phd research topics for engineering

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The field of Materials Science & Engineering is evolving dramatically as we enter the 21st Century. What began as the study of metals and ceramics in the 1960s has broadened in recent years to include semiconductors and soft materials. With this evolution and broadening of the discipline, current research projects span multiple materials classes and build on expertise in many different fields. As a result, current research in Materials Science and Engineering is increasingly defined by materials systems rather than materials classes.

At Cornell, the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MS&E) has adopted this new systems-based vision of the field by defining four strategic areas which are considered to be critical for today’s emerging research. The four strategic research areas are Energy Production and Storage, Electronics and Photonics, Bioinspired Materials and Systems, and Green Technologies.

Materials Science & Engineering is an exciting and vibrant interdisciplinary research field. Cornell MS&E draws upon its world-class faculty, innovative researchers, state-of-the-art facilities and highly collaborative research environment to respond to challenging technological and societal demands both in the present and the future.

Energy Production and Storage

Energy research will prove to be the most prosperous growth area for the department, the College and the University. The inevitability of an energy crisis and global climate change has intensified efforts in alternative energy research around the world. The excitement building around this sector is reminiscent of the early years of the information technology revolution. Among the many possible sources of alternative energy, the following areas are particularly aligned with the current materials research at Cornell as they play to our existing strengths:  photocatalysis, photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, phononics, batteries  and  supercapacitors .

Relevant Research Areas: 

• Energy Systems
• Advanced Materials Processing
• Materials Synthesis and Processing
• Nanotechnology
• Nonlinear Dynamics
• Polymers and Soft Matter
• Semiconductor Physics and Devices

Electronics & Photonics

The use of semiconductor devices and circuits will continue to play a major role in modern life. Therefore electronics and photonics are considered premier growth areas. As feature sizes decrease, incremental research based on current methods and materials is unlikely to enable Moore's Law to continue. New materials and processing techniques are needed. Advances in nanoscale fabrication have led to recent advances in this field. We have targeted the following areas: oxide semiconductors, 3D integration, materials beyond silicon, high K and low K dielectrics, plasmonics, spintronics, and multiferroics.

• Computational Mechanics
• Computational Solid Mechanics
• Condensed Matter and Material Science
• Surface Science

Bioinspired Materials and Systems

Scientists and engineers are increasingly turning to nature for inspiration. The solutions arrived at by natural selection are often a good starting point in the search for answers to scientific and technical problems. Designing and building bioinspired devices or systems can tell us more about the original animal or plant model. The following areas are particularly aligned with the current materials research at Cornell:  bioinspired composites, engineered protein films for adhesion, lubrication and sensing applications , molecular tools for in-vitro and in-vivo imaging (C-Dots, FRET), as well as biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
• Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation
• Biotechnology
• Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine
• Mechanics of Biological Materials
• Nanobio Applications

Green Technologies

The 21st century has been called the "century of the environment." Neither governments nor individual citizens can any longer assume that social challenges such as pollution, dwindling natural resources and climate change can be set aside for future generations. Strategies for clean and sustainable communities need to be established now, community by community. A dawning era of creativity and innovation in "green technology" (also known as "clean technology") is bringing the promise of a healthier planet (as well as the prospect of growing businesses) that can sustain its health.  We have targeted green composites and new systems for CO2 capture and conversion as areas of future growth .

Electrical Engineering PhD

The Electrical Engineering PhD program studies systems that sense, analyze, and interact with the world. You will learn how this practice is based on fundamental science and mathematics, creating opportunities for both theoretical and experimental research. Electrical engineers invent devices for sensing and actuation, designing physical substrates for computation, creating algorithms for analysis and control, and expanding the theory of information processing. You will get to choose from a wide range of research areas such as circuits and VLSI, computer engineering and architecture, robotics and control, and signal processing.

Electrical engineers at SEAS are pursuing work on integrated circuits for cellular biotechnology, millimeter-scale robots, and the optimization of smart power groups. Examples of projects current and past students have worked on include developing methods to trace methane emissions and improving models for hurricane predictions.

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PhD in Electrical Engineering Degree

Harvard School of Engineering offers a  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)  degree in Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering , conferred through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Prospective students apply through the Harvard Griffin GSAS. In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select " PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering ​."

The Electrical Engineering program does not offer an independent Masters Degree.

Electrical Engineering PhD Career Paths

Graduates of the program have gone on to a range of careers in industry in companies such as Tesla, Microsoft HoloLens, and IBM. Others have positions in academia at the University of Maryland, University of Michigan, and University of Colorado.

Admissions & Academic Requirements

Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering​." Please review the  admissions requirements and other information  before applying. Our website also provides  admissions guidance ,   program-specific requirements , and a  PhD program academic timeline .

Academic Background

Applicants typically have bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. In the application for admission, select “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your degree program choice and your degree and area of interest from the “Area of Study“ drop-down. PhD applicants must complete the Supplemental SEAS Application Form as part of the online application process.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted

Electrical Engineering Faculty & Research Areas

View a list of our electrical engineering  faculty  and electrical engineering  affiliated research areas , Please note that faculty members listed as “Affiliates" or "Lecturers" cannot serve as the primary research advisor.  

Electrical Engineering Centers & Initiatives

View a list of the research  centers & initiatives  at SEAS and the  electrical engineering faculty engagement with these entities .

Graduate Student Clubs

Graduate student clubs and organizations bring students together to share topics of mutual interest. These clubs often serve as an important adjunct to course work by sponsoring social events and lectures. Graduate student clubs are supported by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin School of Arts and Sciences. Explore the list of active clubs and organizations .

Funding and Scholarship

Learn more about financial support for PhD students.

• How to Apply

Learn more about how to apply  or review frequently asked questions for prospective graduate students.

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Latest PhD Research Projects

We undertake interdisciplinary, world-leading research across the full spectrum of Earth Science and Engineering.

We encourage all prospective students to contact the primary project supervisor or the alternative contact person for more information and an informal chat to discuss the process of applying and preparing your research statement.

Our research – both pure and applied – covers a broad range of subjects, from studying past climate in Antarctica to developing innovative means of capturing and storing carbon from our atmosphere, modelling environmental pollution and hazards, characterising the myriad flows of our oceans, and revealing the history of life on both our own planet and others. Our work is split across three sections, Earth and Planets, Natural Resources Geoscience and Engineering and Computational Geoscience and Engineering, and covers seven main Research Themes – as shown below.

We collaborate with industry partners from the mineral and energy sectors, and participate in cross-disciplinary and cross-departmental Research Centres such as the Grantham Institute , the Energy Futures Lab , and the Sustainable Gas Institute .

Explore our PhD projects by topic

Departmental PhD projects and scholarships are currently available in the following research areas:

• climate and environment;
• computational modelling;
• data science;
• energy and resources;
• geohazards and tectonics;
• life and health; and
• planetary science.

PhD Projects by Topic

Climate and environment

Characterising Earth’s ever-changing environment in terms of its chemistry, physics, biology and more

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Computational modelling

Developing advanced numerical methods, models, and computational techniques for prediction and monitoring

Data science

Developing pioneering research on fundamental data science and machine learning for real world applications

Energy and resources

Researching the sustainable extraction and production of low-carbon energy, energy storage and decarbonisation

Geohazards and tectonics

Understanding natural hazards from cause to consequence, including tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanism, landslides, and impacts

Life and health

Deciphering the geological record to reveal the history of life, and addressing key issues facing our modern lives

Planetary science

Studying the planets and solid bodies of the Solar System – and beyond

All projects

Full list of PhD projects currently available within the Department of Earth Science and Engineering

• How to Choose a PhD Research Topic
• Finding a PhD

Introduction

Whilst there are plenty of resources available to help prospective PhD students find doctoral programmes, deciding on a research topic is a process students often find more difficult.

Some advertised PhD programmes have predefined titles, so the exact topic is decided already. Generally, these programmes exist mainly in STEM, though other fields also have them. Funded projects are more likely to have defined titles, and structured aims and objectives.

Self funded projects, and those in fields such as arts and humanities, are less likely to have defined titles. The flexibility of topic selection means more scope exists for applicants to propose research ideas and suit the topic of research to their interests.

A middle ground also exists where Universities advertise funded PhD programmes in subjects without a defined scope, for example: “PhD Studentship in Biomechanics”. The applicant can then liaise with the project supervisor to choose a particular title such as “A study of fatigue and impact resistance of biodegradable knee implants”.

If a predefined programme is not right for you, then you need to propose your own research topic. There are several factors to consider when choosing a good research topic, which will be outlined in this article.

How to Choose a Research Topic

Our first piece of advice is to PhD candidates is to stop thinking about ‘finding’ a research topic, as it is unlikely that you will. Instead, think about developing a research topic (from research and conversations with advisors).

Consider several ideas and critically appraise them:

• You must be able to explain to others why your chosen topic is worth studying.
• You must be genuinely interested in the subject area.
• You must be competent and equipped to answer the research question.
• You must set achievable and measurable aims and objectives.
• You need to be able to achieve your objectives within a given timeframe.
• Your research question must be original and contribute to the field of study.

We have outlined the key considerations you should use when developing possible topics. We explore these below:

Focus on your interests and career aspirations

It is important to choose a topic of research that you are genuinely interested in. The decision you make will shape the rest of your career. Remember, a full-time programme lasts 3-4 years, and there will be unforeseen challenges during this time. If you are not passionate about the study, you will struggle to find motivation during these difficult periods.

You should also look to your academic and professional background. If there are any modules you undertook as part of your Undergraduate/Master degree that you particularly enjoyed or excelled in? These could form part of your PhD research topic. Similarly, if you have professional work experience, this could lead to you asking questions which can only be answered through research.

When deciding on a PhD research topic you should always consider your long-term career aspirations. For example, as a physicist, if you wish to become an astrophysicist, a research project studying black holes would be more relevant to you than a research project studying nuclear fission.

Read dissertations and published journals

Reading dissertations and published journals is a great way to identify potential PhD topics. When reviewing existing research ask yourself:

• What has been done and what do existing results show?
• What did previous projects involve (e.g. lab-work or fieldwork)?
• How often are papers published in the field?
• Are your research ideas original?
• Is there value in your research question?
• Could I expand on or put my own spin on this research?

Reading dissertations will also give you an insight into the practical aspects of doctoral study, such as what methodology the author used, how much data analysis was required and how was information presented.

You can also think of this process as a miniature literature review . You are searching for gaps in knowledge and developing a PhD project to address them. Focus on recent publications (e.g. in the last five years). In particular, the literature review of recent publications will give an excellent summary of the state of existing knowledge, and what research questions remain unanswered.

If you have the opportunity to attend an academic conference, go for it! This is often an excellent way to find out current theories in the industry and the research direction. This knowledge could reveal a possible research idea or topic for further study.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Discuss research topic ideas with a PhD supervisor

Discuss your research topic ideas with a supervisor. This could be your current undergraduate/masters supervisor, or potential supervisors of advertised PhD programmes at different institutions. Come to these meetings prepared with initial PhD topic ideas, and your findings from reading published journals. PhD supervisors will be more receptive to your ideas if you can demonstrate you have thought about them and are committed to your research.

You should discuss your research interests, what you have found through reading publications, and what you are proposing to research. Supervisors who have expertise in your chosen field will have insight into the gaps in knowledge that exist, what is being done to address them, and if there is any overlap between your proposed research ideas and ongoing research projects.

Talking to an expert in the field can shape your research topic to something more tangible, which has clear aims and objectives. It can also find potential shortfalls of your PhD ideas.

It is important to remember, however, that although it is good to develop your research topic based on feedback, you should not let the supervisor decide a topic for you. An interesting topic for a supervisor may not be interesting to you, and a supervisor is more likely to advise on a topic title which lends itself to a career in academia.

Another tip is to talk to a PhD student or researcher who is involved in a similar research project. Alternatively, you can usually find a relevant research group within your University to talk to. They can explain in more detail their experiences and suggest what your PhD programme could involve with respect to daily routines and challenges.

Look at advertised PhD Programmes

Use our Search tool , or look on University PhD listing pages to identify advertised PhD programmes for ideas.

• What kind of PhD research topics are available?
• Are these similar to your ideas?
• Are you interested in any of these topics?
• What do these programmes entail?

The popularity of similar PhD programmes to your proposed topic is a good indicator that universities see value in the research area. The final bullet point is perhaps the most valuable takeaway from looking at advertised listings. Review what similar programmes involve, and whether this is something you would like to do. If so, a similar research topic would allow you to do this.

