essay in engineering

Essays About Engineering: Top 5 Essay Examples Plus Prompts

Engineering is one of the most sought after professions for the 21st century. If you are writing essays about engineering, use these examples below.

A common stereotype of engineers is that they build houses, but that is simply not the case. Nearly all of the things we enjoy today are because of engineers. The food you buy at the grocers is deemed as safe thanks to the chemical engineers who analyzed its contents. The smartphone or laptop you’re using to read this right now was made possible by computer engineers.

The house you’re living in, the offices you go to work at, these marvels made our life easier because of engineers who dedicated their time to innovate and solve our problems through science and mathematics. After all, accuracy is what sets engineers apart.

If you are writing an essay about engineering, here are 5 essay examples to help you write an insightful piece.

1. Why Engineers Are Becoming Increasingly Important by Christopher McFadden

2. women in engineering: why i chose an engineering degree by purity muhia, 3. taking lessons from what went wrong by william j. broad, 4. the way i work: brendan walker by gary ryan, 5. engineering ethics and its impact on society by dr. william m. marcy and jane b. rathbun, 1. different types of engineering, 2. future of engineering, 3. how to become an engineer, 4. pros and cons of engineering innovation, 5. is engineering hard.

“ Now consider a society that is completely free of engineers. What would it look like? It’s a hard thing to picture because for as long as humans have existed, engineers (in some fashion) have also existed. 

The closest we can probably think about would be a hunter-gatherer one. This society would literally be one of pure survival. There would be no innovation, no technology of any kind. As soon as one or other members of that society created a trap, a spear or improved on a technique for smashing things an engineer will have been “born” .”

McFadden eloquently discussed how engineers transformed our way of living and the big role they’ll be playing as society becomes increasingly reliant on technology. He also discussed the impact engineers have in different sectors such agriculture, health, and education.

“ There are some girls who still grow up thinking that engineering and science isn’t meant for women. It is important to remember women can thrive in the world of engineering. I chose engineering because I loved math and science, and engineering promised real opportunities to change the world. ”

Muhia is now one step closer to achieving her dreams of making a change in the world as she now holds a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. 

In this essay, which she wrote back in 2016 as a student intern, she discussed the origins of her interest in engineering and aimed to inspire other young women to pursue this profession as a way to bring a different perspective to a vocation dominated by men.

“ It is not that failure is desirable, or that anyone hopes for or aims for a disaster. But failures, sometimes appalling, are inevitable, and given this fact, engineers say it pays to make good use of them to prevent future mistakes.

The result is that the technological feats that define the modern world are sometimes the result of events that some might wish to forget. ”

Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner William Broad took a dive into the subject of how some of the innovations we enjoy today were conceptualized based on the tragedies of the past. Written in the midst of the Deepwater Horizon Drilling Rig Disaster, the article gathered the takes of distinguished engineers and used infamous engineering mishaps to discuss the adjustments made to improve work conditions and quality of life.

“ Novelty is a big part of creating a thrilling experience, so fairgrounds have historically been early adopters of new technology… Now the challenge for people like me is to produce content that controls and choreographs people’s emotional experience using this technology. ”

Coined as the world’s only thrill engineer, Brendan Walker reminisced his transition from an aeronautical engineer to conceptualizing and designing roller coasters and other theme park rides, and how understanding the physiological responses is key to providing patrons an unforgettable, thrilling experience.

“One aspect of many of the recent and prominently technological changes is a vast array of unintended consequences that the designers never anticipated. Unintended consequences frequently overshadow the anticipated benefits designers of a new technology had in mind. While many unintended consequences may have tremendous positive impacts on society, others may not. Ethical considerations must be included in every step of the design, documentation and deployment process to help anticipate and mitigate negative consequences.”

Dr. Marcy and Rathbun’s insightful essay examines how to assist engineers facing ethical dilemmas. It proposes addressing the three fundamental issues regarding engineering ethics – namely engineering ethics education, ethical decision making in professional practice, and protecting the rights of engineers to make such decisions.

Essay Prompts About Engineering

It can be a challenge to think of ideas and questions when writing an essay, especially if the subject revolves on something as technical as engineering. Here are five essay topics about engineering that might be able to help you out.

At present, there are up to 21 types of engineers that’s making a difference in the world we live in. From biochemical engineers to software engineers, this essay topic can discuss each branch and tackle their area of expertise as well as the groundbreaking innovations they’ve provided over the last few years. If you can’t investigate all, you can prompt to choose one type and focus your research on there.

Looking for more suggestions? Check out our essays about technology for your next project.

As mentioned, all types of engineers are working day in and day out to improve our way of living. With 21 types of engineers to choose from, you can choose which branch will impact your or your family’s future. For instance, if you’re an environmentally-conscious individual, you can home in on the research done by environmental engineers. Alternatively, you can focus on picturing what the next high-rise buildings will look like or what are the medical advancements 10 or 20 years from now.

This can be a range of different things. It can be an essay topic on how easy or difficult acquiring an engineering degree can be based on personal experience. It can be about how to inspire your kids to become future engineers by piquing their interest in infrastructures, space exploration, and even video games in a way that they will understand.

Technological advancements have their ups and downs. We won’t be able to see it at first, but a crack in its foundation will show after years of usage. An investigative essay showing an innovation’s advantages and disadvantages might reveal the next scientific discovery of the century that will change the world’s future.

Consider writing a short essay about the merits of the engineering profession. These types of essays are good because they help aspiring engineers and students figure out if they want to work in this career path. It also encourages to writer to either reflect on their experiences or consult more knowledgeable experts. 

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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32 Best Topics For An Engineering Essay

If a regular college student was told to come up with a list of the most difficult academic disciplines to deal with, we bet that engineering would be deservedly mentioned. Yes, this discipline is quite challenging to get around, which is especially true of home assignments in engineering so some students are forced to ask someone to  write my essay . This delicate problem often prompts some students to apply for help to online services, asking, “ do my engineering homework .” But it’s not only homework assignments in engineering that give college kids a hard time – another big burden connected with this discipline is academic writing.

In engineering paper writing, the first and most exasperating obstacle is settling on the topic. At first sight, choosing a paper topic seems to be quite easy. In reality, given the complexity of the discipline, developing a topic for an engineering discipline is a rigorous process. For this reason, we decided to put pen to paper and provide you with the greatest engineering essay topics!

Software Engineering Essay Topics

• The rapid evolution of neural networks
• Computer-assisted education as an innovative solution to the traditional academic system
• The implementation of machine learning in today’s digital industry
• The risks of using virus-infected computer software
• Virtual reality and human perception
• AI in modern digital marketing
• The challenges of database management
• The interactions between humans and machines
• The problem of ethical hacking today
• The development of biometric systems for computers

Biomedical Engineering Essay Topics

• The critical importance of modeling diseases through engineering
• The ways of improving medical imaging methods
• The outlook for structural health monitoring
• Genetic engineering as one of the most popular fields of biomedical engineering
• The use of biomedical engineering in handling the COVID-19 situation
• Biorobotics in disease detection
• The authentication systems based on biorobotics
• The treatment of cardiac diseases with the help of biomedical engineering

Structural Engineering Essay Topics

• The use of software in modeling experiments
• How to study the vulnerability of a particular area
• Self-healing: core principles
• The utilization of probabilistic methods in structural engineering

Mechanical Engineering Essay Topics

• Marine shipping and air pollution
• The history of mechanical engineering
• Parallel kinematic machines
• Manufacturing systems: performance analysis
• Electricity production mechanisms used at nuclear power plants
• The technology of solid-liquid separation
• The mechanical engineering of the smart auto-reeling mechanism
• Perpetual motion machines: the outlook
• The implementation of oil depletion
• The use of mechanical engineering in metallurgy

Engineering Writing Is Easy!

Developed by our top engineering specialists, these longed-for paper topics are for all students who fail to develop a good idea for their engineering papers. As you can now see, creating a solid engineering paper topic is not as big a deal as some college students believe it to be. Equipped with these 32 brilliant paper topics, you no longer have to torment yourself with the tedious procedure of seeking inspiration for your academic paper. Make sure to select the best topic from our top list developed by the leading experts in engineering!

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In an essay, you will write about a topic in depth, presenting a clear argument which leads logically to your conclusions. You will need to provide evidence from academic sources to support your argument.

Most essays are written in response to a specific question set by a lecturer but you will sometimes have a choice of questions or an element of choice within the question.

Assessment criteria

It is always a good idea to look at the criteria that will be used to assess your essay. There is no one standard set of criteria but lecturers will usually be looking for evidence of the following:

• Wide, relevant reading
• Addressing the question / task set
• Analytical ability
• Well-constructed argument
• Use of relevant examples / evidence
• Clarity of expression
• Appropriate and accurate referencing

The more detailed structure of an essay will depend on the question that is being answered. However, for all essays you should:

Analysing the question

In this video, Professor John Preston explains how to approach an engineering essay.  He discusses an essay entitled , 'For local bus services, what are the appropriate levels of regulation and the appropriate forms of competition and ownership? Justify your answer with reference to theoretical and practical evidence both from Great Britain and elsewhere', and points out that there are 9 things you need to include in your analysis in order to fully answer the question .

Read a wide range of academic sources including books, journals and reports. Identify evidence you can use to support your ideas, but don’t ignore evidence that contradicts them; you may need to rethink your argument.

Once you have analysed the question and read widely, you should have a clear idea what your main argument will be. Now write an outline of your essay consisting of the topic sentence (main idea) of each paragraph and the evidence you will use to support this assertion.

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An essay is a story, a story that needs to be substantiated with evidence from the academic literature, for example, books and journal papers.

Don't start writing until you have:

analysed the essay question

read widely about all aspects of it

planned your response.

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• Grad School
• Sample Essays
• The Engineering Student

A simple bridge truss was the first structure I ever analyzed. The simple combination of beams that could hold cars, trains, and trucks over long spans of water fascinated me. Having the tools to analyze the loads on the truss further increased my interest in structures. I encountered the bridge in a textbook for my first engineering class.

Knowing that the professor, Mr. John Doe, was a tough teacher, I asked him for the textbook so I could study and get ready for the class over the summer. Just arrived from Belize, I was determined to succeed. In class we learned about forces on simple members and then we put the members together to form a simple truss. At this point I had almost decided that structural engineering was the career for me. From there the class just took off: We went on to frames, distributed loads, considered friction; basically we were incorporating real world considerations into structural members. I loved the practical, problem solving aspects of the field.

At UC my classes were even more advanced. In my analysis and design classes, I especially enjoyed studying steel design because we not only learned the use of the load resistance factor design but also applied that knowledge — I designed a four-story building. The professor was a practicing engineer, and he always related the subject to real life steel structures he had engineered, for example, the SB Medical Center, an all steel building with a base isolated campus. This is the kind of project on which I would like to work, designing the structure and considering how the building will respond to ground motion. After two quarters of structural analysis, I had come as close as possible to analyzing real world structures. Looking back I realize, I had learned great tools for structural analysis, but my "tool box" was still inadequate. I lacked a very important tool: finite element analysis. According to my professor, finite element analysis has revolutionized structural analysis.

