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Should Engineers Get a PHD? 11 Truths!

Should engineers get a PhD? Depends on what you want to achieve in your career. There are ups and downs to pursuing a PhD in engineering.

To figure it out, start by asking yourself what kind of career you’re after. Your decision will be based on factors like:

• Your interests
• How much money you want to make
• The lifestyle you desire
• Your other career options

We’ll chat about these four pointers, and then dive headfirst into 11 extra tips to help you size up the pros and cons of pursuing a PhD in engineering.

Important Note: I’ll be generalizing each factor I discuss, so keep in mind that there are always exceptions. And don’t forget that some superstar engineers will fly high whether they have a PhD or not. Success can come either way!

What really interests you in engineering?

A PhD can give you a leg up when tackling groundbreaking technological challenges. Without one, you might find it tough to access such work. But if you’re into more typical engineering gigs in the industry, then a PhD won’t be worth the time and money.

Usually, people go for a PhD if they want to become a specialist or researcher, or if they have their sights set on an academic career. A PhD can provide flexibility between industry and academia, letting you explore fresh ideas and spearhead innovative projects.

Here’s my two cents on both academia and industry:

In academia

In this world, your work might not make an immediate real-world splash. It could take years or even decades for your research to be recognized and applied. So, if you’re looking to become an overnight sensation, you might want to think again.

But you know what? To a select few who are passionate about your field, your work will be a big deal. You’ll have the chance to share your unique ideas with like-minded folks and make a difference in your little corner of the world.

And never forget that every small step you take will ultimately contribute to the greater good of humanity.

In industry

Meanwhile, in the industry, your work can make an instant impact. You’ll tackle awesome projects that are directly tied to a company’s goals, making a real difference in people’s lives.

Take, for example, working on R&D for batteries. Batteries are essential for our future, and every tiny improvement can change our lives in a big way.

The downside? Your company might not give you the credit you deserve for your groundbreaking work. But don’t sweat it – there are loads of similar opportunities for PhD holders who are motivated and inventive.

All in all, whether you pick academia or industry, you’ll have plenty of chances to change the world. Just keep cranking out top-notch work, and everything else will fall into place.

How much money do you want to make?

First off, don’t pay for your PhD yourself. If you can’t get funding, it means the market doesn’t see the value in your research.

Even with funding, you might only make $20k to $40k a year, depending on your university. If you’d gone straight into the industry, you could be pocketing $150k or more each year. Then you could invest that salary in real estate, businesses, you name it.

So, if money’s your main concern, you’ll lag behind your peers who jumped straight into the industry. Because while you’re spending 3 to 5 years earning a PhD and living on ramen noodles, they’ll be making bank.

And if you’re thinking about academia after your PhD, buckle up for even more financial hurdles.

Let’s be real: a PhD is a massive investment of time and money. If dollar signs are all you see, don’t bother with a PhD.

Important Note: Engineers with PhDs who start multi-million dollar businesses are exceptions, just like college dropouts who start multi-billion dollar businesses.

PhD stipends from major U.S. universities

Check this shortlist of engineering department stipends from major universities, put together by PhD Stipends :

As you can tell, diving into a PhD in engineering might not make you rich overnight. But, hey, it does give you the chance to work on some mind-blowing research and help shape the world of tomorrow.

Important Note: Don’t forget to weigh in the cost of living when you’re checking out those PhD stipends. Higher stipends usually come with a heftier price tag on everyday life, like in the Bay Area where Stanford is nestled.

What type of lifestyle do you want?

Dreaming of a chill, easygoing life? Academia might not be your jam. You could grind away for years and never snag that elusive academic tenure. Even in the industry, you might land just an ordinary engineering gig, making your PhD feel like a waste.

The professional stress from this uncertain journey can seep into your personal life. Financial struggles might become your constant companion, impacting every corner of your life. But hey, with a PhD, you get the keys to the world’s coolest toys and can work in top-notch national labs and fancy universities.

If you’re down to embrace uncertainty into your golden years, a PhD could be worth the ride. You may trade short-term comfort for the shot at doing what sets your soul on fire in the long run.