Writing a Research Proposal

As part of the PhD application process , you may be asked to summarise your proposed research topic in a research proposal. This is a document which summarises your intended research and will include the title of your proposed project, an Abstract, Background and Rationale, Research Aims and Objectives, Research Methodology, Timetable, and a Bibliography. If you are required to submit this document then read our guidance on how to write a research proposal for your PhD application.

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How to Find the Perfect Research Topic for Your Mechanical Engineering PhD Project?

Embarking on a Mechanical Engineering PhD project is an exciting and challenging endeavor that requires careful consideration and selection of a research topic. Choosing the perfect research topic is a crucial step that sets the foundation for the entire project, shaping its direction and determining its significance. This blog aims to provide valuable insights and guidance on how to find the perfect research topic for your Mechanical Engineering PhD project. By exploring various strategies, considerations, and resources, aspiring researchers can embark on a fulfilling and impactful research journey, contributing to the advancement of the field and leaving a lasting mark on their academic and professional endeavors.

Finding the perfect research topic for your Mechanical Engineering PhD project requires careful consideration and exploration. Here are some strategies to help you in this process:

1. Stay updated with current trends: Read scientific journals, attend conferences, and engage with the latest research in mechanical engineering. Keeping up with the current trends and advancements in the field will give you insights into the areas that are gaining importance and need further exploration.

2. Consult with your advisor/professors: Seek guidance from your advisor or other knowledgeable professors in your department. Discuss your interests and potential research areas with them. They can provide valuable insights, suggest relevant literature, and help you identify research gaps that can be explored in your PhD project.

3. Brainstorm and conduct preliminary research: Conduct a brainstorming session where you generate a list of potential research topics based on your interests. Then, conduct preliminary research to assess the feasibility and availability of resources for each topic. This will help you evaluate the practicality and viability of different research directions.

4. Narrow down your research focus: Analyze the potential topics from your list and identify the ones that align with your research goals, feasibility, and available resources. Consider the novelty, relevance, and potential impact of each topic. It's crucial to choose a topic that allows you to make a significant contribution to the field.

5. Consider interdisciplinary approaches: Mechanical engineering often intersects with other disciplines such as materials science, robotics, thermodynamics, and biomedical engineering. Explore opportunities for interdisciplinary research to broaden your scope and find innovative research topics.

6. Collaborate with industry or research institutions: Collaborating with industry or research institutions can provide valuable insights into real-world problems and help you identify research topics that have practical applications. Such collaborations may also offer access to resources, funding, and specialized equipment.

7. Network and discuss with peers: Engage with fellow PhD students, researchers, and professionals in the field of mechanical engineering. Participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences to meet and discuss ideas with like-minded individuals. These interactions can provide fresh perspectives and lead to potential research collaborations or ideas.

8. Conduct a literature review: Perform a comprehensive literature review on potential research topics to understand the existing body of knowledge, identify research gaps, and refine your research questions. This will ensure that your research is unique and contributes to the existing knowledge.

9. Prioritize your research goals: Finally, consider your long-term career goals and the impact you want to make in the field of mechanical engineering. Choose a research topic that aligns with your aspirations and allows you to gain expertise in a specific area, which can be beneficial for your future career prospects.

Basic thermodynamics is a fundamental aspect of mechanical engineering that deals with studying energy and its transformations. It encompasses principles such as the laws of thermodynamics, properties of matter, and heat transfer. Exploring research topics related to basic thermodynamics can provide a solid foundation for your PhD project. You can delve into areas such as energy conservation, entropy generation, thermodynamic cycles, and the behaviour of gases and fluids. Investigating the optimization of energy systems, heat transfer enhancement techniques, or the development of novel energy storage technologies are just a few examples of potential research directions within basic thermodynamics.

Considerations  

When searching for the perfect research topic for your Mechanical Engineering PhD project, it's important to consider several key factors. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Significance and relevance: Choose a research topic that addresses a significant problem or research gap in the field of mechanical engineering. Consider the potential impact of your research on theory, practice, and real-world applications. Ensure that your topic aligns with current industry needs and societal challenges.

2. Feasibility and available resources: Assess the feasibility of your research topic in terms of time, resources, and expertise. Consider the availability of necessary equipment, facilities, and funding. It's important to choose a topic that can be realistically completed within the timeframe of your PhD program.

3. Research scope and novelty: Evaluate the scope of your research topic. Determine whether it is broad enough to provide substantial content for a PhD project, but not so broad that it becomes unmanageable. Aim for a topic that allows you to make a unique contribution to the existing knowledge base, either by addressing a research gap or by applying existing knowledge in a novel way.

4. Interdisciplinary opportunities: Explore interdisciplinary aspects within mechanical engineering or related fields. Consider how your research can benefit from collaboration with other disciplines such as materials science, robotics, computer science, or biomedical engineering. Interdisciplinary research can open up new possibilities and increase the impact of your work.

5. Potential for publications and future career prospects: Consider the potential for publishing your research findings in reputable scientific journals and conferences. Look for a topic that offers opportunities for disseminating your work and enhancing your academic profile. Additionally, evaluate how your chosen research topic aligns with your long-term career goals and aspirations within academia, industry, or other professional domains.

6. Advisor and department expertise: Choosing a topic that aligns with their areas of expertise can provide valuable guidance, support, and collaboration opportunities throughout your PhD project.

7. Ethical considerations: Ensure that your research topic adheres to ethical guidelines and regulations. Consider any potential ethical implications or risks associated with your research, such as human subject research, animal testing, or environmental impact. Seek guidance from your advisor and institutional review boards to ensure your research is conducted ethically.

8. Intellectual property and commercialization potential: Evaluate whether your research topic has the potential for intellectual property creation or commercialization. Consider if there are opportunities for patenting inventions, developing prototypes, or partnering with industry for technology transfer. This aspect can enhance the practical value of your research and its potential for wider impact.

When searching for resources to find the perfect research topic for your Mechanical Engineering PhD project, consider the following:

1. Academic Journals : Some well-known journals in mechanical engineering include the Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, ASME Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, and the Journal of Applied Mechanics.

2. Conferences and Proceedings: The conferences, symposiums, and workshops provide opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research, network with experts in the field, and gain insights into emerging research areas and challenges. Conference proceedings often include many research topics and can inspire new ideas.

3. Research Databases: IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar allow you to search for academic papers, conference proceedings, and technical reports related to mechanical engineering. Use keywords and filters to narrow down your search and find relevant literature on various research topics.

4. Professional Associations and Societies: Join professional associations and societies in mechanical engineering, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). These organizations often provide access to resources, publications, and research insights specific to the field. Additionally, they may offer networking opportunities and specialized interest groups that focus on specific research areas.

5. Institutional Resources: University libraries, research centers, and departmental websites often provide access to databases, journals, and research publications. Consult with librarians or research support staff who can assist you in finding relevant resources for your research topic exploration.

6. Research Funding Agencies: Research funding agencies and programs which support mechanical engineering research often publish calls for proposals, highlighting priority research areas and topics. By aligning your research topic with these funding opportunities, you can increase the chances of securing financial support for your PhD project.

7. Collaboration with Industry: Collaborating with industry professionals, companies, and research organizations in mechanical engineering can provide insights into real-world challenges and foster mutually beneficial research partnerships. Industry partners may also suggest research topics that align with their needs or offer access to specialized equipment and resources.

8. Online Research Communities: Platforms such as ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn allow you to connect with researchers, exchange ideas, and explore potential research topics. Engaging in discussions and seeking feedback can help you refine your research interests.

9. Consult with Experts and Advisors: Seek guidance from your PhD advisor, professors, and experts in the field. Discuss your research interests, goals, and potential research topics with them. They can provide valuable insights, suggest relevant literature, and share their expertise to help you identify suitable research areas.

10. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: By collaborating with researchers from other disciplines, you can explore novel research topics that combine mechanical engineering with other fields such as materials science, computer science, or biomedical engineering.

Engineering thermodynamics expands upon the principles of basic thermodynamics and focuses on their practical application in engineering systems. This field of study involves the analysis and design of thermal systems and processes. When searching for a research topic in engineering thermodynamics, you can explore areas like power generation, refrigeration and air conditioning, combustion, and energy conversion. Investigating advanced thermodynamic cycles, improving energy efficiency in industrial processes, optimizing renewable energy systems, or developing novel cooling techniques are all viable research directions within engineering thermodynamics. By addressing real-world engineering challenges, your PhD project can contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient energy systems, providing valuable insights and solutions to industry and society as a whole.

In conclusion, finding the perfect research topic for your Mechanical Engineering PhD project is a critical and exciting process that requires careful consideration and exploration. By following a systematic approach and considering various factors, you can identify a research topic that aligns with your interests, has significance in the field, and offers opportunities for impactful contributions. 

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Stanford’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) works in four major research areas: computational engineering, design, sustainability, and human health. Our research philosophy is simple: Push the limits of the possible — the ultra-efficient and most sustainable, the fully autonomous and super-controlled, the bioinspired and maximally enduring.

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How To Find A High-Quality Research Topic

6 steps to find & evaluate high-quality dissertation/thesis topics.

By: Caroline Osella (PhD, BA)  and Derek Jansen (MBA) | July 2019

So, you’re finally nearing the end of your degree and it’s now time to find a suitable topic for your dissertation or thesis. Or perhaps you’re just starting out on your PhD research proposal and need to find a suitable area of research for your application proposal.

In this post, we’ll provide a straightforward 6-step process that you can follow to ensure you arrive at a high-quality research topic . Follow these steps and you will formulate a well-suited, well-defined core research question .

There’s a helpful clue already: your research ‘topic’ is best understood as a research question or a problem . Your aim is not to create an encyclopedia entry into your field, but rather to shed light on an acknowledged issue that’s being debated (or needs to be). Think research  questions , not research  topics  (we’ll come back to this later).

Overview: How To Find A Research Topic

• Get an understanding of the research process
• Review previous dissertations from your university
• Review the academic literature to start the ideation process
• Identify your potential research questions (topics) and shortlist
• Narrow down, then evaluate your research topic shortlist
• Make the decision (and stick with it!)

Step 1: Understand the research process

It may sound horribly obvious, but it’s an extremely common mistake – students skip past the fundamentals straight to the ideation phase (and then pay dearly for it).

Start by looking at whatever handouts and instructions you’ve been given regarding what your university/department expects of a dissertation. For example, the course handbook, online information and verbal in-class instructions. I know it’s tempting to just dive into the ideation process, but it’s essential to start with the prescribed material first.

There are two important reasons for this:

First , you need to have a basic understanding of the research process , research methodologies , fieldwork options and analysis methods before you start the ideation process, or you will simply not be equipped to think about your own research adequately. If you don’t understand the basics of  quantitative , qualitative and mixed methods BEFORE you start ideating, you’re wasting your time.

Second , your university/department will have specific requirements for your research – for example, requirements in terms of topic originality, word count, data requirements, ethical adherence , methodology, etc. If you are not aware of these from the outset, you will again end up wasting a lot of time on irrelevant ideas/topics.

So, the most important first step is to get your head around both the basics of research (especially methodologies), as well as your institution’s specific requirements . Don’t give in to the temptation to jump ahead before you do this. As a starting point, be sure to check out our free dissertation course.

Step 2: Review past dissertations/theses

Unless you’re undertaking a completely new course, there will be many, many students who have gone through the research process before and have produced successful dissertations, which you can use to orient yourself. This is hugely beneficial – imagine being able to see previous students’ assignments and essays when you were doing your coursework!

Take a look at some well-graded (65% and above) past dissertations from your course (ideally more recent ones, as university requirements may change over time). These are usually available in the university’s online library. Past dissertations will act as a helpful model for all kinds of things, from how long a bibliography needs to be, to what a good literature review looks like, through to what kinds of methods you can use – and how to leverage them to support your argument.

As you peruse past dissertations, ask yourself the following questions:

• What kinds of topics did these dissertations cover and how did they turn the topic into questions?
• How broad or narrow were the topics?
• How original were the topics? Were they truly groundbreaking or just a localised twist on well-established theory?
• How well justified were the topics? Did they seem important or just nice to know?
• How much literature did they draw on as a theoretical base? Was the literature more academic or applied in nature?
• What kinds of research methods did they use and what data did they draw on?
• How did they analyse that data and bring it into the discussion of the academic literature?
• Which of the dissertations are most readable to you – why? How were they presented?
• Can you see why these dissertations were successful? Can you relate what they’ve done back to the university’s instructions/brief?