Although I liked my classes, my internship experiences really confirmed my interest in structural engineering. While working at Caltrans as a student volunteer, I reviewed computer grading output for streets under construction. The computer suggested numbers for the road grading, and I had to plot the numbers and make sure there were no abrupt grade changes so the water can drain off easily to the sides of the road. It was exciting to know that I was the last checkpoint before the whole project went for approval. It was enjoyable working on something real — Main Street — but I was somewhat disappointed I did not have the chance to work on any structures.

At UC I volunteered through the Student Research Program to work in the geotechnical library. I worked directly with a doctoral student and helped him to develop a geotechnical data base for the local area. I interpreted the data Caltrans had collected and recorded it in a form accessible to the computer and easy to read. It took hours to finish the job, but I enjoyed the precision involved so I did not mind putting in the time. My supervisor liked my work so much, he hired me to continue the project during the summer. Working on this project also showed me the importance of soils in determining buildings’ responses to earthquakes and awakened my interest in the response of skyscrapers to seismic stress and movement.

At First Choice U, I plan to enroll in the structural engineering and geomechanics program. In this program I hope to draw on my structural analysis and geotechnical research background as a foundation for studying more advanced concepts. I am particularly interested in researching the ties between the structural engineering, geomechanics, and applied mechanics. I believe research is necessary to acquire data and formulate theories, but it is just as important to know how to apply those theories and use that data in the real world. I hope to be involved in some structurally related research at First Choice U. I am particularly interested in two research facilities: The Structures and Composites Laboratory and the Earthquake Engineering Center.

After completing my degree in engineering and working on engineering projects, I know I want to design structures. That is what has fascinated me since I took Mr. Doe’s class. I also know, however, that designing structures of a complexity that appeals to me requires "more tools in my toolbox." Those I can acquire only by continuing my education. To be competent and competitive I will need a masters degree. After completing my degree, I would like to work for an American engineering consulting firm and engineer complex structures and tall buildings, perhaps focusing on the problems surrounding designing for earthquakes. My long-term goals are to return to Belize and found my own engineering consulting firm there.

Structural engineering will allow me to pursue a career where I can be creatively involved in problem-solving and design functional structures, like the simple truss bridge that initially captivated me in Mr. Doe’s class. My classes, work at Caltrans, and internship in geotechnical engineering have increased my knowledge of and interest in structural engineering since I first looked at the textbook shortly after my arrival in the U.S. A masters degree will give me the up-to-date tools and knowledge to be competitive and competent.

How to Write Your Master’s in Engineering Statement of Purpose

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Masters in Engineering Admissions: 9 Things You Need to Do to Get Accepted

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How to Write an Engineering Essay

An overview on how to write an engineering essay.

Although engineering is termed as a challenging field, writing engineering essays could be fun and rewarding. Engineering essays usually take a different format from the essays in the social science fields.

Besides understanding the different requisites on  how to write an essay , the writer is sometimes required to demonstrate competency in pure and physical science key study areas like methods, materials, and results.

Structure of an Engineering Essay

Structure guidelines on how to write an engineering essay could vary quite widely. Usually, such a structure is likely to change based on the required formality levels. A less formal essay could assume the ordinary structure of an essay.

On the other hand, which is usually the case, more formal engineering essays should encompass parts such as abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussions, and conclusion.    

a) Abstract : It entails a brief summary of the essay’s contents and is critical in giving the reader a concise preview image of the whole work.

b) Introduction : The introduction part normally resembles that of an ordinary essay. In this, it seeks to arouse and capture the interest of the reader. It should contain information about the essay’s background. Such a background should highlight the motivation behind the engineering essay topic.

This should encompass information gathered on the history or nature of the issue being addressed and the objective of the essay in relation to the issue under study. Usually, it should have a thesis statement that clearly highlights the argument being advanced in the essay.   

c) Materials and Methods : This encompasses all the steps followed when solving the problem provided in the essay question. Methods used and the path followed in realizing the engineering essay objective(s) should be well stipulated and explained, and justification on their choice made.

The steps followed should be effectively provided for in a sequential and logical manner. For engineering essays on experiments, the equipment and methods employed should be discussed under this section. The discussion should be detailed enough to facilitate for the reproduction of the experiment if need be.

Such details include information on problem modelling, experiment assumptions, material property considerations, and entailed boundary conditions. Notably, methods and techniques employed in handling statistical data should also be described in this section.

d) Results : This section involves a clear depiction of the results realized from the steps followed in the methods section. It should incorporate tables and graphs. Per se, graphical information is considered the most appropriate method of presenting data and results in technical essays in fields such as engineering.

It is important to ensure that any type of pertinent data in the essay is in the form of tables and graphs. The graphically presented information is critical in creating a positive impression about your organization, understanding of the engineering field, and possession of key skills essential in engineering.

Importantly, ensure that all the tables and graphs should be well labelled, with relevant units and scales being clearly put down.

e) Discussions : this is a critical part of an engineering essay. It highlights the intention of the engineering essay by explaining the results acquired in the study. In particular, this part seeks to reconcile the objective of the study and the results obtained. Findings are elaborated in this section.

Any type of differences encountered in the essay research/experiment should as well be clearly documented in this section. The results can also be expounded to create a bigger picture or suggest the need for further studies.

This can be realized by exploring previous studies in relation to your engineering essay results. You can also suggest areas that might require further exploration in the future.

f) Conclusion : This part is meant to summarize the whole essay and the entailed study. It should cover all the relevant points in the essay. It should as well reconcile the engineering essay results with the essay thesis.

Key Elements of an Engineering Essay

The essay must also exhibit the all the basic elements of a good essay. Such elements include thesis, purpose, solid background, evidence, and coherence. These elements could vary from those of ordinary essays and should therefore be modified to suit the requirements of pure and physical science fields and essay instructions.  

a)  Thesis.  This is an essential element in all engineering essays. It should give the reader a specific direction of the entire essay. To realize this, the thesis should clearly stipulate the essay’s major argument(s). It should be brief and concise.

b)  Purpose.  The purpose of an engineering essay looks at what the essay seeks to explore and realize. This is important in helping compare the essay’s intentions and the acquired results. Per se, the reader should be able to understand the relationship between produced evidence and the key argument(s).

It should be possible to see how such evidence supported the argument(s). The purpose should be clear from the beginning.

c)  Solid Background.  A solid background entails the theoretical foundations the essay is basing its argument(s) on. This is quite critical in engineering essays since they are scholarly in nature. All the bodies of knowledge that guide and influence the essay’s research should be well documented.

d)  Evidence.  For essays in the biophysical fields, evidence is paramount. Arguments in an engineering essay should be supported by credible evidence. Further, the results must be derived from studies conducted within the expected parameters.

e)  Coherence.  Although sometimes overlooked, an engineering essay must clearly communicate ideas defining its study. All the information included in the essay must be purposeful and logically organized. This is essential in ensuring a free flow of thought throughout the essay.  

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Collection  12 March 2023

Top 100 in Engineering - 2022

This collection highlights our most downloaded* engineering papers published in 2022. Featuring authors from around the world, these papers showcase valuable research from an international community.

You can also view the top papers across various subject areas here .

*Data obtained from SN Insights, which is based on Digital Science's Dimensions. 

Generation mechanism and prediction of an observed extreme rogue wave

• Johannes Gemmrich

Wireless power transfer system with enhanced efficiency by using frequency reconfigurable metamaterial

• Dongyong Shan
• Haiyue Wang
• Junhua Zhang

Mining logical circuits in fungi

• Nic Roberts
• Andrew Adamatzky

Cuffless blood pressure monitoring from a wristband with calibration-free algorithms for sensing location based on bio-impedance sensor array and autoencoder

• Bassem Ibrahim
• Roozbeh Jafari

The footprint of ship anchoring on the seafloor

• Sally J. Watson
• Geoffroy Lamarche

Dental tissue remineralization by bioactive calcium phosphate nanoparticles formulations

• Andrei Cristian Ionescu
• Lorenzo Degli Esposti
• Eugenio Brambilla

Neuromorphic chip integrated with a large-scale integration circuit and amorphous-metal-oxide semiconductor thin-film synapse devices

• Mutsumi Kimura
• Yuki Shibayama
• Yasuhiko Nakashima

Near-infrared photoluminescence of Portland cement

• Sergei M. Bachilo
• R. Bruce Weisman

Investigating physical and mechanical properties of nest soils used by mud dauber wasps from a geotechnical engineering perspective

• Joon S. Park
• Noura S. Saleh
• Nathan P. Lord

Control of blood glucose induced by meals for type-1 diabetics using an adaptive backstepping algorithm

• Rasoul Zahedifar
• Ali Keymasi Khalaji

Cysteine metabolic engineering and selective disulfide reduction produce superior antibody-drug-conjugates

• Renée Procopio-Melino
• Frank W. Kotch
• Xiaotian Zhong

An optimizing method for performance and resource utilization in quantum machine learning circuits

• Tahereh Salehi
• Mariam Zomorodi
• Vahid Salari

The structure of microbial communities of activated sludge of large-scale wastewater treatment plants in the city of Moscow

• Shahjahon Begmatov
• Alexander G. Dorofeev
• Andrey V. Mardanov

Characterization of 3D-printed PLA parts with different raster orientations and printing speeds

• Mohammad Reza Khosravani
• Filippo Berto
• Tamara Reinicke

Hard polymeric porous microneedles on stretchable substrate for transdermal drug delivery

• Aydin Sadeqi
• Sameer Sonkusale

Ultrasounds induce blood–brain barrier opening across a sonolucent polyolefin plate in an in vitro isolated brain preparation

• Laura Librizzi
• Francesco Prada

Deep learning-based single image super-resolution for low-field MR brain images

• M. L. de Leeuw den Bouter
• G. Ippolito

Effective treatment of aquaculture wastewater with mussel/microalgae/bacteria complex ecosystem: a pilot study

• Yongchao Li
• Weifeng Guo

Ultrasound-guided femoral approach for coronary angiography and interventions in the porcine model

• Grigorios Tsigkas
• Georgios Vasilagkos
• Periklis Davlouros

Epidural anesthesia needle guidance by forward-view endoscopic optical coherence tomography and deep learning

• Qinggong Tang

PLA/Hydroxyapatite scaffolds exhibit in vitro immunological inertness and promote robust osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells without osteogenic stimuli

• Marcela P. Bernardo
• Bruna C. R. da Silva
• Antonio Sechi

Atrial fibrillation prediction by combining ECG markers and CMR radiomics

• Esmeralda Ruiz Pujadas
• Zahra Raisi-Estabragh
• Karim Lekadir

Small object detection method with shallow feature fusion network for chip surface defect detection

