Hello! I encourage you to explore our  Research Themes  and recent Publications to get a feel for the work we do. Our focus is on the biomechanics and energetics of fish locomotion, and I'm eager to mentor students who bring both creativity and enthusiasm to our team. We'll collaborate to develop a research plan that aligns with your interests and goals. 

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Additional insights into our lab environment:
 

• Our projects often involve extensive analysis of 3D data of fish movement. Enthusiasm for your project and keenness to develop strong quantitative skills are essential for thriving in our lab.

• We place a high value on equity and diversity. Our research is enhanced by a range of perspectives and experiences, and we're aware of the disparities in early research opportunities.

• Our lab culture is supportive and enjoyable. We prioritize kindness and teamwork and maintain a strict policy against any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying.

 

If this environment resonates with you, please feel free to reach out!

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***Open positions for the academic year cycle 24-25***

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PhD and Master's Students:

 

For the 2024-25 application cycle, our lab is actively seeking students to join us in exploring the biomechanics of underwater walking and schooling behavior in fishes. These areas represent the core focus of our current research, and as such, I am unlikely to admit graduate students with interests outside of these topics.

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We welcome applications from students with a strong interest in fish biomechanics, including those with backgrounds in physics or engineering, and experience in mathematical modeling or experimental research. Prior experience in biomechanics is beneficial for prospective PhD students, but not essential.

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If you're interested in applying, please email Dr. Di Santo at |first initial|lastname| 'at'  ucsd.edu with the following as a single pdf:

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• A brief overview of your research interests and how they align with the lab’s focus.

• A summary of your background in biomechanics and relevant research experience.

• A CV that includes professional references, your GPA, and GRE scores (if applicable).

• Indicate whether you are eligible to apply for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (deadline mid-October). I encourage all eligible students to apply and am happy to discuss research ideas or review drafts of your application.​

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For information on the application process and deadlines for UCSD’s graduate programs (deadline: December 1), please visit: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/doctoral/program-areas/marine-biology-mb.

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Postdoctoral Researchers:

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For the 2024-25 cycle, our lab is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to join our interdisciplinary project on the biomechanics and energetics of underwater walking in fishes. This project is funded by the Human Frontiers Science Program and involves collaborations with researchers at the University of Chicago (USA) and the University of Cambridge (UK).

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The postdoc will focus on two primary research areas:

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• Experimental work investigating the biomechanics and energetics of benthic fish walking across different environmental conditions.

• Assessing how variations in fin morphology affect walking mechanics across species.

 

This position offers the opportunity to integrate approaches from physiology, biomechanics, and engineering to better understand the evolution of underwater walking.

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We are looking for candidates with a strong background in biomechanics, particularly those with experience in experimental biomechanics, fluid mechanics, or energetics of locomotion. Prior experience in one of these fields is required.

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If you're interested, please email Dr. Di Santo at |first initial|lastname| 'at' ucsd.edu,  with the following as a single pdf:

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• A brief overview of your research interests and how they align with the lab’s focus.

• A summary of your background in biomechanics or related fields and any relevant research experience.

• A CV that includes your professional references and a list of publications.

• One or two representative publications.

 

This is a full-time position, initially for one year with the possibility of extension based on progress. The start date is negotiable, preferably in January 2025.

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