Seeing a variety of dissertations (at least 5, ideally in your area of interest) will also help you understand whether your university has very rigid expectations in terms of structure and format , or whether they expect and allow variety in the number of chapters, chapter headings, order of content, style of presentation and so on.

Some departments accept graphic novels; some are willing to grade free-flow continental-philosophy style arguments; some want a highly rigid, standardised structure.  Many offer a dissertation template , with information on how marks are split between sections. Check right away whether you have been given one of those templates – and if you do, then use it and don’t try to deviate or reinvent the wheel.

Step 3: Review the academic literature

Now that you (1) understand the research process, (2) understand your university’s specific requirements for your dissertation or thesis, and (3) have a feel for what a good dissertation looks like, you can start the ideation process. This is done by reviewing the current literature and looking for opportunities to add something original to the academic conversation.

Kick start the ideation process

So, where should you start your literature hunt? The best starting point is to get back to your modules. Look at your coursework and the assignments you did. Using your coursework is the best theoretical base, as you are assured that (1) the literature is of a high enough calibre for your university and (2) the topics are relevant to your specific course.

Start by identifying the modules that interested you the most and that you understood well (i.e. earned good marks for). What were your strongest assignments, essays or reports? Which areas within these were particularly interesting to you? For example, within a marketing module, you may have found consumer decision making or organisation trust to be interesting. Create a shortlist of those areas that you were both interested in and academically strong at. It’s no use picking an area that does not genuinely interest you – you’ll run out of motivation if you’re not excited by a topic.

Understand the current state of knowledge

Once you’ve done that, you need to get an understanding of the current state of the literature for your chosen interest areas. What you’re aiming to understand is this: what is the academic conversation here and what critical questions are yet unanswered? These unanswered questions are prime opportunities for a unique, meaningful research topic . A quick review of the literature on your favourite topics will help you understand this.

Grab your reading list from the relevant section of the modules, or simply enter the topics into Google Scholar . Skim-read 3-5 journal articles from the past 5 years which have at least 5 citations each (Google Scholar or a citations index will show you how many citations any given article has – i.e., how many other people have referred to it in their own bibliography). Also, check to see if your discipline has an ‘annual review’ type of journal, which gathers together surveys of the state of knowledge on a chosen topic. This can be a great tool for fast-tracking your understanding of the current state of the knowledge in any given area.

Start from your course’s reading list and work outwards. At the end of every journal article, you’ll find a reference list. Scan this reference list for more relevant articles and read those. Then repeat the process (known as snowballing) until you’ve built up a base of 20-30 quality articles per area of interest.

Absorb, don’t hunt

At this stage, your objective is to read and understand the current state of the theory for your area(s) of interest – you don’t need to be in topic-hunting mode yet. Don’t jump the gun and try to identify research topics before you are well familiarised with the literature.

As you read, try to understand what kinds of questions people are asking and how they are trying to answer them. What matters do the researchers agree on, and more importantly, what are they in disagreement about? Disagreements are prime research territory. Can you identify different ‘schools of thought’ or different ‘approaches’? Do you know what your own approach or slant is? What kinds of articles appeal to you and which ones bore you or leave you feeling like you’ve not really grasped them? Which ones interest you and point towards directions you’d like to research and know more about?

Once you understand the fundamental fact that academic knowledge is a conversation, things get easier.

Think of it like a party. There are groups of people in the room, enjoying conversations about various things. Which group do you want to join?  You don’t want to be that person in the corner, talking to themself. And you don’t want to be the hanger-on, laughing at the big-shot’s jokes and repeating everything they say.

Do you want to join a large group and try to make a small contribution to what’s going on, or are you drawn to a smaller group that’s having a more niche conversation, but where you feel you might more easily find something original to contribute? How many conversations can you identify? Which ones feel closer to you and more attractive? Which ones repel you or leave you cold? Are there some that, frankly, you just don’t understand?

Now, choose a couple of groups who are discussing something you feel interested in and where you feel like you might want to contribute. You want to make your entry into this group by asking a question – a question that will make the other people in the group turn around and look at you, listen to you, and think, “That’s interesting”.

Your dissertation will be the process of setting that question and then trying to find at least a partial answer to that question – but don’t worry about that now.  Right now, you need to work out what conversations are going on, whether any of them are related or overlapping, and which ones you might be able to walk into. I’ll explain how you find that question in the next step.

Need a helping hand?

Step 4: Identify potential research questions

Now that you have a decent understanding of the state of the literature in your area(s) of interest, it’s time to start developing your list of possible research topics. There are (at least) three approaches you can follow here, and they are not mutually exclusive:

Approach 1: Leverage the FRIN

Towards the end of most quality journal articles, you will find a section labelled “ further research ” or something similar. Generally, researchers will clearly outline where they feel further research is needed (FRIN), following on from their own research. So, essentially, every journal article presents you with a list of potential research opportunities.

Of course, only a handful of these will be both practical and of interest to you, so it’s not a quick-fix solution to finding a research topic. However, the benefit of going this route is that you will be able to find a genuinely original and meaningful research topic (which is particularly important for PhD-level research).

The upside to this approach is originality, but the downside is that you might not find something that really interests you , or that you have the means to execute. If you do go this route, make sure that you pay attention to the journal article dates, as the FRIN may already have been “solved” by other researchers if the article is old.

Approach 2: Put a context-based spin on an existing topic

The second option is to consider whether a theory which is already well established is relevant within a local or industry-specific context. For example, a theory about the antecedents (drivers) of trust is very well established, but there may be unique or uniquely important drivers within a specific national context or industry (for example, within the financial services industry in an emerging market).

If that industry or national context has not yet been covered by researchers and there is a good reason to believe there may be meaningful differences within that context, then you have an opportunity to take a unique angle on well-established theory, which can make for a great piece of research. It is however imperative that you have a good reason to believe that the existing theory may not be wholly relevant within your chosen context, or your research will not be justified.

The upside to this approach is that you can potentially find a topic that is “closer to home” and more relevant and interesting to you , while still being able to draw on a well-established body of theory. However, the downside is that this approach will likely not produce the level of originality as approach #1.

Approach 3: Uncensored brainstorming

The third option is to skip the FRIN, as well as the local/industry-specific angle and simply engage in a freeform brainstorming or mind-mapping session, using your newfound knowledge of the theory to formulate potential research ideas. What’s important here is that you do not censor yourself . However crazy, unfeasible, or plain stupid your topic appears – write it down. All that matters right now is that you are interested in this thing.

Next, try to turn the topic(s) into a question or problem. For example:

• What is the relationship between X, Y & Z?
• What are the drivers/antecedents of X?
• What are the outcomes of Y?
• What are the key success factors for Z?

Re-word your list of topics or issues into a list of questions .  You might find at this stage that one research topic throws up three questions (which then become sub-topics and even new separate topics in their own right) and in so doing, the list grows. Let it. Don’t hold back or try to start evaluating your ideas yet – just let them flow onto paper.

Once you’ve got a few topics and questions on paper, check the literature again to see whether any of these have been covered by the existing research. Since you came up with these from scratch, there is a possibility that your original literature search did not cover them, so it’s important to revisit that phase to ensure that you’re familiar with the relevant literature for each idea. You may also then find that approach #1 and #2 can be used to build on these ideas.

Try use all three approaches

As mentioned earlier, the three approaches discussed here are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the more, the merrier. Hopefully, you manage to utilise all three, as this will give you the best odds of producing a rich list of ideas, which you can then narrow down and evaluate, which is the next step.

Step 5: Narrow down, then evaluate

By this stage, you should have a healthy list of research topics. Step away from the ideation and thinking for a few days, clear your mind. The key is to get some distance from your ideas, so that you can sit down with your list and review it with a more objective view. The unbridled ideation phase is over and now it’s time to take a reality check .

Look at your list and see if any options can be crossed off right away .  Maybe you don’t want to do that topic anymore. Maybe the topic turned out to be too broad and threw up 20 hard to answer questions. Maybe all the literature you found about it was 30 years old and you suspect it might not be a very engaging contemporary issue . Maybe this topic is so over-researched that you’ll struggle to find anything fresh to say. Also, after stepping back, it’s quite common to notice that 2 or 3 of your topics are really the same one, the same question, which you’ve written down in slightly different ways. You can try to amalgamate these into one succinct topic.

Narrow down to the top 5, then evaluate

Now, take your streamlined list and narrow it down to the ‘top 5’ that interest you the most. Personal interest is your key evaluation criterion at this stage. Got your ‘top 5’?  Great!  Now, with a cool head and your best analytical mind engaged, go systematically through each option and evaluate them against the following criteria:

Research questions – what is the main research question, and what are the supporting sub-questions? It’s critically important that you can define these questions clearly and concisely. If you cannot do this, it means you haven’t thought the topic through sufficiently.

Originality – is the topic sufficiently original, as per your university’s originality requirements? Are you able to add something unique to the existing conversation? As mentioned earlier, originality can come in many forms, and it doesn’t mean that you need to find a completely new, cutting-edge topic. However, your university’s requirements should guide your decision-making here.

Importance – is the topic of real significance, or is it just a “nice to know”? If it’s significant, why? Who will benefit from finding the answer to your desired questions and how will they benefit? Justifying your research will be a key requirement for your research proposal , so it’s really important to develop a convincing argument here.

Literature – is there a contemporary (current) body of academic literature around this issue? Is there enough literature for you to base your investigation on, but not too much that the topic is “overdone”? Will you be able to navigate this literature or is it overwhelming?

Data requirements – What kind of data would you need access to in order to answer your key questions?  Would you need to adopt a qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods approach to answer your questions? At this stage, you don’t need to be able to map out your exact research design, but you should be able to articulate how you would approach it in high-level terms. Will you use qual, quant or mixed methods? Why?

Feasibility – How feasible would it be to gather the data that would be needed in the time-frame that you have – and do you have the will power and the skills to do it? If you’re not confident with the theory, you don’t want something that’s going to draw you into a debate about the relative importance of epistemology and ontology. If you are shy, you won’t want to be doing ethnographic interviews. If you feel this question calls for a 100-person survey, do you have the time to plan, organise and conduct it and then analyse it? What will you do if you don’t get the response rate you expect? Be very realistic here and also ask advice from your supervisor and other experts – poor response rates are extremely common and can derail even the best research projects.

Personal attraction – On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about this topic? Will addressing it add value to your life and/or career? Will undertaking the project help you build a skill you’ve previously wanted to work on (for example, interview skills, statistical analysis skills, software skills, etc.)?

The last point is particularly important. You will have to engage with your dissertation in a very sustained and deep way, face challenges and difficulties, and get it to completion. If you don’t start out enthusiastic about it, you’re setting yourself up for problems like ‘writer’s block’ or ‘burnout’ down the line. This is the reason personal interest was the sole evaluation criterion when we chose the top 5. So, don’t underestimate the importance of personal attraction to a topic – at the same time, don’t let personal attraction lead you to choose a topic that is not relevant to your course or feasible given your resources. 

Narrow down to 3, then get human feedback

We’re almost at the finishing line. The next step is to narrow down to 2 or 3 shortlisted topics. No more!  Write a short paragraph about each topic, addressing the following:

Firstly,  WHAT will this study be about? Frame the topic as a question or a problem. Write it as a dissertation title. No more than two clauses and no more than 15 words. Less than 15 is better (go back to good journal articles for inspiration on appropriate title styles).

Secondly, WHY this is interesting (original) and important – as proven by existing academic literature? Are people talking about this and is there an acknowledged problem, debate or gap in the literature?

Lastly,  HOW do you plan to answer the question? What sub-questions will you use? What methods does this call for and how competent and confident are you in those methods? Do you have the time to gather the data this calls for?

Show the shortlist and accompanying paragraphs to a couple of your peers from your course and also to an expert or two if at all possible (you’re welcome to reach out to us ), explaining what you will investigate, why this is original and important and how you will go about investigating it. 

Once you’ve pitched your ideas, ask for the following thoughts :

• Which is most interesting and appealing to them?
• Why do they feel this way?
• What problems do they foresee with the execution of the research?

Take advice and feedback and sit on it for another day. Let it simmer in your mind overnight before you make the final decision.  

Step 6: Make the decision (and stick with it!)