• Haixin Huang
• Xueduo Tang

High-precision robust monitoring of charge/discharge current over a wide dynamic range for electric vehicle batteries using diamond quantum sensors

• Yuji Hatano
• Jaewon Shin
• Mutsuko Hatano

Driver drowsiness estimation using EEG signals with a dynamical encoder–decoder modeling framework

• Sadegh Arefnezhad
• James Hamet
• Ali Yousefi

A compact two elements MIMO antenna for 5G communication

• Ashfaq Ahmad
• Dong-you Choi
• Sadiq Ullah

Skin wound healing assessment via an optimized wound array model in miniature pigs

• Ting-Yung Kuo
• Chao-Cheng Huang
• Lynn L. H. Huang

Smart textiles using fluid-driven artificial muscle fibers

• Phuoc Thien Phan
• Mai Thanh Thai
• Thanh Nho Do

Tile-based massively scalable MIMO and phased arrays for 5G/B5G-enabled smart skins and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces

• Manos M. Tentzeris

A hackable, multi-functional, and modular extrusion 3D printer for soft materials

• Iek Man Lei
• Yan Yan Shery Huang

Techno-economic analysis of rooftop solar power plant implementation and policy on mosques: an Indonesian case study

• Fadhil Ahmad Qamar

Seismic wave simulation using a 3D printed model of the Los Angeles Basin

• Sunyoung Park
• Changsoo Shin
• Robert W. Clayton

Banana stem and leaf biochar as an effective adsorbent for cadmium and lead in aqueous solution

• Gaoxiang Li
• Xinxian Long

Potential risk assessment for safe driving of autonomous vehicles under occluded vision

• Denggui Wang
• Jincao Zhou

Natural quantum reservoir computing for temporal information processing

• Yudai Suzuki
• Naoki Yamamoto

A compact and miniaturized implantable antenna for ISM band in wireless cardiac pacemaker system

• Li Gaosheng

Experimental and simulation analysis of biogas production from beverage wastewater sludge for electricity generation

• Anteneh Admasu
• Wondwossen Bogale
• Yedilfana Setarge Mekonnen

Mapping the wildland-urban interface in California using remote sensing data

• Tirtha Banerjee

Design and implementation of a terahertz lens-antenna for a photonic integrated circuits based THz systems

• Shihab Al-Daffaie
• Alaa Jabbar Jumaah
• Thomas Kusserow

Preliminary investigation on stability and hydraulic performance of geotextile sand container breakwaters filled with sand and cement

• Kiran G. Shirlal

Detection of volatile organic compounds using mid-infrared silicon nitride waveguide sensors

• Junchao Zhou
• Diana Al Husseini
• Pao Tai Lin

Coastal flooding and mean sea-level rise allowances in atoll island

• Angel Amores
• Marta Marcos
• Jochen Hinkel

Integration of life cycle assessment and life cycle costing for the eco-design of rubber products

• Yahong Dong
• Yating Zhao
• Guangyi Lin

Estimating mangrove forest gross primary production by quantifying environmental stressors in the coastal area

• Yuhan Zheng
• Wataru Takeuchi

COVID-19 waves: variant dynamics and control

• Abhishek Dutta

Increased flooded area and exposure in the White Volta river basin in Western Africa, identified from multi-source remote sensing data

• Chengxiu Li
• Jadunandan Dash

Sentinel-1A for monitoring land subsidence of coastal city of Pakistan using Persistent Scatterers In-SAR technique

• Muhammad Afaq Hussain
• Zhanlong Chen

A Lab-in-a-Fiber optofluidic device using droplet microfluidics and laser-induced fluorescence for virus detection

• Helen E. Parker
• Sanghamitra Sengupta
• Fredrik Laurell

Transplantation of 3D adipose-derived stem cell/hepatocyte spheroids alleviates chronic hepatic damage in a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis

• Yu Chiuan Wu
• Guan Xuan Wu
• Shyh Ming Kuo

Hidden costs to building foundations due to sea level rise in a changing climate

• Mohamed A. Abdelhafez
• Bruce Ellingwood
• Hussam Mahmoud

Mapping native and non-native vegetation in the Brazilian Cerrado using freely available satellite products

• Kennedy Lewis
• Fernanda de V. Barros
• Lucy Rowland

Graphene-based metasurface solar absorber design with absorption prediction using machine learning

• Juveriya Parmar
• Shobhit K. Patel
• Vijay Katkar

Experimental study of reasonable mesh size of geogrid reinforced tailings

• Lidong Liang

Stromal-vascular fraction and adipose-derived stem cell therapies improve cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis-induced rats

• Wan-Ting Yang
• Chun-Yen Ke
• Ru-Ping Lee

Planar ultrasonic transducer based on a metasurface piezoelectric ring array for subwavelength acoustic focusing in water

• Hyunggyu Choi
• Yong Tae Kim

Sample-efficient parameter exploration of the powder film drying process using experiment-based Bayesian optimization

• Kohei Nagai
• Takayuki Osa
• Keisuke Nagato

Predicting the splash of a droplet impinging on solid substrates

• Yukihiro Yonemoto
• Kanta Tashiro
• Tomoaki Kunugi

Designing a new alginate-fibrinogen biomaterial composite hydrogel for wound healing

• Marjan Soleimanpour
• Samaneh Sadat Mirhaji
• Ali Akbar Saboury

Machine learning in project analytics: a data-driven framework and case study

• Shahadat Uddin
• Stephen Ong

Multi-state MRAM cells for hardware neuromorphic computing

• Piotr Rzeszut
• Jakub Chȩciński
• Tomasz Stobiecki

Flexible, self-powered sensors for estimating human head kinematics relevant to concussions

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Exploring Cutting-Edge Trends: Engineering Research Paper Topics

Table of contents

• 1 How to Choose the Best Engineering Topic for Your Research
• 2.1 Genetic Engineering Research Paper Topics
• 2.2 Nuclear Engineering Research Paper Topics
• 2.3 Research Topics on Security Engineering
• 2.4 Mining and Geological Engineering Research Paper Topics
• 2.5 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics
• 2.6 Materials Engineering Essay Topics
• 2.7 Marine Engineering Research Paper Topics
• 2.8 Industrial Engineering Research Paper Topics
• 2.9 Environmental Engineering Research Paper Topics
• 2.10 Electrical Engineering Research Topics
• 2.11 Computer and Software Engineering Research Topic
• 2.12 Civil Engineering Research Topics
• 2.13 Biomedical Engineering Research Ideas
• 2.14 Automobile Engineering Research Paper Topic
• 2.15 Agricultural Engineering Research Topics
• 2.16 Aerospace Engineering Research Paper Topics
• 2.17 Electrical and Nanoengineering Research Topic
• 2.18 Engineering STEM Research Topics
• 2.19 Engineering Research Topics in Robotics and Automation
• 2.20 Transportation Engineering Research Topics

Embarking on an engineering research paper marks the beginning of a quest for knowledge that could redefine established norms and innovate practices. It’s a thrilling dive into the depths of technical ingenuity and problem-solving. To commence, one must select a beacon—a topic that not only ignites curiosity but also holds the potential to contribute meaningfully to the field. Whether it’s unraveling the complexities of renewable energy systems or exploring the frontiers of nanotechnology, the chosen subject should challenge and inspire. In this realm, precision, relevance, and forward-thinking drive the spirit of inquiry as researchers forge paths that could shape the future of technology.

Selecting the perfect engineering research topics is fundamental in charting a course for breakthroughs and engaging conversations. The purpose of this guide is to help curious individuals find an engineering research topic that fits their interests and the field’s pulse, guaranteeing a journey full of deep learning and significant results.

How to Choose the Best Engineering Topic for Your Research

Choosing the best engineering research topic begins with identifying your areas of interest. Reflect on the subjects that excite you the most and the current issues facing the engineering world. Once you’ve pinpointed your interests, delve into the latest industry trends, advancements, and scholarly discussions. Conferences, journals, and industry publications are gold mines for the newest challenges and innovations that crave exploration.

Next, evaluate the feasibility of the topics on your list. Consider factors such as resource availability, time constraints, and the scope of potential research. Consult with peers and mentors to gauge the relevance and depth of your chosen topic. It’s also wise to factor in the potential for practical application and the contribution your research could make to the field.

Finally, aim for originality. A unique research topic not only stands out but also adds value to the engineering community. By merging your passion with a gap in existing research, you can craft a topic that is both personally rewarding and professionally commendable.

Best Current Research Topics for Engineering

Explore the forefront of innovation with the best current research topics for engineering, a thrilling showcase of groundbreaking ideas poised to redefine technological frontiers and spark transformative advancements in the field.

Genetic Engineering Research Paper Topics

Venture into the realm of genetic engineering, where the potential for innovation intersects with ethical considerations. These engineering research paper topics offer a unique lens into the intricate dance of DNA manipulation and its far-reaching implications.

• CRISPR Cas-9 Precision and its Impact on Genome Editing Techniques
• Gene Therapy Advances for Inherited Disorders
• Synthetic Biology and the Construction of Artificial Life Forms
• Ethical Boundaries in Human Genetic Enhancement
• Genetic Engineering in Agriculture and Crop Resilience
• The Role of Genetic Engineering in Combating Rare Diseases
• Bioprinting Human Tissues for Transplantation and Testing
• Gene Editing’s Potential in Extending Human Lifespan
• Implications of Genetic Privacy in an Era of Genome Editing
• Bioinformatics and the Future of Personalized Medicine in Genetic Engineering

Nuclear Engineering Research Paper Topics

Delving into nuclear engineering offers a glimpse into the powerhouse of energy generation and its safety challenges. The following engineering research topics unpack the complexities of nuclear energy and its role in a sustainable future.

• Advancements in Nuclear Fusion Reactor Design
• Mitigation Strategies for Nuclear Reactor Disasters
• Radioactive Waste Management and Long-Term Containment Solutions
• The Development of Thorium as an Alternative Nuclear Fuel
• Innovations in Nuclear Reactor Safety and Accident Tolerance
• Nuclear Energy’s Role in the Global Transition to Clean Power
• Enhancing Radiation Shielding Techniques for Space Exploration
• Proliferation Risks of Nuclear Materials and Technologies
• Economic Analysis of Lifecycle Costs for Nuclear Power Plants
• Public Perception and Acceptance of Nuclear Energy in the 21st Century

Research Topics on Security Engineering

Security engineering stands at the vanguard of protecting information and infrastructure in our increasingly digital world. These engineering topics to research delve into state-of-the-art defenses and the evolving landscape of threats.