Mind you, I use the term sacrifice lightly. If you’re head over heels for your research, nothing else will even matter.

Do you have other options in life?

If you’re still feeling the PhD vibe after all this, ask yourself:

• Do you have any other career options?
• Is there another gig that’s tugging at your heartstrings?

If you said yes to either, hold your horses! Give some serious thought to whether a PhD is really your destiny. I’ve got friends who ditched their PhD programs to start businesses, and now they’re swimming in millions!

On the flip side, I know folks who chased a PhD just to immigrate to the US for a better life. But listen, don’t just follow the crowd. Committing to a PhD is a massive deal and can change your life in a big way.

This is further highlighted by the low number of U.S. students going for a PhD in engineering each year. The data below, from ASEE , includes all engineering fields combined.

Important Note: The number of awarded engineering doctorate degrees is increasing. But the U.S. population is also increasing, and more foreign students are immigrating to the U.S. to pursue a PhD. 

11 Pointers to consider in pursuing a PhD in engineering

Now, here are 11 pointers I’ve gathered from my pals and relatives who’ve gone down the PhD-in-engineering rabbit hole:

#1 Choose a research topic with real-world oomph

Picking the perfect research topic is the key to unlocking your PhD’s potential. Focus on fields that are shining bright, like:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Renewable energy

These areas tend to reel in more funding and have a higher demand in both academia and industry. After all, you still gotta pay the bills and keep a roof over your head.

#2 A PhD hones your thinking skills, not just your specialization

In the real world, you might not use all that fancy research know-how from your PhD. Instead, you’ll rely on your shiny new way of thinking to tackle problems.

So, a PhD isn’t just about becoming the go-to person in a super-niche field. It’s also about learning how to think and tackle the tough stuff.

And, hey, you can pick up these skills outside the hallowed halls of academia too.

#3 Don’t expect a PhD to put you on a pedestal

Sure, a PhD might make some folks go “ooh” and “aah,” but at the end of the day, it’s all about delivering the goods. Your skills and passion for the job are what really count, not the alphabet soup trailing your name.

I’m all about treating everyone equally, regardless of their academic fanfare.

Of course, a PhD can give you a credibility boost when making first impressions. But remember, it’s what you do next that really matters.

#4 A PhD can open doors, but it might close some too

A PhD can help you score high-level gigs at big-shot companies with in-house research and development. But beware – it might also slam some doors shut if you’re deemed overqualified for certain roles.

Choose your career path wisely and take time to think through your future pragmatically.

#5 Dive into a PhD in a subject that ignites your passion

Being passionate about your subject is the secret sauce to staying motivated during your PhD journey. Surround yourself with amazing people who share your interests, or you’ll struggle through the tough times – and trust me, there’ll be plenty.

#6 Don’t chase a PhD for the wrong reasons

Don’t go after a PhD just because “it’s what smart people do” or because you want to add some extra letters to your name.

Let’s get real here: a PhD doesn’t magically transform you into a genius. Heck, some of the brightest minds out there never even set foot in a college classroom!

If you were a regular Joe or Jane before diving into a PhD program, chances are you’ll still be one when you’re done. But hey, you don’t need to be a mega-brainiac to tackle a PhD. If you can snag a spot in a program, you’ve definitely got what it takes to see it through.

#7 Fear not the PhD pursuit

Some folks are scared stiff of the grueling trek to PhD-land. It’s like climbing a never-ending mountain, right?

Well, anything worth chasing is gonna be tough. If it were a piece of cake, everybody and their dog would be doing it!

#8 A PhD isn’t for everyone

To nail that PhD, you need a killer work ethic and a fierce dedication to your field. That’s what’ll help you conquer those hurdles and push through the lonely stretches.

Let’s face it: the PhD life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Just look at the small number of doctorates awarded each year in the U.S., as reported by ASEE. The data below covers all engineering fields combined:

And if you’re bold enough to take on a PhD, you’re probably an ambitious go-getter. So you’ll no doubt find some other epic challenge to sink your teeth into.

#9 Pick your program and advisor like a pro

The right program and advisor can make or break your PhD ride.