Then, make the commitment. Choose the one that you feel most confident about, having now considered both your opinion and the feedback from others.

Once you’ve made a decision, don’t doubt your judgement, don’t shift.  Don’t be tempted by the ones you left behind. You’ve planned and thought things through, checked feasibility and now you can start.  You have your research topic. Trust your own decision-making process and stick with it now. It’s time to get started on your research proposal!

Let’s recap…

In this post, I’ve proposed a straightforward 6-step plan to finding relevant research topic ideas and then narrowing them down to finally choose one winner. To recap:

• Understand the basics of academic research, as well as your university’s specific requirements for a dissertation, thesis or research project.
• Review previous dissertations for your course to get an idea of both topics and structure.
• Start the ideation process by familiarising yourself with the literature.
• Identify your potential research questions (topics).
• Narrow down your options, then evaluate systematically.
• Make your decision (and don’t look back!)

If you follow these steps, you’ll find that they also set you up for what’s coming next – both the proposal and the first three chapters of your dissertation. But that’s for future posts!

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

24 Comments

I would love to get a topic under teachers performance. I am a student of MSC Monitoring and Evaluations and I need a topic in the line of monitoring and evaluations

I just we put for some full notes that are payable

Thank you very much Dr Caroline

I need a project topics on transfer of learning

I would like to get a simple and direct research topic in integrated water resources management ( water quality and innovative water treatment technologies)

m a PhD Student I would like to be assisted inn formulating a title around: Internet of Things for online education in higher education – STEM (Science, technology, engineering and Mathematics, digital divide ) Thank you, would appreciate your guidance

Well structured guide on the topic… Good materials for beginners in research writing…

Hello Iam kindly seeking for help in formulating a researchable topic for masters degree program in line with teaching GRAPHIC ART

I read a thesis about a problem in a particular. Can I use the same topic just referring to my own country? Is that being original? The interview questions will mostly be the same as the other thesis.

Hi, thanks I managed to listen to the video so helpful indeed. I am currently an MBA student looking for a specific topic and I have different ideas that not sure they can be turned to be a study.

I am doing a Master of Theology in Pastoral Care and Counselling and I felt like doing research on Spiritual problem cause by substance abuse among Youth. Can I get help to formulate the Thesis Title in line with it…please

Hello, I am kindly seeking help in formulating a researchable topic for a National diploma program

As a beginner in research, I am very grateful for this well-structured material on research writing.

Hello, I watched the video and its very helpful. I’m a student in Nursing (degree). May you please help me with any research problems (in Namibian society or Nursing) that need to be evaluate or solved?

I have been greatly impacted. Thank you.

more than useful… there will be no justification if someone fails to get a topic for his thesis

I watched the video and its really helpful.

How can i started discovery

Analysing the significance of Integrated reporting in Zimbabwe. A case of institutional investors. this is my topic for PHD Accounting sciences need help with research questions

Excellent session that cleared lots of doubts.

Excellent session that cleared lots of doubts

It was a nice one thank you

Wow, This helped a lot not only with how to find a research topic but inspired me to kick it off from now, I am a final year student of environmental science. And have to complete my project in the coming six months.

I was really stressed and thinking about different topics that I don’t know nothing about and having more than a hundred topics in the baggage, couldn’t make the tradeoff among them, however, reading this scrubbed the fuzzy layer off my head and now it seems like really easy.

Thanks GRADCOACH, you saved me from getting into the rabbit hole.

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Doctoral Program in Industrial & Systems Engineering

PhD Application Deadline DECEMBER 15 View Application Steps

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Funding & resources, usc graduate application, dissertation topics, phd alumni snapshot, research topics database.

Nathan Decker

Anthony Nguyen

Christopher Henson

Industrial & systems engineering doctoral students citizenship, industrial & systems engineering doctoral students age, tour one of our research labs, recent department videos.

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Nathan Decker PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I've received a lot of great advice over the years, (including from my faculty advisor here at USC), but my favorite advice comes from my grandfather, who passed away last year at the age of 100.  He would often remind me to cultivate a heart of gratitude by not taking for granted the small things that God blesses us with each day.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?

During the height of the pandemic, I decided to splurge - and prioritize self-care - by getting a set of adjustable-weight dumbbells, since I couldn't go to the gym.  It took 3 months for them to arrive, but when they finally did, it upped my home-workout game immensely!  I'm also way less likely to skip a workout, since there's no excuse now.

Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.

My research focuses on the application of artificial intelligence to 3D printing.  I try to make printers smarter by enabling them to learn from their past mistakes and leverage diverse sources of sensor data, resulting in parts that are more accurate.  This is important for applications where the part must be functional, which are increasing in frequency as 3D printing becomes more utilized.  I love my research, since it forces me to work across a number of fields and learn a little bit about everything to solve problems.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

Before I realized that I have a passion for engineering, I was a Philosophy major for a year during my undergraduate studies, and really enjoyed the experience.  Had I not come to that realization, I might have tried to pursue a career as a Philosophy professor.

What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?

My love for USC began from a young age!  Sadly, from 1995 (the year I was born) to 2015, Los Angeles lacked an NFL team, meaning that if you wanted to cheer for a football team, USC and UCLA were the only game in town.  Thankfully, my dad chose correctly, and decided that our family would root for USC.  He took me to watch open football practices on campus growing up, where you could meet players and coaches, as well as a good number of games in the Coliseum.  When it came time to decide where I would go to grad school, I could say that it was USC's outstanding reputation, the fantastic resources that my department offers, the amazing Trojan family, or the great fit with my advisor and lab that sealed the deal, but deep down, I think it was the memories with my father that convinced me I couldn't be anywhere else.

If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?

What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?

What's one thing about you that might surprise me?

What are your plans after graduation?

In my career, I hope to continue working on challenging problems and learning from brilliant people, wherever that may be.

Hometown (city, country):

La Mirada, CA

Personal Website (if any):

www.nathanidecker.com

Faculty Advisor:

Prof. Qiang Huang

Anthony Nguyen PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

You can't optimize life. Don't be afraid to pivot and embrace opportunities that present themselves.

Completing my Eagle Scout when I was growing up. This accomplishment helped shape my mindset and gave me the courage and confidence to be ambitious with my goals.

I recently purchased my first set of golf clubs and a new pair of rock climbing shoes. I love spending my free time participating in sports activities.

My research is focused on decision making in healthcare settings. This includes clinical, operational, and policy level decisions. Most of my recent work has been on building infectious disease models for HIV and COVID-19 that incorporate human behavior to help local policymakers make more informed decisions for LA County. What excites me most about this research is the cross disciplinary and collaborative nature of the work as well as the fact that it is directly applicable to the local community.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

If I was not an engineer, I would likely be a physician specialized in either surgery or emergency medicine. I have always been interested in improving patient care and patient quality of life. Engineering allows me to do this at a systemic level. Being a physician enables attaining this goal at a patient level. 

My main reasons for selecting USC were: (1) I had an instant connection with my faculty advisors (2) Being located in Southern California, I knew I would enjoy the environment and lifestyle beyond time spent doing research, and (3) Knowing that USC excels in a wide range of fields, I knew I would be able to engage in interesting cross-disciplinary research. 

(1) Korea Town, Little Tokyo, and other food hubs in LA, (2) San Diego (3) San Francisco.

Department happy hours! It's always great enjoying a drink with your professors, admin, and classmates. 

I try to balance my time between research and playing sports. Even after starting my PhD, I have taken time almost every week to surf, climb, train for races, and now to play golf! A great week is a week when I can manage to do all of these activities.

I plan to go into management consulting with a focus on health related sectors. 

Yorba Linda, California.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ anthonycnguyen/ 

Co-advised by:

• Professor Sze Chuan Suen (ISE)
• Professor Shinyi Wu (Social Work)

Christopher Henson PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

Do all things unto the Lord.

Getting honorable mention in the ASME best student presentation competition for my work on failure detection in additive manufacturing.

I purchased a Le Creuset dutch oven which has been so enjoyable to work with in the kitchen.

I work on quality improvement software for additive manufacturing. I am most excited about the commercial application of research in my field. 

If I were not an engineer I would most likely be working in finance.

The research area was unique among the schools I applied to and was by a wide margin the most exciting and the best fit. I was also excited about the research providing me with relevant expertise to an industry research setting.

Griffith Park/Observatory (at night) the view of the city is incredible. LA Live has great nightlife/food. Grand Central Market is a very neat place to go for good street food and it is in a cool part of down town. Bonus: California Science Center is right across the street from campus and has a lot of great exhibits.

Going to USC football games with friends after stressful weeks.

I love to cook and entertain for guests.

I hope to work for NASA in a research capacity.

Escondido, California.

Qiang Huang

Systems Ph.D.

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Are you looking to take a leadership role within a research group or company division or as a professor? The employment prospects for the graduates of this program, both in academia and industry, are remarkably high as demand for systems experts far outweighs their supply. We expect the graduates of the program to find employment in a variety of fields, including academia, and public, private and governmental agencies specializing in energy, healthcare, defense, aerospace, information technology, policy making, etc. The applicable areas are endless because systems science and engineering are essential to tackle today’s complex global challenges.

Ph.D. in Systems

Accepting applications now for fall 2025 deadline to apply: january 15.

Graduates of the program will find employment in a variety of fields, including academia and public, private and governmental agencies specializing in energy, healthcare, defense, aerospace, information technology, policy making, etc.

Active areas of research

• Multi-agent simulation framework for cooperative observing systems of systems
• Patterns in architectural decisions and fast problem formulation in system architecture
• Extreme weather forecasting using constellations of nanosatellites
• Improved human-computer interaction for design of complex systems
• Integrated materials and process design for carbon capture systems
• Cyber-physical infrastructure and informatics for healthy living in smart cities
• Enhancing the food security through sustainable regional food systems development
• Forecasting evacuation behaviors of coastal communities in response to storm hazard information
• Willingness to improve the resiliency of New York City’s transportation system
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing modeling and control
• Systems design of chemical manufacturing from shale gas

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•    Strongly rooted in Cornell identity         • Rigorous theoretical foundations         • Disciplinary breadth         • Integrative and multi-disciplinary

•    Focused on solving global societal challenges         • Water-food-energy nexus         • Global climate change         • Built environment, infrastructure, transportation, energy, manufacturing  

“This PROGRAM is not ABOUT learning existing techniques. These are people who are going to create the state of the art… And so who do you turn to when appropriate techniques don’t exist for innovating complex systems? That’s a systems Ph.D.” –    Pat Reed, Professor,       Systems Engineering Field Faculty Member

Engineering Dissertation Topics

A dissertation (or a final year project report) is a comprehensive technical report of the research work carried out. A dissertation must present some new, original concepts that lead to further research. The core area of a dissertation consists of a hypothesis (or a research question) upon which an investigation is conducted and, in most cases, inevitably leads to further research. A dissertation must be focused, concise and must address the research topics at every level. Also, along with research, a dissertation is expected to present complete evidence of research work in the form of research methods. Sometimes it’s hard to even know where to start. Herein, many engineering research areas, currently being sought after in the industry and academia, are suggested, including electronics, sensors technology, environmental engineering, supply chain engineering, computer science engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering, to help you start your research.

• Electronics and Communication Dissertation Topics

Sensors Technology Dissertation Topics

Environmental engineering dissertation topics, supply chain engineering dissertation topics, supply chain management dissertation topics, computer science engineering dissertation topics, electrical engineering dissertation topics, civil engineering dissertation topics, management related engineering dissertation topics, electronics and communications dissertation topics.

Over the past decade the rise of electronic communication has been revolutionised; it is the fastest growing technology. There are numerous areas of research in this field; however, the most demanding ones are highlighted below.

• Defining the boundaries of electrical signals for current electronics (communication) systems.
• The limitation of fibre optic communication systems and the possibility of further improving their efficiency.
• Developing the embedded communication system for the national grid to optimise energy usage.
• Improvement of inter-symbol interference in optical communications.
• A study of the various forms of errors and the development of an equalisation technique to reduce the error rates in data.
• Gaussian pulse analysis and the improvement of this pulse to reduce errors.
• Realising the potential of RFID in the improvement of supply chain.
• Radiation in integrated circuits and electronic devices.
• Design of high speed communication circuits that effectively cut down signal noise.
• Spectral sensing research for water monitoring applications and frontier science and technology for chemical, biological and radiological defence.
• Nano-structured membranes for preparative purifications of biopharmaceuticals.