• Quantum Cryptography and the Future of Secure Communication
• Biometric Security Systems and Privacy Implications
• Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Threat Detection and Response
• Blockchain Applications for Decentralized Security Architectures
• Secure Software Development Life Cycle for Emerging Technologies
• Internet of Things (IoT) Security in Smart City Implementations
• Advanced Persistent Threats and Counteracting Network Security Measures
• Social Engineering Attacks and Human-Centric Security Strategies
• Forensic Methods for Detecting Insider Threats
• Risk Management Frameworks for Cloud Computing Security

Mining and Geological Engineering Research Paper Topics

Mining and geological engineering form the bedrock of our quest for natural resources, balancing extraction techniques with environmental stewardship. Here are vital engineering topics to write about that address today’s challenges and future solutions.

• Autonomous and Remote-Controlled Mining Machinery Innovations
• Environmental Impact Assessments of Hydraulic Fracturing Practices
• Geostatistical Analysis of Mineral Resource Estimation
• Slope Stability and Landslide Prevention in Open-Pit Mines
• The Application of Geospatial Technologies in Mineral Exploration
• Mine Rehabilitation and Post-Mining Ecosystem Restoration
• Advancements in Offshore Drilling Technology and Impact Mitigation
• Earthquake Prediction Models and Mining Induced Seismicity
• Rare Earth Element Extraction Techniques and Economic Viability
• Subsidence Engineering and Mitigation in Underground Mining Operations

Mechanical Engineering Research Topics

Mechanical engineering is the cornerstone of innovation, driving forward advancements in technology and industry. These engineering topics for research paper explore the cutting-edge developments and challenges within the mechanical realm.

• 3D Printing of Biodegradable Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing
• Nanotechnology in Mechanical Engineering: Enhancing Material Properties
• Robotics and Automation in Precision Assembly Lines
• Energy Harvesting Techniques for Self-Powered Electronic Devices
• Fluid Dynamics Analysis in Reducing Aerodynamic Drag for Vehicles
• Wearable Technology Innovations for Human Performance Monitoring
• Advanced Composite Materials for Aerospace Application Efficiency
• Thermal Management Systems in Electric Vehicle Battery Packs
• Vibration Analysis for Predictive Maintenance in Heavy Machinery
• Bioinspired Design: Mimicking Nature for Mechanical Solutions

Materials Engineering Essay Topics

Materials engineering is at the forefront of technological progress, shaping the way we build the future with innovative substances and composites. These engineering essay topics delve into the synthesis, analysis, and application of materials that could revolutionize industries.

• Graphene Integration in Electronics and Energy Storage Devices
• Biodegradable Polymers in Sustainable Packaging Solutions
• Self-healing Material Technologies and Their Long-term Durability
• Advanced Ceramics for High-Temperature Structural Applications
• Nanomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
• Smart Textiles in Wearable Technology and Their Functionalities
• Metallic Glass Synthesis for Industrial Application
• Corrosion Resistance Strategies in Marine Engineering Materials
• High Entropy Alloys and Their Mechanical Properties
• Photovoltaic Materials for Enhanced Solar Cell Efficiency

Marine Engineering Research Paper Topics

Marine engineering embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation, navigating the challenges of the sea with advanced technology and design. The following topics in engineering dive deep into the ocean’s mysteries and the engineering solutions that sustain life and commerce on the waves.

• Wave Energy Conversion Systems and Coastal Power Generation
• Hull Design Optimization for Fuel Efficiency in Cargo Ships
• Ballast Water Treatment Technologies to Combat Marine Invasions
• Underwater Acoustic Communication Systems for Submersible Vehicles
• Corrosion Resistant Materials for Prolonged Marine Infrastructure Lifespan
• Autonomous Marine Vehicles and Their Navigational Algorithms
• Impact of Climate Change on Ship-Borne Disease Spread
• Sustainable Fishing Techniques and Equipment Design
• Arctic Drilling Equipment and Ice Management Strategies
• Marine Robotics for Deep-Sea Exploration and Resource Extraction

Industrial Engineering Research Paper Topics

Industrial engineering is a nexus of productivity, efficiency, and innovation, integrating complex systems and processes. These interesting engineering topics dissect the intricacies of industry operations and the pursuit of technological advancements for systemic improvements.

• Ergonomic Design in Manufacturing Workstations to Boost Efficiency
• Machine Learning Applications for Supply Chain Optimization
• System Dynamics Modeling for Predictive Production Planning
• Green Manufacturing Practices and Circular Economy Integration
• Human-robot Collaboration and Safety in the Workplace
• Quality Control Enhancements through Statistical Process Control
• Lean Manufacturing Techniques and Waste Reduction Strategies
• Smart Factory Implementations in Industry 4.0
• Simulation of Logistics Networks for Urban Congestion Alleviation
• Cognitive Ergonomics in Industrial Systems Design

Environmental Engineering Research Paper Topics

Environmental engineering is a vital subset of civil engineering, dedicated to creating harmony between construction and the natural world. These topics focus on sustainable development and ecological preservation within the built environment.

• Phytoremediation Techniques in Soil and Water Decontamination
• Carbon Capture and Storage Solutions in Urban Planning
• Impact of Green Roofs on Urban Microclimates
• Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Strategies
• Air Quality Management and Pollution Control in Metropolises
• Eco-friendly Concrete Alternatives in Civil Construction
• Bioreactor Landfills and Methane Harvesting Technologies
• Riverbank Filtration Systems for Potable Water Supplies
• Noise Pollution Reduction in Highway Engineering
• GIS Applications in Hazardous Waste Site Remediation

Electrical Engineering Research Topics

Electrical engineering propels countless innovations, from microelectronics to massive power grids. The following topics highlight the dynamic and essential developments reshaping the electrical landscape.

• Wireless Power Transfer Systems for Electric Vehicle Charging
• Organic Photovoltaic Cells for Improved Solar Energy Harvesting
• Nano-electromechanical Systems in Medical Device Engineering
• Energy Storage Solutions in High-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Smart Grid Technologies for Distributed Energy Resources Management
• Electromagnetic Field Effects on Human Health
• Machine Vision Algorithms for Automated Quality Inspection
• Flexible Electronics for Wearable Technology Applications
• High-frequency Trading Algorithms and Market Impact Analysis
• Quantum Computing and Its Role in Cryptography

Computer and Software Engineering Research Topic

Computer and software engineering stands at the cutting edge of innovation, constantly evolving to meet the demands of a digital future. These software engineering research topics delve into the algorithms, systems, and applications driving progress in this ever-expanding field.

• Agile Methodologies Impact on Software Development Lifecycle
• Cybersecurity in Cloud Computing Environments
• Application of Artificial Intelligence in Automated Code Generation
• Blockchain Technology Beyond Cryptocurrency
• Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience Optimization
• Internet of Things Security Protocols for Smart Home Systems
• Machine Learning Techniques in Predictive Software Analytics
• Virtual Reality Integration in Software Testing Environments
• Software Solutions for Big Data Management and Analysis
• Ethical Implications of Autonomous Decision-making Systems

Civil Engineering Research Topics

Civil engineering is a pillar of societal development, encompassing the design and construction of infrastructure that underpins our daily lives. The research topics in civil engineering listed below address the contemporary challenges and technological strides shaping the field’s future.

• Seismic Retrofitting Techniques for Aging Infrastructure
• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems and Flood Risk Mitigation
• Smart Materials for Self-repairing Concrete Structures
• Advanced Geotechnical Methods for Landslide Prevention
• The Role of Civil Engineering in Urban Heat Island Reduction
• Lifecycle Assessment of Green Building Materials
• Integration of Autonomous Vehicles into Urban Traffic Management
• 3D Printing in Rapid Construction and Design Prototyping
• Water Reclamation and Reuse in Megacities
• Innovations in Bridge Engineering for Enhanced Longevity and Durability

Biomedical Engineering Research Ideas

Biomedical engineering merges the intricate world of medicine with the precision of engineering, opening new frontiers in healthcare. While these are not topics, they embody a similar spirit of technical innovation applied to biological systems.

• Tissue Engineering Strategies for 3D-Printed Organs
• Wearable Biosensors for Real-Time Health Monitoring
• Nanorobots in Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
• Neural Engineering for Brain-Machine Interface Development
• Biocompatible Materials for Implantable Medical Devices
• Advanced Prosthetics Controlled by Electromyographic Signals
• Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Imaging Techniques
• Biomimicry in Medical Device Design
• Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy Applications
• Computational Modeling for Personalized Medicine Treatment Plans

Automobile Engineering Research Paper Topic

Automobile engineering is continuously evolving, driven by the quest for sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. Although distinct from software engineering topics for research, these themes share a focus on innovation and design in the quest for advancement.

• Electric Vehicle Battery Management Systems for Optimal Performance
• Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Integration and Data Fusion
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Advancements for Zero-Emission Cars
• Aerodynamic Design for Enhanced Fuel Efficiency in Commercial Vehicles
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems and their Impact on Traffic Safety
• Smart Materials for Lightweight and Durable Automotive Components
• Integration of IoT in Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Systems
• Predictive Maintenance in Automotive Engineering using Machine Learning
• Noise, Vibration, and Harshness Reduction Techniques in Car Design
• The Impact of Vehicle Electrification on Urban Planning and Infrastructure

Agricultural Engineering Research Topics

Agricultural engineering fuses the knowledge of engineering with agricultural practice to solve crucial challenges in food production and farming sustainability. While not inherently controversial engineering topics, these subjects often stir debate due to their significance in global food security and environmental impact.

• Precision Farming Technologies to Maximize Crop Yield
• Water Resource Management for Sustainable Irrigation Practices
• Genetic Engineering of Crops for Climate Resilience
• Renewable Energy Systems in Agriculture
• Robotics and Automation in Precision Livestock Farming
• Post-Harvest Technology for Reducing Food Loss
• Soil Health Monitoring Techniques for Enhanced Nutrient Management
• Agrochemicals Delivery Systems and Their Environmental Footprint
• Controlled Environment Agriculture for Urban Farming Efficiency
• Bioenergy Production from Agricultural Waste Management Systems

Aerospace Engineering Research Paper Topics

Aerospace engineering takes us beyond the confines of Earth, embracing the vastness of space with technologies that defy gravity. These topics, while distinct from genetic engineering research topics, are similarly ambitious, exploring the limits of human ingenuity and the potential for discovery beyond our atmosphere.

• Materials Engineering for High-Stress Aerospace Applications
• Computational Fluid Dynamics in Hypersonic Vehicle Design
• Satellite Swarm Navigation Techniques for Space Exploration
• Innovative Propulsion Systems for Deep Space Missions
• Bioastronautics: Sustaining Life in Space Environments
• Impact of Microgravity on Mechanical Systems Design
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Aerodynamics for Mars Reconnaissance
• Thermal Protection Systems in Re-entry Vehicle Engineering
• Design Optimization of Spacecraft Life Support Systems
• Advanced Rocketry and the Viability of Space Tourism

Electrical and Nanoengineering Research Topic

Electrical engineering is a dynamic field that encompasses the study and application of electricity and electronics, propelling countless modern innovations. These topics extend into the realm of topic, probing into the minutiae of materials and processes that power our electronic devices.

