab, directed by Dr. DeLean Tolbert Smith, is expanding its Engineering Education Research team and invites applications from highly motivated and well-prepared students seeking to pursue a full-time Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) beginning Fall 2026. The lab is committed to advancing research that Co-Creates Inclusive Futures in STEM through the integration of Design, Equity, and Everyday Learning. This funded doctoral opportunity is ideal for aspiring scholars passionate about interdisciplinary inquiry at the intersections of engineering learning, human-centered design, equity-oriented research, and education innovation. About the Leverage Lab The Leverage Lab focuses on understanding and designing equitable, culturally relevant, and community-grounded engineering learning experiences. Its research centers on improving access, broadening participation, and supporting identity development in STEM across formal and informal environments. Students in the lab work on projects that integrate engineering concepts with qualitative, multimodal, human-centered, and data-driven methodologies to advance engineering education as a scholarly discipline. Research Areas One fully funded Ph.D. position is available in the following ongoing areas of inquiry: Multimodal Analysis and Machine Learning for Engineering Education ResearchApplying computational and data-driven techniques—including machine learning, natural language processing, and multimodal learning analytics—to enrich and expand engineering education research methods. Community-Engaged Research in Informal Engineering Learning SpacesCollaborating with families, community organizations, and youth programs to investigate everyday engineering practices and create inclusive pathways into STEM. Teaching and Learning in Human-Centered Engineering DesignInvestigating how learners conceptualize, practice, and develop engineering design skills through reflective, participatory, and culturally responsive pedagogies. Equitable and Culturally Relevant Engineering Learning Experience DesignDesigning learning opportunities that honor students’ lived experiences, cultural knowledge, and community assets while strengthening engineering identity and belonging. Research Concentration Options Students may choose one of the three ISE research concentration areas and apply their disciplinary training to engineering education research challenges: Decision Science and Operations ResearchModelling decision-making processes, optimization methods, and analytical frameworks relevant to engineering learning systems, program design, and educational data. Human Factors and ErgonomicsExamining human-centered design, cognition, and behavior within engineering learning environments to improve accessibility, usability, and learner performance. Integrated Design and ManufacturingExploring engineering design processes, prototyping practices, and maker-centered learning as foundations for engineering education innovations. Each track prepares students to conduct interdisciplinary, high-impact research addressing questions about how people learn, design, collaborate, and participate in engineering across diverse contexts. Applicant Qualifications Highly competitive applicants will demonstrate: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, STEM education, computer science, or a closely related field A minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale Strong preparation in mathematics and programming Evidence of research potential, curiosity, persistence, and commitment to equity-oriented scholarship Motivation to engage in interdisciplinary engineering education research and contribute to collaborative lab projects Funding Package All admitted doctoral students receive a fully funded 5-year Ph.D. position, including: Full tuition coverage A competitive monthly stipend Comprehensive health insurance Opportunities to serve as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) Support for conference travel, professional development, and additional research activities This funding structure enables Ph.D. students to devote full-time effort to their academic, research, and professional growth. About the Ph.D. Program and UM-Dearborn The Industrial and Systems Engineering Ph.D. is offered through the Rackham Graduate School of the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, but the program is located and administered at UM-Dearborn, a diverse, student-centered campus committed to academic excellence and community impact. The program adheres to the rigorous academic standards set by Rackham for: Admissions Registration and enrollment Coursework and research requirements Dissertation evaluation and degree completion Academic policies and administrative procedures Students benefit from access to the University of Michigan’s extensive research ecosystem—including faculty expertise, research centers, interdisciplinary collaborations, and professional development infrastructure—while enjoying the close mentorship and community-focused environment at UM-Dearborn. How to Connect Prospective students interested in joining the Leverage Lab or learning more about the ISE Ph.D. program may contact:Email: LeverageLab@umich.eduAdditional program information is available at: https://umdearborn.edu/RackhamPhD-ISE DOWNLOAD THE CALL FOR APPLICATION HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding University. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible University directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.