The rise of smart technology has been revolutionising sensor technologies, and there is a high demand to make more efficient and compact sensors. The following topics are a few areas that researchers are currently working in to realise further potentials.

• Design and development of a pressure sensor for a solar thermal panel.
• An investigation into wind speed and direction sensors to optimise the operations of wind turbines.
• Utilising MEMS for profiling airflow around large building structures.
• Development of micro sensors to measure oil flow rate in tanks.
• Development and implementation of micro sensors to study pressure of the blood stream.
• Development of sensors to measure heat generated from solar panels.
• Sensing and controlling the intensity of light in LEDs.
• Research and computational simulation of a natural olfactory biosensor.
• Development of glucose biosensors using nanotechnology.

We are living in the age of technology where the driving force is to reduce the environmental impact of engineering products. Many countries have been undertaking projects supporting the environment and aiming to reduce carbon emissions. The following engineering dissertation topics are of utmost interest for researchers in the industry.

• Analysing the impact of aviation industry on the environment and the potential ways to reduce it.
• The environmental cost of the so called green energy, ‘wind energy’.
• An analysis of factors that hinder the realising of cutting-edge technology for reducing carbon emissions from automobiles.
• Design and development of a system for measuring the carbon index of an energy intensive company.
• Process improvement techniques to identify and remove waste in the automotive industry.
• Process mapping techniques to identify bottle necks for supply chain industry.
• A study of compressor operations on a forging site and mapping operations to identify and remove energy waste.
• Improving processes to reduce kWh usage and reduce inefficiencies.
• Developing a compact device to measure energy use for a household.
• In the forging industry how can changing burners within furnaces help organisations achieve energy efficiency?
• How can gas consumption be reduced and efficiency introduced to reduce kWh usage?
• How can voltage reduction devices help organisations achieve efficiency in electricity usage?
• What are carbon credits and how can organisations generate them?
• There are some organisations that use water excessively, with bills totalling more than £25,000. Identify the main reasons for such water usage and investigate better ways to introduce water efficiency and create savings.
• Identify the ways by which efficient control systems using information systems can be introduced to study the energy usage in a machining factory.
• A project to set up ways to measure natural gas flow ultrasonically and identify waste areas.
• How can water conductivity probes help determine water quality and how can water be reused?

Supply chain plays an important role in the manufacturing business sector. It is important that the supply chain is well supported by efficient methods and processes. Your engineering dissertation topics could be about:

• Highlighting the difference between the supply chain engineering and management for a company to improve output.
• Analysing the key factors in process planning and optimisation of supply chain for a manufacturing company.
• Developing a supply chain template for a small but thriving online business.
• How can organisations achieve success by reducing bottlenecks in supply chain?
• Just-in-time – is it really valid? Measurement of losses within just-in-time process implementation.
• How can process efficiency be introduced to reduce waste within the manufacturing process?
• Supplier relationship is an important factor for the success of just-in-time. How can organisations ensure successful transactions?
• Research to identify efficient logistics operations within a supply chain.
• Research to introduce efficiency within information systems and support timely transfer of knowledge and information.
• The effect of globalisation on supply chain engineering/management for large multi-national companies.
• Research studying the impact of culture on supply chain industries: identification of factors that generate inefficiencies with the supply chain.

Supply chain management involves the administration, management, control and supervision of the movement of goods and services from supplier to manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer and to the end consumer. Supply chain management involves coordinating and integrating these elements using an effective and efficient approach and methodology. Supply chain management is important for businesses to ensure there is minimum waste, drive innovation thereby creating integrated value chains. Supply chain management plays an important and central role in the success of a business. Please find a list of topics on supply chain management that may be useful for your engineering dissertation:

• A detailed investigation into the need and use of dynamic staff to determine and rectify supply chain problems with a specific focus on the construction industry.
• Research into eco-friendly and sustainable practices in supply chain management.
• Research to develop a learning organisation and its impact on supply chain management.
• Research to measure and develop intellectual capital within the supply chain industry.
• A detailed study of innovative forecasting and demand planning strategies for supply chain management
• Research study to create measurements to study the impact of learning organisation on performance measurement in supply chain industry
• Impact of training on knowledge performance index within supply chain industry.
• The behaviour of Carbon index with the implementation of a learning organisation.
• Developing a framework for supply chain management in densely populated urban cities
• Detailed investigation and analysis taking into account supply chain and logistical strategies for perishable goods.
• The influence and impact of emerging e-commerce technologies on supply chain management.

Computer science engineering focuses on the key elements of computer programming and networking with a focus on gaining knowledge of the design, implementation and management of information systems. Information systems play a major role in computer science engineering and an integral component to the successful operations of organisations. The management of information technology systems is a major element for organisations. The following could be used for an engineering dissertation as well as a computing dissertation:

• How can organisations ensure that information system is effectively used to maintain process efficiency?
• How can learning organisations influence the development of information systems?
• The role of risk management in information technology systems of organisations.
• Research to identify and reduce e-waste using information technology strategies and systems.
• Current status and research on E-waste in the United Kingdom
• Development of measurement systems to measure e-waste.
• A detailed review of the role of information technology in improving productivity and transforming organisations.
• An investigation into the use of information technology as a tool for sustained competitive advantage.
• A high-level investigation and detailed review into best practices for the implementation of information technology in modern day organisations.

Electrical engineering is focused on the design, development, testing, supervision and the manufacturing of electrical equipment. Electrical engineers design the electrical systems of automobiles, aircrafts, power generation equipment, communications systems, radar and navigational systems. The design and development of these electrical components are key and central to modern day life. There are several topics within this area that you could research for your electrical engineering dissertation:

• Development of a system to study the efficiency of motors in order to reduce kWh usage
• Setting up of a control system to monitor the process usage of compressors.
• Develop a scheme to normalise compressor output to kWh.
• Research to investigate, develop and introduce schemes to ensure efficient energy consumption by electrical machines.
• Research to study transformer losses and reduce energy loss.
• Research to study metering techniques to control and improve efficiency.
• Research to introduce smart metering concepts to ensure efficient use of electricity.
• Integration of smart metering pulsed outputs with wireless area networks and access real-time data.
• Developing effective strategies and methodical systems for pay as you go charging for electric vehicles
• A detailed review and investigation into the key issues and challenges facing rechargeable lithium batteries
• Trends and challenges in electric vehicles technologies
• Smart charging of electric vehicles on the motorway

The main emphasis of civil engineering in recent times is focused on sustainable development of quality, durable structures that deliver value for money, maximise the benefits from innovation and meets the specifications of the end users. Construction of sustainable houses has been a top priority within civil engineering. The following research topics are being actively undertaken and may be a good area for you to base your research on your own engineering dissertation:

• Development of sustainable homes making use of renewable energy sources.
• The use of sustainable materials for construction: design and delivery methods.
• The role of environmental assessment tools in sustainable construction
• The use of warm mix asphalt in road construction
• Research to study properties of concrete to achieve sustainability.
• Development of waste reduction strategy to achieve sustainable concepts
• High-level review of the barriers and drivers for sustainable buildings in developing countries
• Research to study the impact of sustainability concepts on organisational growth and development.
• Sustainable technologies for the building construction industry
• Building Information Modelling in the construction industry
• Research regarding micromechanics of granular materials.
• Research to study and develop water treatment processes.
• Research to set up remote sensing applications to assist in the development of sustainable construction techniques.
• High-level strategies, best practice guidelines and methodologies for sustainable construction.
• State of the art practice for recycling in the construction industry.
• Key factors and risk factors associated with the construction of high rise buildings.
• An investigation into health and safety in the construction industry.

Engineering management is the application of the practice of management to the practice of engineering. Engineering management integrates problem-solving, engineering, technological developments and advancements in organizational structure, administrative, and planning abilities of management in order to oversee the operational performance of complex engineering driven enterprises. These two topics go hand in hand and support each other quite well. It is important that both sides are well balanced. The following research topics could be useful for your engineering dissertation:

• Steps to conduct management of change to ensure smooth process improvement.
• Research to sustainably manage a project team.
• Research to study the management of engineering projects and various risks involved with them.
• Research to identify process improvement plans to support business strategies.
• Efficient supply chain management to ensure and develop key motivational skills within staff members.
• How leadership can help efficiency within a learning organisation.
• Developing an integrated approach to strategic management in organisations.
• Creating and sustaining competitive advantage in engineering organisations.
• Developing frameworks for sustainable assessments taking into account eco-engineering measures.
• The role of engineers in managing development in emerging countries.

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Environmental Engineering Dissertation Topics

Published by Alvin Nicolas at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

Introduction

A dissertation is a lengthy and formal document that provides arguments to defend a thesis. Essentially, the dissertation aims to show original contributions whilst addressing the research topic/topic. Starting with the hypothesis and/or research questions , the author then performs the research they must base their dissertation on to collect evidence to support his arguments.

Another key objective of dissertation writing is to provide new concepts and ideas that will help further research and development in the chosen area. However, selecting the most appropriate dissertation topic can prove a real challenge for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students.

This post suggests up-to-date and most relevant environmental engineering dissertation topics to kickstart your dissertation. These topics have been developed by PhD-qualified writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

Without further delay, please see below our selection of topics, even though you can choose any from the complete list.

Topic 1: The Role of Environmental Engineering in Urban Flood Management in Karachi, Pakistan

Topic 2: the role of information technology (it) in environmental engineering- a study to find efficacy of internet of things (iot) devices in catalytic conversion in the uk, topic 3: environmental engineering management and artificial intelligence (ai)- an assessment of the present machine learning (ml) and deep learning models for environmental management, topic 4: environmental engineering and industrial waste- a review of novel methods for reducing industrial waste to save human lives in india, topic 5: impact of enhanced anaerobic baffle cum filter reactor on household wastewater treatment in china.

These topics have been developed by PhD-qualified writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics for 2022 here.

2022 Environmental Engineering Research Topics

Research Aim: This research intends to find the role of environmental engineering in urban flood management in Karachi, Pakistan. Firstly, it will review the environmental engineering process for urban governance and its relationship with urban flood control. Secondly, it will show how it is used to manage urban flooding worldwide and practiced in Karachi, Pakistan. Thirdly, it will show its efficacy in Karachi, Pakistan, and identify the possible room for improvement. Lastly, it will recommend improving these areas to enhance environmental engineering to control flooding in the future.

Research Aim: This study aims to find the role of Information Technology (IT) in environmental engineering. It will show how advancements in IT improved environmental engineering management methods in the UK. It will use the case of testing the efficacy of internet of things (IoT) devices in catalytic conversion in the UK. It will find the impact of IoT-based catalytic convertors on the concentration of harmful gases in the atmosphere in the UK.

Research Aim: This research analyzes the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in environmental engineering management. It will assess the present Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning models for environmental management. It will compare and contrast these models to identify maximum efficiency and efficacy models. Moreover, it will show various administrations use these models across the globe to solve multiple environmental problems that come under the umbrella of environmental engineering. Lastly, it will recommend the best models to solve maximum ecological issues in the least developed and developing countries.

Research Aim: The study presents a review of novel methods for reducing industrial waste to save human lives in India. It will show how these methods are developed over time to solve the increasing industrial waste problem in developing countries like India. Moreover, it will compare these methods to find the best ones that can be incorporated into the Indian industries to balance production and environmental waste.

Research Aim: This research finds the impact of enhanced anaerobic baffle cum filter reactor on household wastewater treatment in China. It will show how the introduction of an anaerobic baffle cum filter affected the treated household wastewater quality. Moreover, it will analyze the current practices in China. It will compare them with other major countries such as the US, UK, Japan, etc., to differentiate between different methods with the same technology. Lastly, it will propose changes in the current practices to improve the efficacy of an enhanced anaerobic baffle cum filter reactor.

Covid-19 Environmental Engineering Research Topics

The impacts of covid-19 on environmental engineering.

Research Aim: This study will focus on the impacts of COVID-19 on Environmental Engineering.

The role of Environmental engineers during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will focus on environmental engineers’ role in identifying the factors that affect COVID-19 transmission.

List of Environmental Engineering Dissertation Topics

The following environment engineering dissertation topics may interest the researchers who intend to undertake projects to reduce carbon emissions. It should be noted that the area of environmental engineering has grown tremendously in Europe over the last few years, thanks to the growing need to control the carbon footprint.