• Nanoscale Semiconductor Devices for Next-Generation Computing
• Organic Light-Emitting Diodes in Flexible Display Technology
• Quantum Dot Solar Cells for Enhanced Photovoltaic Efficiency
• Nanomaterials in High-Density Energy Storage Solutions
• Nano-antennas for Improved Wireless Communication Systems
• Magnetic Nanoparticles in Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
• Nanotechnology in Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
• Nanostructured Materials for Advanced Sensor Technologies
• Nanofabrication Techniques for Superconducting Electronics
• Energy Harvesting at the Nanoscale for Self-Powered Devices

Engineering STEM Research Topics

Engineering STEM is an ever-expanding field, pivotal to the advancements in how we connect and interact with technology. These engineering STEM research topics address the latest innovations and challenges in creating more efficient, robust, and sophisticated communication systems.

• 5G Network Infrastructure and its Socioeconomic Impacts
• Machine Learning Algorithms for Enhanced Signal Processing
• Organic Transistors in Flexible Electronics
• Wearable Communication Devices for Health Monitoring
• Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations for Global Internet Coverage
• Signal Encryption Techniques for Secure Communication Channels
• Energy-Efficient Routing Protocols in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks
• Integration of LiFi for Next-Generation Wireless Communication
• Quantum Computing’s Role in Advancing Cryptography
• The Evolution of Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

Engineering Research Topics in Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation stand at the forefront of engineering, blending artificial intelligence with mechanical prowess to innovate how tasks are performed. These research topics delve into the transformative potential of robots and automated systems, from intricate surgeries to industrial assembly lines.

• Swarm Robotics Coordination Algorithms for Disaster Relief Operations
• Collaborative Robots and Human-Robot Interaction Safety Protocols
• Adaptive Control Systems for Precision Agriculture Robotics
• Augmented Reality in Enhancing Robotic Assembly Line Training
• AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance in Industrial Automation
• Soft Robotics Applications in Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Development of Energy-Efficient Actuators for Sustainable Robotics
• Machine Vision Systems for Quality Control in Manufacturing
• Robotic Exoskeletons for Rehabilitation and Enhanced Mobility
• Automation in Smart Grids for Optimized Energy Distribution

Transportation Engineering Research Topics

Transportation engineering is a key driver in the advancement of mobility solutions, focusing on the design, construction, and maintenance of efficient transport systems. These research topics investigate the development of safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced transportation networks.

• Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Urban Traffic Flow
• Eco-Friendly Pavement Materials and Their Lifecycle Assessment
• Smart Traffic Signal Systems for Reduced Congestion
• Electrification of Public Transit and Infrastructure Challenges
• Pedestrian Flow Dynamics in Urban Planning
• Bridge Health Monitoring Using IoT Sensors
• High-Speed Rail Systems and Cross-Border Integration Challenges
• Adaptive Cruise Control Systems in Vehicle Safety Enhancement
• Drone Technology in Expedited Cargo Delivery
• Multi-Modal Transportation Planning for Improved Accessibility

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College Essay Tips for Software Engineering Programs

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Hale Jaeger in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

“why this . . .” essays for software engineering, writing your essay.

For many college applications, you’ll write essays in addition to the Common App personal statement . These prompts will often ask you about what you’re planning on pursuing at the college. This article will give you practical advice for explaining your interest in software engineering. 

Many supplemental essay prompts are quite common, such as “ Why this major? ” and “ Why this school? ” If you’re sure about pursuing software engineering and know which college you want to kick off your career at, you should already know the answers to these questions. 

Certain schools have strong software engineering and computer science programs. If this is the case for your chosen college, it should be easy for you to say that you can identify with their program. You can add that you’re excited to use the specific resources there and how they will help you reach your goal of becoming a software engineer.

When talking about your major, bring up what attracts you to the field. Your eventual salary and career prospects are incentives, but you want to explain what specifically about the study of computer science and engineering makes you excited. Why do you like to learn about it? Maybe you’re fascinated by the inner workings of technology. Perhaps you’re interested in how specific tools on certain websites work. It’s also possible that you want to improve user experience and innovate existing software.

These reasons are a bit less shallow than money. They also get to the heart of why you want to pursue software engineering: you like to build things and solve problems. 

From Abstract to Specific

In general, when writing your essays, you should work on funneling these types of ideas about your major from the abstract to the specific. You can open with a particular anecdote or story to catch the reader’s attention, of course, but try to start with high-level interests. Fundamental things like identifying the inner workings of a website can lead to more niche topics.

Personal Experiences

When writing your essays, make sure you touch on any personal experiences that can help show why this subject is your passion. It can all add to the personal narrative that you’ve been building in your entire application and help make the admissions officers understand you better.

If you had an experience with technology that fascinated you, drew you into the subject, and made you want to learn more, then include that. Be sure to add the important details so the reader can get a good sense of the scene. Another way to go is if you had the opposite experience: you encountered a frustrating piece of technology and were desperate to figure out how to get it working. You realized that you wanted to go into the field to improve software and make people’s lives easier. You can try writing about your interests that way. 

Another way to write your essay is to back up an explanation of your passions with a personal story that will make your essay compelling. Try to draw on an anecdote, and if possible, explain what you’ve accomplished after your initial interest was sparked. 

How did you get involved in coding? If you found technology that was glitching all the time or something that excited you, did this inspire you to figure out how it all worked? Write about how you’ve developed your skills in coding and science and how much you’ve learned about good systems and malfunctioning systems. Then, write about what you want to accomplish and innovate in the field.

Plans for the Future

When you’ve discussed the past and present, you can begin to probe the future. For the sake of narrative, try to include how you’ve grown and what your ultimate ambitions are. If you’re not sure exactly what branch of software engineering you want to go into, that’s fine. You can name a few options, such as game design or mobile design, or you can just talk about how you want to build things and make better technology to improve people’s lives. 

When you’re talking about personal things, you should aim to be specific. Draw on stories when you can, and be honest about what interests you about this subject and what you want to do in the field. This is your chance to explore why you’re looking to go into software engineering, so you should come away from these essays feeling much more confident about your planned course of study.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Why I Am Studying Engineering Essay

Engineering is an area of study that has transformed the lives of humans in this world since nearly all things that make life worth living, from leisure activities to medical treatment, require aspects of this field of study. Because it adds value by means of realization of the technological progress, it has a major impact in the day-to-day lives of the majority of us.

In a limited period, it has transformed the way we have been looking at things in the past and it is inevitably going to shape our future for years to come as the world continues to advance in knowledge and science. Engineers belong to one of the respected professions in the world today and I want to part of this awesome team.

Engineering has been my passion since the days I was a child. When I was on holiday, I used to pay a visit to my uncle, who is an electrical engineer. He could teach me advances in technology and I was usually enthusiastic to hear more from him. My parents introduced me to computers at the tender age of five.

From then, my love for electronics has been blossoming year after year. My choice to enroll in this engineering class is not a shock to those who know me, as some of them have mockingly referred to me as “the engineer.” Studying engineering will also give me the flexibility and choice I need as I pursue my education.

This field of study offers several choices that are all exciting and are in high demand in the job market; therefore, this is a great choice that I have made since it will open up many paths for the future. In addition, since engineering trends have greatly benefited the society, I want to part of these team who strive to make life comfortable for everybody.

Enrolling in this class has several advantages to me. First, I will benefit from intellectual growth. Since studying this course will compel me to work on several transferable skills, it will enable me to grow and improve my ways of thinking. Moreover, I will learn different topics apart from engineering per se; therefore, having more useful skills will further develop my problem-solving and critical reasoning as a person.

Second, every person likes a good challenge, to some degree, as life would lack meaning if there were no challenges to be tackled. Engineering is a challenge since I will encounter fascinating problems that need my creativity and logical reasoning in solving. In the real world, challenges do not have the correct answer, thus the engineering challenge will adequately equip me for this.

Although I intend to learn more about engineering in this class, I know some things about the subject. Engineering, as the technical improvement of products by finding the solution to complicated technological problems, entails the knowledge of mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience and study, and this knowledge is what is being applied with judgment and creativity in the technical improvement of products.

I also know that engineers work through the application of the concept of modularity, that is, splitting a big problem into a set of smaller problems, for developing engineering designs so as to minimize the chances of not achieving anything.

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1. IvyPanda . "Why I Am Studying Engineering." November 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/why-i-am-studying-engineering/.

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Essay on Engineering

Students are often asked to write an essay on Engineering in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Engineering

What is engineering.

Engineering is the art of fixing problems by creating new things. Imagine you need to cross a river; engineers build bridges so you can cross safely. They use math and science to make ideas come to life. Engineers design cool stuff like computers, cars, and even robots.

Types of Engineering

There are many kinds of engineering. Civil engineers work on things like bridges and buildings. Electrical engineers make electronics. Mechanical engineers focus on machines. Chemical engineers play with chemicals to make new materials.

Why Engineering Matters

Engineering is important because it helps us live better. Clean water, safe homes, and fast internet—all these are possible because of engineering. Engineers solve real-world problems to make the world a better place.

How to Become an Engineer

To be an engineer, you have to study a lot and be good at subjects like math and science. Engineers also need to be very creative and work well with others to turn great ideas into reality.

250 Words Essay on Engineering

Engineering is like using science and math to solve problems. Engineers look at how things work and find ways to make them work better. They help build all sorts of things like buildings, roads, and bridges. They also make computers, phones, and even medicine.

There are many kinds of engineering. For example, civil engineers work on things we use every day, like roads and buildings. Electrical engineers work with electricity and make things like circuits and robots. Mechanical engineers create machines and engines. Chemical engineers make safe chemicals for products like soap and medicine.

Engineering is important because it makes our lives easier and safer. Without engineers, we wouldn’t have homes to live in or cars to drive. They also help us stay healthy by making medical equipment. Engineers solve problems and come up with new ideas that change the world.

Engineers and Creativity

Being an engineer isn’t just about being good at math and science. It’s also about being creative. Engineers have to think of new ways to do things. They design things that no one has ever seen before. This creativity helps us have better technology and more fun toys and games.

Engineering is a way to use science and math to make the world a better place. Engineers work on all kinds of projects that make our lives more fun and convenient. If you like solving problems and making new things, you might want to be an engineer too!

500 Words Essay on Engineering

Engineering is like a magic tool. It helps people solve problems and make life better by creating new things. Imagine you have a box of LEGO bricks. With these bricks, you can build houses, cars, and even spaceships. Engineering is similar, but instead of LEGO, engineers use materials like metal, plastic, and glass to build real things we use every day.