• Reconstruction of vehicle trajectories with dynamic macroscopic data
• Design and development of a system for measuring the carbon index of an energy-intensive company
• The water footprint of sugar and sugar-based ethanol
• Process improvement techniques to identify and remove waste in an automotive industry
• The positive and negative impacts of car mobility
• Fresh Water and Bioenergy
• Designing of carbon measurement standards
• How organisations in the fogging industry achieve improved energy efficiency by changing burners within furnaces
• To study the characteristics of industrial effluents, sewage, and water of river Yamuna at Agra.
• A Survey of Heavy Metals Concentration In Biosolids of Sewage Treatment Plant
• Improving processes to reduce electricity usage and reduce the system inefficiencies
• Study and Comparative Analysis of Ecofriendly Wastewater Recycling Plants
• To study the Ash generation and Its Utilization.
• Study of Air Pollution Control and Its monitoring at Thermal Power Plant
• Bio-Medical Waste Management: A Case Study
• Determining water quality with the help of water conductivity probes
• Study of energy usage in a machining factory with the help of efficient control using the Information Technology
• Plastic Waste Quantification, characterization, and its management in the UK
• Treatment of Coloured Effluent through HRTS System in Integrated pulp and paper industry
• Physico Chemical Analysis and assessment of drinking water supplied.
• Industrial wastewater recycling
• Third World and First World Environmental Issues
• Hazardous Waste Management: A case study
• Environmental Impact of Cement Industry: A case study
• An Analytical Study of Physico Chemical Study of Characteristics of Groundwater
• Development of Regression Model for Water Quality Assessment in the Delhi stretch of River Yamuna

In addition to the dissertation topics listed above, our dissertation writers can suggest even more environmental engineering dissertation topics to precisely suit the needs of your subject and area of research and help you achieve the grade you need.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Important Notes:

As a student of environmental engineering looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment on existing environmental engineering theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The field of environmental engineering is vast and interrelated with so many other academic disciplines. That is why creating an environmental engineering dissertation topic that is specific, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field is imperative.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation , as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best environmental engineering dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample environmental engineering dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Environmental Engineering Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to link the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : This should be completed following your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

About ResearchProspect Ltd

ResearchProspect is a  UK based academic writing service  that provides help with  Dissertation Proposal Writing ,  PhD. Proposal Writing ,  Dissertation Writing ,  Dissertation Editing, and Improvement .

Our team of writers  is highly qualified. They are experts in their respective fields. They have been working for us for a long time. Thus, they are well aware of the issues and the trends of the subject they specialize in.

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How to find environmental engineering dissertation topics.

For environmental engineering dissertation topics:

• Research current eco-challenges.
• Explore water/air pollution, sustainability, and climate.
• Investigate novel technologies.
• Review industry needs.
• Seek interdisciplinary ideas.
• Select a topic aligning expertise and passion.

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• Electrical Engineering Research Topics

Among the branches of engineering, electrical engineering is one of the prevalent and noteworthy domains for managing compelling research. In the field of electrical engineering, we offer numerous Electrical Engineering Research Topics depending on the modern patterns and developments as well as for upcoming analysis; these potential topics are suitable and preferable:

• Renewable Energy Systems : To solve the disruption of sustainable sources, this study might dive intensely into the innovative energy conservation techniques. Considering the renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric power into the grid, this research mainly concentrates on patterns, optimization and synthesization process.
• Power Electronics and Electric Vehicles (EVs) : In EVs (Electric vehicles), manage the flow of electrical energy and also enhance the energy storage findings, EV charging technologies and battery management systems by exploring the advancement of best productive power electronics.
• Smart Grids and Energy Systems : This study involves the synthesization of distributed energy resources, grid stability and energy demand management tactics. For the governance and operation of smart grids, crucially investigate the usage of modernized communication technologies.
• Machine Learning and AI Applications in Electrical Engineering : As ranging from failure prediction of electrical devices to the perspective comments and operation of electrical signals in electrical engineering, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) provides huge possibilities for the purpose of refining and computerizing the process.
• Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics : By means of reorganizing the electronic devices and developing them as rapid, eco-friendly and small, evaluate the capacity of Nanotechnology. Quantum dots for displays, nanofibers for electronic textiles and advancement of nanoscale transistors are the topics involved for exploration.
• Wireless Power Transfer : For diverse applications like electric vehicles, medical implants and consumer electronics, this study highlights the advancement of best productive and wise-range power transfer systems.
• Signal Processing and Communications : Incorporating optical communication technologies, 5G and across wireless networks and secure communication protocols, this research aims for operating signals in communication systems through reviewing the modern techniques and methods.
• Biomedical Engineering and Devices : Regarding healthcare applications like diagnostic imaging systems, wearable health monitors and implanted devices and in creating novel technologies and equipment, research the integration of electrical engineering with biology and medicine.
• Cyber-Physical Systems and Security : Particularly in significant infrastructure like transportation systems, water networks and power grids, inspect the security issues of cyber-physical systems. The topic might incorporate in this like secure communication protocols, risk evaluations and intrusion detection systems.
• High-Performance Computing and Quantum Computing : Design a robust computing system which involves hardware perspectives of quantum computers and structure of energy-efficient supercomputers by analyzing the involved electrical engineering problems.
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies in Electrical Engineering : In the structure and process of electrical systems, this research topic aims in analyzing the advancement of green technologies, renewable methods and evaluation of ecological implications on electrical engineering projects.

What is the research area in power electronics?

Power electronics is the important sector of electrical engineering and it’s significantly applicable in diverse domains like electric vehicles, power systems, sustainable energy systems and furthermore. Among power electronics, we provide an outline of main research sectors:

• High-Efficiency Converters and Inverters : The productive power conversion systems are established like AC/DC, DC/AC, DC/DC, AC/AC converters which must possess advanced thermal management with great power density and minimizing the loss of energy.
• Wide Bandgap Semiconductors : In power electronic devices, conduct a study on materials usage like GaN (Gallium Nitride) and SiC (Silicon Carbide). Than conventional silicon devices, it provides advantages like smaller size, better capability and the capacity to perform at maximum temperature and voltages.
• Renewable Energy Integration : Encircling the solar panels for inverters, systems for energy storage management and converters for wind turbines, this research topic intends to attain effective synthesization of sustainable energy sources like wind, Solar PV into the grid, as it involves in developing power electronic systems.
• Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (EVs/HEVs) : In HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) and EVs (Electric Vehicles) which encompasses the traction inverters, on-board chargers and DC/DC converters, regulate the flow of electrical power by designing efficient power electronics.
• Energy Storage and Management Systems : Ranging from diverse programs like energy storage to convenient electronics and examine the energy accessibility, capacity and constancy by investigating the power electronics systems for controlling energy storage findings like supercapacitors and batteries.
• Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) : This research topic highlights the scope, capability and security and it is applicable in wide areas from consumer electronics to electric vehicles, as it mainly involves in developing the domain of wireless charging and energy transmission.
• Power Electronic Packaging and Thermal Management : It is advisable to maximize the dependability, expanding the lifespan of elements and loss of heat especially for power electronic devices through establishing a modernized packaging methods and components.
• Smart Grids and Microgrids : As this research area emphasizes power electronics for the regulation and management of microgrids and smart grids ,it incorporates technologies for grid stabilization and synthesizing distributed energy sources by including converters.
• Fault Diagnosis and Reliability : In power electronic systems, predict the breakdowns earlier by reviewing the techniques and regarding power electronic elements, enhance the authenticity and strength.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Compatibility : For verifying the consistency with other electronic devices and adhering to the regulatory principles in power electronic systems, intensely inspect the resources and mitigation tactics.
• Advanced Control Techniques for Power Electronics : As means to improve the function of power electronic systems, significantly implement the contemporary management concepts and methods that involve AI-based techniques, adaptive control and digital control.

Electrical Engineering Dissertation Writing Services

Our team of professionals specializes in providing top-notch Electrical Engineering Dissertation Writing Services. We ensure that your dissertation is crafted with utmost care, adhering to the proper style and format. Rest assured; your personal information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. With more than 18+ years of experience in dissertation writing, our experts bring valuable insights to your work. Moreover, we meticulously follow the required citation style, adding even more value to your research. Don’t miss out on exploring the latest dissertation ideas in the field of electrical engineering department.

• Maximum Power Point Tracking and MPPT efficiency for wind and solar energy conversion standalone system
• Joint Resource Modeling and Assessment for Hybrid Distributed Solar and Wind Systems
• Optimization of solar-wind hybrid system for distributed generation
• A Comparative Analysis of Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms Applied to Hybrid Wind and Solar System
• A Stand-Alone Hybrid Generation System Combining Solar Photovoltaic and Wind Turbine with Simple Maximum Power Point Tracking Control
• The study of the energy management system based-on fuzzy control for distributed hybrid wind-solar power system
• Analytical Approach for Well-Being Assessment of Small Autonomous Power Systems With Solar and Wind Energy Sources
• Energy Production by Solar Tracking/ Anti-tracking Combined with Wind Turbine
• Research on Joint Operation of Wind and Solar Storage System Based on Genetic Algorithm
• A universal controller for grid-tied DC/AC converters for harnessing PV panel based solar energy and PMSG based wind energy
• A Survey of Deep Learning Techniques: Application in Wind and Solar Energy Resources
• Comprehensive review on solar, wind and hybrid wind-PV water pumping systems-an electrical engineering perspective
• A hybrid solar PV/wind energy system for voltage regulation in a microgrid
• Research on Capacity Configuration of Wind/Solar/Thermal Power and Energy Storage Complementary for UHVDC Transmission System
• Energy management based on multi-agent for independent DC micro-grid with wind solar power
• Real Time Emulation of Vector Control of DFIG in the Wind Solar Hybrid System
• OPF Solution Based on improved PSO algorithm considering stochastic solar and wind power
• A Study on Combined Batteries With A Solar / Wind Hybrid Renewable Energy System
• A hybrid wind-solar-storage energy generation system configuration and control
• Probabilistic Analysis Of Solar-Wind Gravity Energy Storage For Off-Grid Communities

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Electrical Engineering (PhD)

Focus on cutting-edge research and technology transfer. 

Why choose this program?

This PhD program in Electrical Engineering offers access to state-of-the-art labs, collaboration with top faculty and industry leaders, and opportunities in diverse fields like communications, photonics, and robotics, preparing you for an impactful career in major industrial companies and SMEs.

This PhD program prepares you for a successful career in communications, micro/nanoelectronics, photonic and optics, power systems and energy, RF/microwave wireless, or robotics. These fields span high-tech industries, research and development, academia, and energy sectors. 

Possible careers include:

Network systems professor

Semiconductor device engineer 

Research scientist in communications, power systems, academic, industrial or government settings

Technical director  

Admission requirements

You'll need to meet the  Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements  as well as any program-specific admissions requirements before you can apply.

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At Dalhousie, we want our students to focus on their studies, rather than worry about their personal finances. We offer competitive tuition rates and funding programs to support graduate students in almost all of our degree programs.

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Thesis : Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis. 

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Recent PhD Research Topic Ideas for Electrical Engineering 2020

Exclusive for scholars pursuing their PhD in Electrical Engineering with base papers (peer-reviewed articles)

• Improvement of power quality in the distribution line due to the distributed generation of renewable energy
• Machine learning based Energy management system for better optimisation of power in electric vehicles.
• Efficient and fast wireless power transfer between charging stations and electric vehicles for saving time.
• Effective optimisation of power supply in micro grids for reduced dependency on the connected main grid.
• Comparison of efficiency of various three phase grid connected converters under different grid faults.
• Comparison of different types of phase converters with respect to the efficiency.
• Comparison of power outputs and efficiency of three phase converters and inverters for wind turbines.
• Efficient power distribution through Ultra High Voltage DC (UHVDC) supply and its comparison to current AC power distribution standards
• Improvement in efficiency of stepping down power supply of UHVDC near the residential areas.
• A hybrid FACTS device that solves the issues in the SVC and STATCOM for efficient reactive power compensation
• Improvement of THD ratio in three phase cascaded multilevel power converters from one PV source.
• Efficient synchronization of frequency and stability of two different gird system with contrasting sources of power supply.
• Damping of oscillation in rotors of machines using VAR compensators .
• Improvement of smart grid stability at times of network attacks using Artificial Intelligence.
• Reactive power compensation during the convergence of grid system with distributed generation.