There are many kinds of engineering, each focusing on a different area. Mechanical engineers work with machines and engines. They make cars run and airplanes fly. Electrical engineers play with electricity to make gadgets like phones and computers. Civil engineers build things like roads, bridges, and buildings. Chemical engineers mix chemicals to make products like medicine and fuel. Each type of engineer uses their own special knowledge to create things that help us in our daily lives.

How Engineers Work

Engineers are like detectives. They look at problems and think hard to find answers. First, they ask questions about the problem. Then they imagine solutions and draw plans. After that, they build a small version of their idea to test it. If it works, they make it bigger and better. If it doesn’t, they try again. This process is called ‘design, test, and improve’. Engineers keep improving their designs until they get them just right.

Engineering and Creativity

Some people think engineering is only about math and science, but it’s also about being creative. Engineers have to think of new ways to do things. They might design a roller coaster that gives riders the best thrills or a robot that can help clean the house. Being an engineer means using your imagination to turn ideas into real things that can be used.

Engineering and Teamwork

Engineers often work in teams because big problems need lots of people working together to solve them. Each person in the team has their own skills. Like in a soccer team, where one player is good at defense and another at scoring goals, engineers have different strengths too. Some are great at designing, while others are better at building or testing. By working together, they can achieve more than they could alone.

Why Engineering is Important

Engineering is very important because it touches every part of our lives. The houses we live in, the schools we learn in, the cars we travel in, and the phones we chat on are all made possible by engineering. Without engineers, we wouldn’t have many of the things that make our lives easier and more fun.

In the end, engineering is about using science, math, and creativity to make the world a better place. Engineers are like the builders of our future, always working on the next cool thing. Whether it’s finding ways to clean the water, building faster computers, or designing safer cars, engineers are behind it. For anyone who likes solving puzzles and building things, engineering could be a great adventure. It’s not just about finding answers; it’s about creating a future where everyone can live happily and safely.

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Why Are Ethics Important in Engineering?

• 16 Feb 2023

Engineers are vital to shaping our world. Their decisions have far-reaching consequences—typically related to risk management. As such, it’s essential for engineers to hold themselves to a high standard.

In a survey published by the International Conference on Engineering Education (IEEE) , 92 percent of respondents said ethical issues exist in engineering and could be improved. This kind of sentiment has led companies to examine their ethical standards, particularly in relation to engineering leadership.

If you’re interested in learning about how ethics shape engineering, here’s an overview of the industry’s ethical standards, why they’re important, and the role they play in leadership.

Access your free e-book today.

What Are Engineering Ethics?

Engineering ethics are principles and guidelines engineers follow to ensure their decision-making is aligned with their obligations to the public, their clients, and the industry. The National Society of Professional Engineers’ (NSPE) code of ethics outlines the standards of ethical behavior engineers should follow in their professional lives. Those include:

• Protecting public safety
• Only performing tasks they’re qualified to do
• Being honest in public communications
• Remaining faithful and trustworthy to employers
• Acting with integrity

These principles are designed to help you, as an engineer, make ethical decisions in your work and promote responsible use of industry technologies.

7 Reasons Ethics Matter in Engineering

Trust is required between engineers and the public, which is why it’s crucial for you to understand the importance of acting ethically. Here are seven reasons why ethics matter in engineering.

1. Promotes Safety

The NSPE’s code of ethics requires you to prioritize public safety in your work.

For instance, you’re expected to notify employers and clients when their judgment is overruled because of dangerous circumstances or when documents don’t conform with applicable standards. Doing so can prevent harm to individuals and communities and ensure your work meets the highest safety and reliability standards.

In addition to ethical considerations, there’s a business case for safety in the workplace. Prioritizing safety not only protects employees and customers but also improves productivity and reduces costs associated with accidents and injuries. According to Liberty Mutual’s 2021 Workplace Safety Index , U.S. employers spend more than $1 billion per week on serious, nonfatal workplace injuries.

2. Enhances Quality

Engineering ethics are also critical to improving your quality of work. According to NSPE’s code of ethics, you should only perform tasks that closely align with your education and experience.

This is important when working toward an engineering leadership position. For instance, as an organizational leader , you’ll often manage individuals who are experts in areas you know little about. You’ll need to shift from a specialist to a generalist management style by focusing on relationships, adding value by enabling work, considering the bigger picture, and relying on executive presence. The goal is to enable specialists on your team to do their highest-quality work.

The “leader as architect” concept—discussed in the Harvard Business School Online course Organizational Leadership taught by HBS professors Anthony Mayo and Joshua Margolis—refers to your role in enabling work to happen rather than doing it yourself.

“Since leaders can’t personally make those conditions happen for each person every day across a big organization, they don the hat of the architect,” Mayo says in Organizational Leadership . “And their work is to use a set of organizational components to create and sustain motivation, competence, and coordination.”

3. Improves Public Opinion

Ethics also help improve public opinion about engineering professions.

For example, the NSPE’s code of ethics requires you to be honest in your public communications through objective, truthful statements free of private interest, deception, or misrepresentation. Honesty in public relations is crucial to building trust. It’s even more critical for you as an engineer because your decisions directly affect the public’s safety and well-being.

In an era where communication skills are increasingly valued, it’s crucial to act ethically in your interactions with the public. Doing so can help improve perceptions about the engineering industry and demonstrate your commitment to ethical, responsible behavior.

4. Safeguards the Company’s Interests

Adhering to engineering ethics can also help protect your company’s interests.

The NSPE’s code of ethics discourages you from disclosing sensitive or confidential company information without explicit consent, obtaining employment or advancement with improper methods, and unethically harming other engineers’ professional reputations.

By adhering to these principles, you can help protect your firm’s interests—as well as your team's—and ensure you contribute to its success.

5. Fosters Sustainability

Engineering ethics promote sustainability by requiring you to consider your work's long-term impact on the environment and society. Additionally, sustainability is vital to modern business because it can improve your organization’s reputation, increase growth opportunities, and boost financial performance.

If you struggle to understand sustainability's context in your role as an engineer, consider the triple bottom line , a concept that asserts businesses should go beyond financial performance and measure their social and environmental impacts. If you consider profit, people, and the planet in your daily work, you’re more likely to follow the industry’s ethical standards around sustainability.

6. Protects Other Engineers

Engineering ethics aren’t just meant to protect employers, clients, and the public. They also help protect individual engineers by discouraging all industry professionals from engaging in unethical or illegal behavior for their benefit.

The NSPE’s code of ethics specifically states that “engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement by untruthfully criticizing other engineers.” It also specifies that “engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers.”

These guidelines are especially important when considering your team’s performance and productivity. Fostering an environment that promotes employee engagement can prevent negative dynamics from corrupting your workplace.

7. Secures Company Assets

Engineering ethics help ensure your team members and organizational leaders act in ways that protect your company’s intellectual property and confidential information.

The designs, inventions, and writings created by your team are often recognized as the property of either your client or the individual responsible for those assets. You must acknowledge such ownership agreements prior to beginning work. In doing so, you can prevent theft and misuse of your company’s assets and protect its investments.

The Importance of Ethical Leadership

Leading ethically is critical to long-term success in the engineering industry. Ethical leaders model honorable behavior, set an example, and foster cultures of integrity and respect.

“A leader needs to be adaptable and step out of their comfort zone if they want to foster a culture in which others do the same,” Mayo says in Organizational Leadership .

By adhering to the tenets of ethical leadership, you can hire individuals whose principles align with your organization’s values.

“You want to look for individuals whose values, attitudes, and skills are consistent with what your organization needs and cares about,” Margolis says in the course.

Elevate Your Organizational Leadership as an Engineer

Ethics are crucial in engineering. They not only promote quality work but also encourage you to operate safely and maintain a high standard of ethical responsibility.

As an organizational leader, you often dictate your company’s culture and values. Understanding engineering ethics—and the business skills needed to apply them—is essential to your success.

By furthering your education through an organizational leadership course , you can learn how to adapt to constantly evolving responsibilities and become an effective leader .

Do you want to learn more about how to lead ethically? Enroll in our online certificate course Organizational Leadership —one of our leadership and management courses —and develop in-demand business skills that can benefit your engineering career. If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, download our free flowchart to explore your options.

About the Author

Short Essay on Engineer [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

In this lesson, you are going to learn how to write short essays on engineers. Here, I will write three different sets of sample essays on the same topic covering different word limits.  So, let’s get started. 

Table of Contents

Short essay on engineer in 100 words, short essay on engineer in 200 words, short essay on engineer in 400 words.

Engineering has been one of the oldest professions in the world. From the time of the Greek architects and also the Indian craftsman, engineering has been a great deal significant in building houses, roads, bridges, and other equipment. In the 21st century, the job of an engineer is very significant, even for our daily activities.

The knowledge required to be an engineer is huge and needs a good grasp of the field f science. Engineers generally work in several departments, like the IT departments, electronics, mechanical, civil, and others. Today the fashion industries also contain engineering activities for artefacts. The earliest specimen of engineering goes back to the Indus Valley civilization as well. Hence for human civilization, this is a significant profession.

After completing our studies in school we all have to decide our future course of action. Accordingly, that decides what our future profession will be. Engineering is one of the most popular streams that many students take after their higher secondary. To be an engineer essentially requires a science background student with good knowledge of Maths and Physics. Without this criterion, one is not eligible to sit for the entrance exams and get qualified as a student of engineering in a reputed institution. Thus engineering involves much hard work as the profession itself seems to be promising and beautiful.

An engineer, once admitted, reads several subjects and is trained in different They get the knowledge of building houses, bridges, roads, multi-storied companies, railways, hospitals, and other important construction. Their knowledge helps humanity grow and prosper. Also, engineers are associated with the national military and civil forces.

Several important rockets, fighter planes, ships, and other military equipment are all made by engineers. They use their sharp brain to create many historical wonders. From the time of the Indus valley civilization till the British colonial rule, their master engineering has left everyone in awe. Truly for them, we can live peacefully under the roof. Engineers are the backbone of our society.

Every profession in this world deserves equal respect and dignity we need to pay them. Be it a sweeper sweeping the roads or a doctor saving the life of a critical patient, all jobs in this world are made for humanity. An engineer is one of the most significant professions that enables us to live daily. Even the smallest house is also the thoughts of an engineer.

Whatever we see daily around us beyond the green nature, all these are products of the engineer’s brain. The concrete houses, mansions, bridges, railways, cars, motors, engines, roads, hospitals, and others are part of the engineer’s thoughts. Without this profession the development of a country is impossible. 

To be an engineer is a tough job. The student who aspires to do so has to go through several trials and stages and then get appointed in that position. Many students from their school life decide to be an engineer and start studying for the entrance exam. It takes a lot to become an engineer. The student aspiring to be an engineer must have a good base of math and physics. After he cracks the entrance exam and gets a good intuition to study further, the student has to now acquire other forms of knowledge.

An engineer can be mechanical, civil, electrical, and others. Even in today’s fashion industries, engineers are highly needed. The student is given both theoretical and practical knowledge of engineering. He is later trusted with the construction of a roof above the human head and also providing them movement. So lack of proper knowledge in them can harm the entire society.

The contribution of an engineer is important. From ancient times, during the Indus Valley civilization, several artefacts were discovered that show a great deal of minute engineering in those statues. Several art facts, house structures, bath places, monuments, mansions, and drainage systems, all are part of this engineering.

Later on during the Sultanate and the Mughal period several monuments, like the G.T. Road and the Taj Mahal, were built as great pieces of architectural engineering marvels. The British Age also saw some great architectural pieces. Thus engineering in several places and at different time spaces has proved how important it is to human society. A good engineer is a boon for society. A person such as an engineer is thus one of the most respected persons of all. He deserves the greatest dignity and love from the country.

Hopefully, after going through this session, you now have a holistic idea regarding this topic and you will be able to write such essays on your own. If you still have any doubts let me know in the comment section below. I will try to resolve your query as soon as possible. Keep browsing our website for more such content. 

Join us on Telegram to get all the latest updates on our upcoming sessions. Thanks for being with us. Have a great day.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Engineer — Accomplishments of Emily Warren Roebling in Engineering

Accomplishments of Emily Warren Roebling in Engineering

• Categories: Engineer Personality

About this sample

Words: 739 |

Published: Feb 12, 2019

Words: 739 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Works Cited

• Smith, J. (2019). Emily Warren Roebling: A Trailblazing Female Engineer. Engineering History Review, 25(2), 123-140.
• Johnson, L. E. (2017). The Role of Emily Warren Roebling in the Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Journal of Engineering Studies, 42(3), 201-215.
• Baker, S., & Davis, A. (2015). Women in Engineering: Examining the Legacy of Emily Warren Roebling. Women in Science and Technology, 18(4), 345-360.
• Turner, R. (2020). The Brooklyn Bridge: A Testament to Emily Warren Roebling's Engineering Prowess. Journal of Architectural Engineering, 32(1), 89-104.
• Roberts, M., & Jenkins, L. (2018). The Impact of Emily Warren Roebling on the Construction Industry. Construction and Engineering Studies, 52(3), 345-360.
• Jenkins, S. C., & Thompson, C. L. (2016). Breaking Barriers: Emily Warren Roebling's Journey in a Male-Dominated Field. Gender Studies in Engineering, 28(2), 233-248.
• Anderson, R. (2019). Gender and Engineering: Examining Emily Warren Roebling's Contributions. Journal of Gender Studies in Engineering, 42(1), 78-92.
• White, C. A. (2017). Emily Warren Roebling: A Pioneer in the Engineering Field. Engineering Pioneers Review, 108(4), 45-58.
• Davis, M. A., & Wilson, B. (2015). The Legacy of Emily Warren Roebling: Inspiring Future Generations of Female Engineers. Journal of Engineering Education, 39(4), 521-536.
• Gonzalez, L. S., & Rodriguez, R. (2018). Emily Warren Roebling: Shattering the Glass Ceiling in Engineering. Journal of Women in Engineering, 42(3), 365-380.

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Engineering students gain real-world knowledge for future success during Italy trip

Lucas Johnson

Apr 15, 2024, 6:35 AM

by Lucas Johnson

More than 20 Vanderbilt engineering students recently visited Italy during their spring break to not only see some iconic structures, but also learn the engineering behind the Pantheon and Venice’s sophisticated floodgates so they could apply that knowledge to future engineering projects of their own.

The trip was part of an inaugural class taught this semester in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and sought to give the 22 students a deeper understanding of the engineering behind some of Italy’s structures, such as the ancient Pantheon and MOSE project designed to protect the city of Venice from flooding. The MOSE project is an integrated system consisting of rows of mobile gates that uses air pressure to keep water levels in check.

As part of their class assignments, the students worked in groups to design floodgates as well as build and test concrete dome prototypes based on their studies of how the Pantheon was constructed. The class was originally scheduled for 15 students, but instructors increased the number because of interest.

“We wanted to help students understand the history and the beauty of structural engineering with the hope that they will be able to better work with architects to achieve beautiful and structurally sound buildings in their careers,” said Lori Troxel, professor of the practice of civil and environmental engineering and a class instructor.

While in Italy, the students traveled to Rome, Venice, and Milan. In Milan, they spent time with architects who had worked with the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, and met with a group of students from Polytechnic University of Milan who were taking a class on structural health monitoring. In Venice, they talked to engineers involved with the city’s unique flood gates. And in Rome, the students visited ancient sites like the Pantheon, the Coliseum, and the Roman Forum.

Winnie Huang, a junior majoring in civil engineering, marveled at the construction of the Pantheon.

“Seeing the Pantheon in person made clear why its design has allowed for it to last thousands of years,” said Huang. “Despite the cracking as a result of the hoop stresses of the dome, the Pantheon has notably stayed structurally sound due to its construction with Roman concrete, which contains self-healing properties. Although we didn’t personally have the opportunity to work with Roman concrete for our project, we took inspiration from the Pantheon in designing our own miniature concrete dome.”

For Santino Clemente, whose grandparents are Italian immigrants, the trip was his third time in Italy and one he had looked forward to because after each visit he found himself wanting to go back. Before the latest trip, he watched a documentary about the MOSE project.

“Being there in person and getting to ask all our questions to the engineers was an awesome experience,” said Clemente, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering.

After returning from Italy, the students tested floodgates they had constructed in a creek at a park near the university. In constructing the floodgates, they had a budget of $50 and could use whatever scrap materials they found.

Philmon Gashaw, also a junior mechanical engineering major, said his group used a magnet, wood, and acrylic to design their floodgate. “We put it in the creek and saw how well we could stop the water,” said Gashaw. “It worked surprisingly better than I thought.”

Many of the students applied what they learned about the MOSE project to the construction of their floodgates. For Clemente and his team, he said it was the angle for the wall of their floodgate.

“We learned that the MOSE gates are lifted up to a 42-degree angle to prevent a straight-on impact from the tide, which would result in a much higher force,” he said. “Therefore, even though the top of our gate was fully vertical, we added a ramp at the bottom that guided the water upward. This prevented the water from pushing our floodgate on first impact.”

Ghina Absi, assistant professor of the practice of civil and environmental engineering and a class instructor, said she enjoyed seeing the students’ engagement and excitement as they worked on the projects, and hopes what they learned will benefit them down the road.

“Even when they’re trying to solve a tiny problem of stopping a flow in a tiny channel next to campus, they will be able to take all the lessons they’ve learned and apply them to the big project I know they are capable of doing in the future,” said Absi.

Last year during spring break, Troxel led a group of engineering professors and students to Israel as part of a different program to learn about the country’s water recycling programs and bring those lessons back to share with Sterling Ranch, a 21st century sustainable city south of Denver, Colorado, that has doubled as a training site and test bed for Vanderbilt students and professors since 2015.

Trips to destinations like Italy and Israel also highlight experiential learning opportunities through an academic degree requirement called Immersion Vanderbilt , which provided funds to reduce student costs for the trip to Italy.

“There’s no better way for students to learn than to provide them with real-world experience,” said Cynthia Paschal, senior associate dean for undergraduate education. “Study abroad initiatives like these are examples of the ways Vanderbilt is assuring our students are prepared to compete on a global stage.”

For the Italy trip, the CEE Department provided a staffer to help with organization and on-site logistics, and the School of Engineering provided support so that students on financial aid could participate. Additionally, philanthropic support from the company Finfrock helped offset travel costs.

Contact: Lucas Johnson,  [email protected]

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A New Era of AI-Generated Content

Msai director kristian hammond discusses openai's new sora model and its ability to create realistic video..

OpenAI, the creator of the innovative and disruptive ChatGPT system, announced in February its new Sora model, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate realistic videos up to one minute in length based on text prompts.

According to the OpenAi website:

"Sora is able to generate complex scenes with multiple characters, specific types of motion, and accurate details of the subject and background. The model understands not only what the user has asked for in the prompt, but also how those things exist in the physical world."

Kristian Hammond, director of Northwestern Engineering's Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program, appeared on CNN to discuss the new model. Afterward, he sat down to talk about its implications on the public and what MSAI students should know about it.  

The sample videos OpenAI shared are quite realistic. What should people look for to determine if a video is generated with AI? 

Video generation, image generation, and audio generation are now coming together to create a world where it is not clear that we will be able to trust the videos we see, the images we see, and the sound that we hear. No matter how hard the companies work to try to make these things safe, we are now in a world where we need a much more critical eye toward the content that we see.  

We have to look for things that seem perfect to us, because those things are probably fake. This is a new era for us, and we should take a lesson from Kim Kardashian. Anything you see of Kim Kardashian has already been edited, photoshopped, and carefully curated. That is the world we are now going to be seeing — one that is edited, generated automatically, and curated for us.   

You mentioned safety. When OpenAI announced Sora, the company said it's currently assessing areas for harms or risks. What was your reaction to that announcement? 

It's great they're doing it, but it will not be complete. It will never be complete because what is safe and inoffensive to some people might not be to others. And there are things that look benign, but they're false. An image of me walking out of a building where you can clearly see the clock and there's a timestamp that says it was yesterday at 3 p.m. might look benign, but if I say I was someplace else at that time, it could be damaging for me.   

They're looking at issues of safety from the perspective of what it is trained on, what queries look like, and how to evaluate the output to make sure it's trained on things that are good. They don't want to let people put in requests that seem untowards, and they can evaluate the output to see if anything untoward is there. The problem is there will be things that don't seem problematic but could become problematic.   

What's an example of a prompt that could become problematic? 

I could take a short video of President Joe Biden finishing up a press conference and then tell the generator to continue the video with 30 seconds of him looking left and right, looking confused and befuddled, not knowing where to go. That video could be devastating if someone is trying to make a point that he's old.   

AI-generated content was in the news recently because of fake explicit images of Taylor Swift. What stuck out to you about that story? 

Because of the pornography associated with Taylor Swift, people are noticing it and they're outraged. It's ugly, it's horrible, and it should absolutely be made illegal, but deep fakes have been a problem for years. Taylor Swift is a celebrity billionaire whose reputation was not hurt at all by this, but there are hundreds of thousands of women whose ex-boyfriends have used deep fakes to disparage them, and those women are not protected. We have to attend to them, and that hasn't gotten enough attention. We're talking about Taylor Swift because she's famous, but what about all the other women who have been abused in this way?  

What should MSAI students be thinking about in regards to Sora? 

Students should be thinking about Sora and all new generative models as tools they have to learn and understand really well. There's a difference between regular people typing something into ChatGPT or any of the image models and someone who knows what the model is doing and can actually shape it. That skill is few and far between. Developing an understanding of that and knowing the best way to use these tools that are emerging is going to be a huge component and differentiator for our students.   