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PhD in Electrical Engineering Topics

In general, electrical engineering is denoted as the engineering discipline that is concentrated on the design, application, and study of systems, devices, and equipment that are functional through electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity. In this article, we deliberate the significance of a PhD in electrical engineering topics using the experience of our research professionals. Firstly, we start with the substantial research field based on electrical engineering along with its specifications.

Research Areas in Electrical Engineering

• RFID systems
• Medical electronics
• Antennas and EM modeling
• Radar and sonar
• Uncooled and coherent wavelength division multiplex technology
• Advanced liquid crystal devices
• Photonic generation of THz signals
• Wireless over fiber devices and systems
• Ultrafast photonic devices
• Connected electronic and photonic systems
• Resistive switching
• Laser processing
• Diamond electronics
• Quantum nanoelectronics
• Optical materials and electronic devices
• Information security and retrieval
• Sensor networks
• IP networks
• Wireless communications
• Telecommunication networks and services
• High-speeded optical systems
• Optical packet networks
• Dense WDM optically routed networks
• Large-scale optical networks
• Optoelectronic devices and systems

Our research experts are skillful to provide the best research project in electrical engineering systems. Since, they are well-versed in mathematical logic, numerical analysis, time and space analysis, information about latest phd in electrical engineering topics, the tools, and the usage of algorithms and protocols. For instance, if you have selected your area as electrical engineering , at that time you can select your research topic from the following research fields in electrical engineering.

Research Fields in Electrical Engineering

• Electrical materials science
• Mechatronics
• Renewable energies
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Microwave engineering
• Electromagnetics and waves
• Power Electronics
• Spanning a huge number of specializations
• Hardware engineering
• Instrumentation and electronics
• Signal processing
• Radio frequency engineering
• Telecommunication engineering
• Power engineering
• Computer engineering

Above mentioned are the notable research fields in contemporary research based on electrical engineering. The research scholars should select their PhD in electrical engineering topics from the latest research fields. For more research references based on electrical engineering, the research scholars can reach us. Below, we have highlighted the algorithms that are used to implement the research project.

Algorithms in Electrical Engineering

• Bayesian learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Combining multiple learners
• Hidden Markov models
• Neural networks
• Dimensionality reduction
• Bayesian decision theory

These are the emerging subjects in electrical engineering that are gaining widespread significance in the research platform. We must aware of the current trends and developments in the research area before presenting the research phd in electrical engineering topics. There are also some expectations from reviewers that you must be sure to satisfy. We have discussed the substantial algorithms that are used in electrical engineering research projects.

Current Trends in Electrical Engineering

• Battery charging and discharging control of a hybrid energy system using a microcontroller
• TMTDYN: A Matlab package for modeling and control of hybrid rigid continuum robots based on discretized lumped system and reduced order models
• Establishment of a smart living environment control system
• Renewable energy in sustainable electricity and economic development
• Energy models for renewable energy utilization and to replace fossil fuels
• A new framework for the advancement of power management strategies in hybrid electric vehicles
• Robust power management via learning and game design
• Particle swarm optimization for microgrid power management and load scheduling
• High voltage driver with a switch capacitor cell and a current sensing resistor for implementing functions of zero voltage switching and overcurrent
• A modified Y Source DC/DC converter with high voltage gains and low switch stresses
• High voltage gain interleaved boost converter with Anfis-based Mppt controller for fuel cell-based applications
• An improved SCADA framework for integrated renewable substations-based microgrid central control systems
• Linear LAV-based state estimation integrating hybrid SCADA /PMU measurements
• Towards highly efficient state estimation with SCADA measurements in distribution systems
• Decentralized constrained optimal control of the multi-machine power system stability improvement
• The reduction and power quality improvement in grid-connected PV system
• Effect of intermittent power supply on the German power system
• Design and implementation of an automated residential water heating system using sustainable energy and PLC techniques
• Corporate eco-efficiency and financial performance: evidence from Guinness Nigeria PLC
• A novel hybrid fuzzy logic controller-based RFLC for fault limiting in transmission networks and its dynamic analysis
• Modified voltage control strategy for DC network with distributed energy storage using a fuzzy logic controller
• A solar-powered reconfigurable inverter topology for AC/DC homes with fuzzy logic controller
• Inverse kinematic analysis of 4 DOF pick and place arm robot manipulators using a fuzzy logic controller
• In DFIG-based WECS connected to the grid using UPQC controlled by fractional order PID and Anfis controllers
• Design of optimal PID controller for LFC and AVR in power system using PSO
• Simulation 3 DOF RRR robotic manipulator under PID controller
• Voltage controller of DC-DC buck-boost converter with proposed PID controller
• Design, analysis, and application of a new disturbance rejection PID for uncertain systems
• Forecasting methodologies of solar resources and PV power for smart grid energy management
• The cooperative internet of things enabled smart grid
• Optimal and autonomous incentive-based energy consumption scheduling algorithm for smart grid
• Can active learning benefit the smart grid a perspective on overcoming the data scarcity
• Smart grid in the context of industry 4.0 an overview of communications technologies and challenges
• A survey on smart grid technologies and applications
• Control and analysis of microgrid frequency droop with fuzzy-based WECS with EV
• Formal requirements for microgrid using Kaos and reference architecture
• Implementation of efficient energy generation of microgrid from solar power plant

We have added the above-mentioned as research trends to show and uplift your research skill level. To tell the truth, PhD in electrical engineering topics are an innovative trend set in recent days. There are lots of research topics that are coming up from the recently used applications and research techniques in the electrical engineering field . So, contact us for your requirements in research development. For your reference, our research experts have listed down the pioneering research topics in electrical engineering.

Research PhD in Electrical Engineering Topics

• Photonics and optical communications
• Sensing devices
• Microelectronics and nanoscale engineering
• Electronic engineering for agricultural applications
• Communication, digital signal processing, and radio networks
• Advanced material science and technology development
• Resilient energy and multi-energy systems
• Robotics systems, artificial intelligence, and automation
• Low-costts virtual systems and effective trains
• Top speed motors and their topologies
• High power virtual systems (HPVPS)
• Diagnosing green growth in India
• Motor design for aerospace fault tolerant
• Designing compressor motors and advanced propulsion science
• Renewable energy and hybrid electric aerospace
• Drives and controls
• DFIG Machines: improving energy efficiencies
• Wind turbine generators: 3D temperature mapping
• Cost functions for efficient electric vehicle drive systems
• Electric vehicles and health monitoring of power semiconductor modules
• Switched reluctance motors
• Extra functionality devices: advanced technology modeling
• Challenges of autonomous power systems
• Distributed generation systems: loss detection of grid events via pattern identification
• Electric vehicle motors and gearbox
• Soft magnetic composites
• Smart grid monitoring
• Computer-aided design for electrical engineering
• Energy networks and their mathematical foundations
• Electrical motors and their redesigning
• Power electronics tools and equipment
• Computation research in new technologies and materials
• Studying behavior thru computational modeling
• Piezoelectric and ferroelectrics
• Using photovoltaic, graphene, and silicon carbide
• Atomic layer interface engineering
• Design choice in the direct drive of wheel motors
• Series connected supercapacitor and li-ion capacitor cells for the active voltage equalization
• PM machines with high power and speed

Along with that, our research professionals have enlisted the notable research phd in electrical engineering topics its implementation process in the following.

Project Topics in Electrical Engineering

• Solar panel is deployed to charge the battery and the operational amplifiers are utilized to monitor the voltage along with the LED to monitor the condition of the battery
• It is the integrated control of lighting appliances and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). In addition, Arduino is deployed to regulate home appliances through remote
• It is used to implement the circuits with the mechanical loads in the average speed
• It is deployed to enhance the power factor through the set of capacitors that are connected parallel to switch the capacitors and that is functional as per the value of power factor
• It is used to switch the room light when a person gets in and switch it off when he leaves the room. Consequently, it displays on the LCD about the person’s entry

The research scholars will be overwhelmed to know that still there are lots and many more phd in electrical engineering topics being developed now and then depending on the real-time requirements. In addition, we have enlisted the list of simulation tools used in the research implementation.

Simulation Tools in Electrical Engineering

• The laboratory virtual instrument engineering workbench is abbreviated as LabVIEW and it is the engineering software system. It is deployed to access the data insights and hardware
• Personal simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis is abbreviated as PSPICE. It is used for the simulation and authentication process of the mixed signal and analog circuits
• It is deployed to implement the graphical simulation along with the specific toolboxes for the electric transients, transmission line, and switches for power supply, simulating and analyzing the renewable energy sources
• Solar advisor model in Simulink
• Wind turbine model in Simulink
• Its toolboxes offer various functions such as curve fitting, system identification, control system design, linear algebra, linear system implementation, optimization, etc.

The following is about the questions along with their appropriate answers and these are the questions that are frequently asked by research scholars to develop their research skills in electrical engineering. In addition, our research experts have answered these questions through their years of experience in this field.

Questions based on Electrical Engineering Research

What are the different types of power electronics.

• AC to AC converters
• DC to AC converters
• DC to DC converters
• AC to DC converters

Which project is best for electrical engineering?

• PLC and SCADA-based traffic control system
• Photovoltaic solar power generation with maximum power point tracking
• Zigbee based solar powered forest fire detection and control system
• GSM-based substation monitoring and control system
• Android-based electrical appliance control

What are the current research topics in renewable energy?

• Think tank platform for the renewable energy industry
• Membrane-enhanced reforming technology
• Bio-oil production from biomass pyrolysis technology
• Lignocellulose hydrolysis technology
• Design and construction of biodiesel production plant

Our research professionals are providing the finest research assistance for research students based on electrical and electronics engineering and electrical and communication engineering. While guiding the PhD scholars, we used to follow and provide the following processes.

• Preparation of research topic and proposal
• Paper preparation and publication support
• Annexure II
• Demonstration for the proposed research
• Provision of synopsis
• Thesis will be written along with the support of research scholars

The research projects based on electrical engineering are rendering online guidance to make research projects , pile up the assignments, implementation process, homework help, paper publication, thesis writing, phd in electrical engineering topics and much more. We have well-experienced subject-specific experts, developers, and so on who are contented to help the research scholars at all times. You can connect with us to aid more and our 24/7 customer care support is ready to offer assistance always. So, ping us to acquire the finest knowledge.

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List of Research Topics in Environmental Engineering

Discover cutting-edge environmental engineering research topics and project ideas shaping our sustainable future.

Environmental Engineering is a discipline of engineering that deals with the prevention & control of water, air, and soil pollution. In this article list of Research Topics in Environmental Engineering is listed.

The active research areas in the field of environmental engineering are water and wastewater treatment and disposal; environmental chemistry; environmental microbiology; environmental impact assessment; membrane technology; advanced oxidation process; catalysis; air pollution, prevention, and control; solid and hazardous waste management.