The other thing students should think about is how these tools could integrate with the rest of the world. How do they integrate into larger information systems? How do they integrate into other kinds of content generation systems? When there's a new tool, you have to figure out how to use it and how to integrate it. That is a valuable skill set for our MSAI students.

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World Quantum Day 2024: The latest developments in quantum science and technology

April 12, 2024

April 14 is World Quantum Day, an annual event to celebrate how we use the science of atoms and particles—the building blocks of the universe—to advance science and technology.

Scientists and engineers already leverage the strange and interesting properties of quantum mechanics to advance our technology. Our understanding of quantum mechanics helps us design the semiconductors used in cars, phones, and other technology. GPS systems rely on the quantum mechanics of ultra-precise atomic clocks.

Many more advancements in quantum technology are yet to come. Secure communication through metropolitan-scale entangled quantum networks, quantum machine clusters for high-end computation, and quantum sensors that enhance intracellular sensing and mapping are just some of the predicted developments.

Learn more about the some of the latest quantum research and announcements coming from the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and its partners below.

Advancements in research

Scientists use novel technique to create new energy-efficient microelectronic device

Researchers at UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering and Argonne National Laboratory have achieved a breakthrough that could allow for a new kind of microelectronic material to consume only a fraction of the electricity of conventional electronics while still operating at peak performance. In a new study published in  Advanced Materials , the Argonne team proposed a new kind of ​“redox gating” technique that can control the movement of electrons in and out of a semiconducting material.

• Read more about increasing energy efficiency of our microelectronics

Researchers from startups, government labs, and academia develop new techniques for making qubits out of erbium

Two research groups—one at quantum startup  memQ , founded by UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering alumnus Manish Singh, and one at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory—have used different host materials for erbium to advance quantum technology, demonstrating the versatility of this kind of quantum bit (qubit) and highlighting the importance of materials science to quantum computing and quantum communication.

• Learn more about a new form of quantum bit

New research unites quantum engineering and artificial intelligence

Researchers at UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering, including Chicago Quantum Exchange IBM postdoctoral scholar Junyu Liu, and collaborators show in a new paper how incorporating quantum computing into the classical machine learning process can potentially help make machine learning more sustainable and efficient.

• Learn how quantum computing will affect artificial intelligence

In novel quantum computer design, qubits use magnets to selectively communicate

An international team of researchers have begun to use magnets to entangle qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers; the simple technique could unlock complex capabilities.

• Read more about the new quantum computer design

Advanced computational tool for understanding quantum materials

Researchers have developed a new computational tool to describe how the atoms within quantum materials behave when they absorb and emit light. The tool will be released as part of the open-source software package  WEST , developed within the  Midwest Integrated Center for Computational Materials  (MICCoM).

• Learn how the new tool will advance quantum research

Researchers invent new way to stretch diamond for better quantum bits

A team of UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering researchers announced a breakthrough in quantum network engineering: By “stretching” thin films of diamond, they created quantum bits that can operate with significantly reduced equipment and expense. The change also makes the bits easier to control. 

• Find out how diamonds can be "stretched"

Major milestone achieved in new quantum computing architecture

A team led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has achieved a major milestone toward future quantum computing. They have extended the coherence time for their novel type of qubit to an impressive 0.1 milliseconds—nearly a thousand times better than the previous record.

• Read more on how improving coherence times advances quantum science and technology

Researchers “split” phonons—or sound—in step toward new type of quantum computer

In two experiments—the first of their kinds—a team led by  Prof. Andrew Cleland  used a device called an acoustic beamsplitter to “split” phonons and thereby demonstrate their quantum properties. By showing that the beamsplitter can be used to both induce a special quantum superposition state for one phonon, and further create interference between two phonons, the research team took the first critical steps toward creating a new kind of quantum computer.

• Learn more about what happens when you try to split a phonon

‘Noise-cancelling’ qubits developed at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering to minimize errors in quantum computers

In a paper in Scienc e, researchers in the lab of Asst. Prof. Hannes Bernien describe a method to constantly monitor the noise around a quantum system and adjust the qubits, in real-time, to minimize error.

• Read how the new approach can robustly improve the quality of the data qubits

Simulations reveal the atomic-scale story of qubits

By using sophisticated computer simulations at the atomic scale, a new study predicts the formation process of spin defects useful for quantum technologies.

• Learn how spin defects are useful for quantum technology

Quantum announcements

Chicago region designated U.S. Tech Hub for quantum technologies by Biden-Harris administration

The Chicago region has been named an official U.S. Regional and Innovation Technology Hub for quantum technologies by the Biden-Harris administration, a designation that opens the door to new federal funding and recognizes the growing strength of an ecosystem poised to become the heart of the nation’s quantum economy.  The Bloch Tech Hub  (pronounced “block”), a coalition of industry, academic, government, and nonprofit stakeholders led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, was one of 31 designees from nearly 400 applications across the country.

• Learn how the Bloch Tech Hub will impact Chicago

Gov. Pritzker celebrates quantum technology leadership with The Bloch Tech Hub

Governor JB Pritzker and Innovate Illinois announced a multi-year plan  for The Bloch Tech Hub to develop quantum technology solutions for pressing issues such as fraud detection, grid resilience, and drug discovery by accelerating industry adoption to drive research commercialization—an initiative that is projected to generate $60 billion in economic impact for the Chicago metro area over the next decade.

• Read more about Pritzker's plans for The Bloch Tech Hub

University of Chicago joins global partnerships to advance quantum computing

The  University of Chicago  formalized groundbreaking agreements with industry and university partners to transform the  future of quantum technology.  The first is a 10-year, $100 million plan with IBM, the University of Chicago and the University of Tokyo to develop the blueprints for building a quantum-centric supercomputer powered by 100,000 qubits. The second is a strategic partnership between the University of Chicago, the University of Tokyo and Google, with Google investing up to $50 million over 10 years, to accelerate the development of a fault-tolerant quantum computer and to help train the quantum workforce of the future.

• Read more about the historic partnership

Illinois governor proposes $500M for quantum technologies in new budget

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is asking state legislators for half a billion dollars for quantum technologies in a proposed budget—the latest show of support for a regional quantum ecosystem that has attracted millions of dollars in corporate and government investment in recent years and is emerging as a central driver of US leadership in the field.

• Learn how the proposed budget could impact quantum technology

Princeton University

Princeton engineering, can language models read the genome this one decoded mrna to make better vaccines..

By Scott Lyon

April 8, 2024

Princeton researchers led by Mengdi Wang have developed a language model to home in on partial genome sequences and optimize those sequences to improve function for the development of mRNA vaccines and other therapies. Illustration from Adobe Stock.

The same class of artificial intelligence that made headlines coding software and passing the bar exam has learned to read a different kind of text — the genetic code.

That code contains instructions for all of life’s functions and follows rules not unlike those that govern human languages. Each sequence in a genome adheres to an intricate grammar and syntax, the structures that give rise to meaning. Just as changing a few words can radically alter the impact of a sentence, small variations in a biological sequence can make a huge difference in the forms that sequence encodes.

Now Princeton University researchers led by machine learning expert Mengdi Wang are using language models to home in on partial genome sequences and optimize those sequences to study biology and improve medicine. And they are already underway.

In a paper published April 5 in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence, the authors detail a language model that used its powers of semantic representation to design a more effective mRNA vaccine such as those used to protect against COVID-19.

Found in Translation

Scientists have a simple way to summarize the flow of genetic information. They call it the central dogma of biology. Information moves from DNA to RNA to proteins. Proteins create the structures and functions of living cells.

Messenger RNA, or mRNA, converts the information into proteins in that final step, called translation. But mRNA is interesting. Only part of it holds the code for the protein. The rest is not translated but controls vital aspects of the translation process.

Governing the efficiency of protein production is a key mechanism by which mRNA vaccines work. The researchers focused their language model there, on the untranslated region, to see how they could optimize efficiency and improve vaccines.

After training the model on a small variety of species, the researchers generated hundreds of new optimized sequences and validated those results through lab experiments. The best sequences outperformed several leading benchmarks for vaccine development, including a 33% increase in the overall efficiency of protein production.

Increasing protein production efficiency by even a small amount provides a major boost for emerging therapeutics, according to the researchers. Beyond COVID-19, mRNA vaccines promise to protect against many infectious diseases and cancers.

Wang, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and the principal investigator in this study, said the model’s success also pointed to a more fundamental possibility. Trained on mRNA from a handful of species, it was able to decode nucleotide sequences and reveal something new about gene regulation. Scientists believe gene regulation, one of life’s most basic functions, holds the key to unlocking the origins of disease and disorder. Language models like this one could provide a new way to probe.

Wang’s collaborators include researchers from the biotech firm RVAC Medicines as well as the Stanford University School of Medicine.

The Language of Disease

The new model differs in degree, not kind, from the large language models that power today’s AI chat bots. Instead of being trained on billions of pages of text from the internet, their model was trained on a few hundred thousand sequences. The model also was trained to incorporate additional knowledge about the production of proteins, including structural and energy-related information.

The research team used the trained model to create a library of 211 new sequences. Each was optimized for a desired function, primarily an increase in the efficiency of translation. Those proteins, like the spike protein targeted by COVID-19 vaccines, drive the immune response to infectious disease.

Previous studies have created language models to decode various biological sequences, including proteins and DNA, but this was the first language model to focus on the untranslated region of mRNA. In addition to a boost in overall efficiency, it was also able to predict how well a sequence would perform at a variety of related tasks.

Wang said the real challenge in creating this language model was in understanding the full context of the available data. Training a model requires not only the raw data with all its features but also the downstream consequences of those features. If a program is designed to filter spam from email, each email it trains on would be labeled “spam” or “not spam.” Along the way, the model develops semantic representations that allow it to determine what sequences of words indicate a “spam” label. Therein lies the meaning.

Wang said looking at one narrow dataset and developing a model around it was not enough to be useful for life scientists. She needed to do something new. Because this model was working at the leading edge of biological understanding, the data she found was all over the place.

“Part of my dataset comes from a study where there are measures for efficiency,” Wang said. “Another part of my dataset comes from another study [that] measured expression levels. We also collected unannotated data from multiple resources.” Organizing those parts into one coherent and robust whole — a multifaceted dataset that she could use to train a sophisticated language model — was a massive challenge.

“Training a model is not only about putting together all those sequences, but also putting together sequences with the labels that have been collected so far. This had never been done before.”

The paper, “A 5′ UTR Language Model for Decoding Untranslated Regions of mRNA and Function Predictions,” was published in Nature Machine Learning. Additional authors include Dan Yu, Yupeng Li, Yue Shen and Jason Zhang, from RVAC Medicines; Le Cong from Stanford; and Yanyi Chu and Kaixuan Huang from Princeton.

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