Water and wastewater treatment and reuse

• Performance evaluation of improved biological treatment technologies for the treatment of sewage followed by UV disinfection for reuse
• A study of co-treatment of fecal sludge and sewage in the sewage treatment plant
• Performance evaluation of treatment and reuse of greywater by wetland system
• A comprehensive study on polluted river stretches on the Ganga River in India
• Development of treatment process for water treatment using ceramic membrane filtration to produce potable water
• Performance evaluation of microbial fuel cells for the treatment of industrial wastewaters
• Disinfection of secondary treated sewage using a novel UVC-LED reactor system for reuse
• A study on emerging contaminants in Indian waters and their treatment technologies
• Performance evaluation of improved anaerobic baffle filter reactor in treating domestic wastewater
• A study on the impact of perfluorinated compounds on human health

Advanced oxidation technologies

• A study on secondary treated domestic wastewater using an advanced oxidation process
• Development of novel photocatalytic reactors for treatment of industrial wastewaters
• Treatment of textile wastewater by using zero-valent iron nanoparticles
• Development of photocatalytic reactors for hydrogen production by water splitting technique
• Treatment of industrial wastewater by wet air oxidation processes
• Development of a novel photocatalytic reactor system for degradation of persistent organic pollutants from pharmaceutical wastewater
• Decolourization of textile dye wastewaters using ozone-based technologies
• Degradation of industrial wastewaters using TiO 2 -based nanocomposites
• Development of photocatalytic membrane reactor for the treatment of industrial and domestic wastewaters
• Photocatalytic hydrogen production from sulfide wastewater using nanocomposites
• Development of photocatalytic reactor for removal of endocrine-disrupting compounds from water and wastewaters
• Photocatalytic degradation of SO x and NO x using nanocomposites

Air pollution and control

• A study on endocrine-disrupting compounds in the atmosphere – effects on human and wildlife
• A study on vehicular movements in India – Effect of CO on human and wildlife
• A study on vertical profiling of air pollution in urban and metro cities
• Performance evaluation of alternative fuel technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in industries
• Design, development, and performance evaluation of slotted slack-petal pot chimney over a conventional chimney
• Effect of fine particulate matter and NOx on human and wildlife
• A study on the reuse of air conditioner condensate
• A study on sulfur reduction in coal-based thermal power plants

Soil pollution and remediation

• Degradation of persistent organic pollutants from contaminated soil using photocatalytic processes
• Treatment of textile wastewater contaminated soil by using iron nanoparticles
• Removal of petroleum hydrocarbon compounds from contaminated soil using natural-based products
• Leachability and physical stability of solidified and stabilized sludge from textile effluent
• Assessment of heavy metal toxicity in soil and their remedial measures
• Alkali pre-treatment for bio mechanization of solid waste

Solid and hazardous waste treatment and disposal

• Converting inert wastes into bio-amendments / bio-fertilizers – pilot projects at legacy waste dumping sites in India
• Hydrothermal carbonization of crude oil sludge for recovery of solid fuel
• Encapsulation and solidification of salt-based evaporation residues
• Use of textile and tannery sludge as fine aggregates in concrete mix
• Development of novel methods for the treatment of E-waste
• A study on the treatment of nuclear waste

CO 2 sequestration, separation, and utilization

• CO 2 gas separation from fuel and flue gas using composite membranes
• Recovery of useful products from industrial flue gases
• Development of novel composite membranes for separation of CO 2 from flue gas
• Carbonation of coal fly ash for CO 2 sequestration
• Conversion of CO 2 to useful products by novel methods
• Performance evaluation of biomedical waste facility in India

Bioremediation

• Occurrence, fate, and risk-based remediation of antibiotics in agricultural environments
• Bio-degradation of persistent organic compounds using bacterial species  
• Bioremediation of oily sludge
• Biochar and compost-based bioremediation of crude oil-contaminated soil

10 Groundbreaking Environmental Engineering Research Topics That Will Shape Our Future

1. advanced water treatment technologies.

As clean water becomes increasingly scarce, researchers are developing breakthrough technologies to purify and conserve this precious resource. One exciting area of study is the use of nanotechnology in water treatment. Nanomaterials like graphene oxide show promise in removing contaminants more efficiently than traditional methods.

FAQ: How can nanotechnology improve water treatment? Answer: Nanomaterials have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing them to trap more contaminants. They can also be designed to target specific pollutants, making the treatment process more effective and energy-efficient.

2. Sustainable Urban Planning

With over half the world’s population living in cities, urban environmental engineering is more crucial than ever. Researchers are exploring ways to create “smart cities” that minimize environmental impact while maximizing quality of life.

Key focus areas include:

• Green infrastructure design
• Efficient public transportation systems
• Urban agriculture and vertical farming

3. Renewable Energy Integration

As we transition away from fossil fuels, environmental engineers are working on innovative ways to integrate renewable energy sources into our existing infrastructure. This includes developing more efficient solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems.

Did you know? According to the International Energy Agency, renewable energy capacity is set to expand by 50% between 2019 and 2024, led by solar PV.

4. Microplastic Remediation

The pervasive problem of microplastics in our oceans and waterways has sparked intense research into remediation techniques. Environmental engineers are exploring biological solutions, such as plastic-eating bacteria, as well as physical methods like advanced filtration systems.

5. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

As global temperatures continue to rise, CCS technology is becoming increasingly important. Researchers are working on improving the efficiency and scalability of carbon capture methods, as well as finding innovative ways to store or repurpose captured CO2.

FAQ: Is carbon capture really effective in combating climate change? Answer: While not a silver bullet, CCS can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions when combined with other mitigation strategies. The technology is rapidly improving, making it more cost-effective and efficient.

6. Biodegradable Materials Engineering

The development of sustainable, biodegradable materials is crucial for reducing waste and pollution. Environmental engineers are creating new materials from renewable sources that can replace traditional plastics and other non-biodegradable products.

7. Air Quality Monitoring and Improvement

With air pollution causing millions of premature deaths annually, research into air quality is more important than ever. Engineers are developing advanced sensors and AI-powered systems to monitor and predict air quality in real-time, allowing for more effective interventions.

8. Ecosystem Restoration

As we grapple with biodiversity loss and habitat destruction, environmental engineers are pioneering techniques for ecosystem restoration. This includes developing strategies for reforestation, wetland restoration, and coral reef regeneration.

9. Waste-to-Energy Technologies

Converting waste into usable energy is a win-win for the environment and the economy. Researchers are exploring new ways to harness energy from various waste streams, including municipal solid waste, agricultural byproducts, and industrial waste.

Did you know? According to the World Bank, global waste generation is expected to increase by 70% by 2050, making waste-to-energy technologies increasingly important.

10. Climate Change Adaptation

As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, environmental engineers are focusing on adaptation strategies. This includes developing resilient infrastructure, improving flood management systems, and creating heat-resistant urban designs.

FAQ: How can cities adapt to rising sea levels? Answer: Environmental engineers are exploring various solutions, including constructing sea walls, implementing “sponge city” designs to absorb excess water, and even developing floating urban structures.

Conclusion:

The field of environmental engineering is rapidly evolving to meet the complex challenges of our changing world. From harnessing cutting-edge technologies to restore ecosystems to developing sustainable urban solutions, these ten research topics represent the forefront of innovation in the field. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, environmental engineers will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

By staying informed about these groundbreaking research areas, we can all contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our environment. Whether you’re a student considering a career in environmental engineering or simply an eco-conscious individual, understanding these topics empowers us to make better decisions and support innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow.

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Greetings and Regards My name is Reza Fadaei, I am 49 years old. I have been in Iran’s Environmental Organization for 22 years as an expert in the natural environment departments, laboratory offices, water and soil pollution control office, and waste management. I am working as the manager of the provincial general administration. PhD student in environmental sciences and engineering, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz branch, Iran. I participated in a waste management training workshop with professors from Japanese universities and the Japanese Ministry of Energy and Environment. I am very interested in the rich and ancient culture of Japan. I would very much like to continue my doctoral studies in Japan and the subject of my doctoral dissertation. to do in your country. I hope you help.

I wanted to choose the topic of my PhD thesis in the field of environmental engineering with topics related to water or wastewater. My bachelor’s and master’s degrees were applied chemistry and the subject of my master’s thesis (the effect of magnetic nanoparticles on the removal of chromium from leather industry wastewater). Please guide me and if you have a chance, help me as a second guide or consultant. I would like to have a free study opportunity in your university if possible. I am also Azeri and I expect you to help me to present a high level thesis thanks again

I want to embark on a thesis on environmental soil remediation and on ground water

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Beyond DNA: How scientists are learning to control gene function

NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation program funds advancements in tissue regeneration, gene therapy, DNA mobility and epigenetic editing

Nearly every cell in your body contains the exact same DNA, from your skin cells to your brain cells. But how does a cell know how and when to turn into skin, muscle or brain?

Imagine that the DNA in cells is a long, twisted ladder made of billions of tiny building blocks. This DNA ladder carries all the instructions that tell your body how to grow, function and repair itself. When stretched out, the ladder in each human cell is 2 meters long, and it is difficult to imagine how it fits inside. Chromatin is how life solves this problem. Think of chromatin as a way of organizing DNA to fit within the nucleus (the control center of a cell). Chromatin is made of DNA wrapped around special proteins called histones to form a structure that looks like beads on a string, which is then looped and tightly compacted into chromosomes. This way DNA can be packed into a small space and unpacked whenever the cell needs access to genetic information.

DNA contains both coding and non-coding sequences. Proteins, which are essential cellular building blocks and mediators, are built using instructions contained in specific segments of coding DNA known as genes. Non-coding DNA plays a crucial supporting role by controlling when and how these genes are turned on or off for expression into proteins. Many non-coding regions enable chromatin interactions that regulate its structure and dynamics. For cells to become distinct tissues, many genes must be turned on and off across different DNA regions and over time. Chromatin organization can control this process — tightly packed chromatin restricts access to genes, keeping them off, whereas loosely packed chromatin allows genes to be turned on and expressed. Chromatin organization is influenced by chemical modifications of DNA and histone proteins, which thereby affect gene expression.

Thus, chromatin not only solves the problem of fitting DNA into a cell, it also provides a mechanism for regulating how the information in DNA is used.

Even though people inherit a fixed set of genes, their expression can be influenced by many factors throughout their lives, including environmental factors such as diet, stress and exposure to pollution. This phenomenon, called epigenetics, controls the identity and function of cells, in addition to the genetic sequence in DNA. To fully understand and potentially manipulate a cell's destiny, researchers must understand both its genetics and epigenetics.

EFMA and EFRI

Every two years, the Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA) in the Directorate for Engineering at the U.S. National Science Foundation identifies out-of-the-box research topics for the NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program. Under four-year grants, interdisciplinary teams work on transformative, high-risk, high-reward projects and to tackle the biggest challenges facing the nation.

In 2018 and 2019, EFRI focused on chromatin and epigenetic engineering to find new ways to control how genes are turned on and off. Through deeper knowledge and novel tools, researchers can engineer gene expression for many applications, including combatting disease, boosting crop plant performance or developing organisms that can remediate environmental damage.

Turning cancer cells off

Vadim Backman focuses on understanding and controlling chromatin organization. His team developed a high-resolution genome imaging platform to visualize chromatin in 3D, enabling more accurate predictions for genome engineering outcomes.

Backman’s interdisciplinary team combines genome biology with physics to model genome functions. They classify cellular features, like DNA structure and accessibility to predict the likelihood of gene activity from chromatin edits. This precise manipulation has applications in cancer treatment, organ regeneration, injury prevention, and reversing aging.

The team is developing drugs and interventions targeting cells affected by cancer or oxygen loss from strokes or heart attacks. For example, they developed an electromagnetic simulation technique that alters chromatin and gene expression, enabling heart cells to quickly repair damaged tissue.

Revealing how DNA gets rearranged inside the cell 

Megan King 's goal was to understand the relationship between chromatin structure and its functions and to engineer a device to measure changes in chromatin mobility.

King and her team discovered that a special protein complex called INO80 is an important driver of chromatin movements inside the nucleus and are engineering a device to watch chromatin interactions happening in real time inside living cells. Previous methods analyzed millions of cells in aggregate at a single time. The new device can look at what is happening in a single cell over many time points. This is crucial for understanding the complexity of tissues of many different cell types, like the brain or immune system.

Folding genetic information

Carlos Castro has made important advances with his team in delivering DNA into cells using nanostructures . Using principles from origami paper folding to create intricate designs, researchers can package genetic information very tightly within these nanostructures, enabling the delivery of even the longest genes into the nucleus. This new technology offers a safer, more cost-efficient alternative to traditional viral gene therapy, with potential applications in treating diseases and improving live cell imaging.

Additionally, DNA origami structures can control  how gene products interact with cell components , enabling the manipulation of cell properties and functions. This capability could be used in tissue engineering to create artificial tissues and organs.

Epigenetic editing to control gene expression and combat disease

Charles Gersbach's project uses the cancer-associated gene called MYC as a case study to test how changes in chromatin architecture lead to changes in gene expression and tumor characteristics. The team developed new genome-editing technologies to specifically target the non-coding regulatory regions of DNA that turn genes on or off.

This approach can add or remove chemical modifications (epigenetic marks), mimicking changes that might occur in nature in response to the environment. This epigenome engineering approach, which addresses variations in the non-coding genome linked to disease susceptibilities, can improve disease interventions. An epigenetic editing company,  Tune Therapeutics , was founded to develop new therapies based on this research.

Empowering Future Innovators

Many EFRI teams leverage the NSF Research Experience and Mentoring program to provide paid research experiences and mentoring to broaden participation and include more diverse talents in engineering. Backman's team offers an opportunity for high school students and undergraduates to participate in research. King supports undergraduates from underrepresented minority groups and/or first-generation, low-income college students to begin their careers. Castro enables undergraduates to experience research merged with technology development and entrepreneurship.

The EFRI projects have yielded groundbreaking advancements in the understanding and manipulation of gene expression. Supported by interdisciplinary research and mentoring programs, these collaborative efforts have advanced scientific knowledge and fostered a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle complex challenges in genetic and epigenetic engineering.

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