Seriously, you’ll be bending over backward for your advisor for years. They’ve got the power to make your life a living nightmare. Keep your eyes peeled for these red flags:

A bad advisor:

• Is a grade-A jerk
• Makes everything about them
• Squeezes you for free labor and grinds you down
• Fills you with guilt and doubt

A good advisor:

• Is super nice and supportive
• Turns you into a top-notch researcher
• Dishes out awesome life advice
• Hooks you up with conferences and fellowships
• Lets you visit other labs

So do your homework and pick your program and advisor with care.

#10 Weigh the impact on your loved ones

I’ve known people who juggled family life and a PhD. Sure, it was a bumpy road, but they made it work.

Keep in mind that a PhD can take ages, and your biological clock won’t wait around for you to finish.

#11 Industry jobs for PhD grads

Dreaming of a PhD to score an industry job? From what I’ve seen, here are a couple of paths for PhD graduates:

• Work in well-funded government labs, doing the research thing.
• Join big-league companies like Google, Apple, or IBM that can afford to splash cash on research.

If that doesn’t float your boat, a Master’s degree might be all you need for other engineering gigs in the industry.

Important Note: During recessions, R&D departments usually hold steady. R&D is a long-haul investment for a company, after all.

If an R&D project kicks off during a slump, it’ll wrap up just as the economy bounces back. That way, the company comes out stronger on the other side.

“Should engineers get a PhD” wrap up

Deciding to pursue a PhD is a deeply personal choice that deserves some serious soul-searching.

Don’t let peer pressure sway you. Take a good, hard look at the pros and cons, and make the call that’s right for you.

Now, I’ve met engineers who’d never trade their PhD experience for the world. But others reckon it was the worst decision they ever made.

At the end of the day, a PhD is all about the journey, not just the fancy certificate and those three little letters you get to tack onto your name.

Do you think a PhD in engineering is worthwhile? Will it be even more valuable down the road?

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Author Bio: Koosha started Engineer Calcs in 2019 to help people better understand the engineering and construction industry, and to discuss various science and engineering-related topics to make people think. He has been working in the engineering and tech industry in California for well over 15 years now and is a licensed professional electrical engineer, and also has various entrepreneurial pursuits.

Koosha has an extensive background in the design and specification of electrical systems with areas of expertise including power generation, transmission, distribution, instrumentation and controls, and water distribution and pumping as well as alternative energy (wind, solar, geothermal, and storage).

Koosha is most interested in engineering innovations, the cosmos, sports, fitness, and our history and future.

6 thoughts on “Should Engineers Get a PHD? 11 Truths!”

The most insightful comparison I’ve found on this topic so far. Thank you.

Glad you found the article helpful 🙂

Thanks for that nicely summed up article – not too long and covers the important points on everybody’s mind! 🙂

Glad you enjoyed the read 🙂

Thank you, I have just been searching for info about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have found out till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you positive about the source?

I tried to capture all angles of the experience, so do your best to apply the lessons to your personality and reasons for pursuing the degree.

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Is a PhD in Engineering worth it?

<p>I’m wondering if there are any real benefits to getting a PhD in Engineering. Obviously, a lot of work and time goes into getting a PhD. Pursuing a PhD would make sense for fields like English, where career options in the private sector are highly limited and therefore the PhD a much better option. </p>

<p>However, for engineering, there is a relatively large amount of high paying jobs available outside of academia. My older brother had a starting salary of $60,000 with only a B.S. in ME from a mediocre college. He now makes 6 figures and just turned 30. Pretty good by anyone’s standards. </p>

<p>This makes me wonder if obtaining a PhD is a waste of time, spending many more years on theoretical subjects that are rarely used in industry. Furthermore, I worry that I’d be limiting my career by getting a PhD. By that I mean, limiting my career so that I could only be a professor and a university or a research scientist for a company. </p>

<p>I always believed that the engineers that ultimately make the most money are the design engineers that work in the private sector and move up to engineering managers and ultimately become more involved in the financial operations and contracts of the company. In this path, a PhD seems useless, and even destructive as it could prevent you from getting the jobs that allow this vertical movement. </p>

<p>I’m wondering this because I find engineering curriculum very enjoyable and I’ve been pretty successful with it. What are the benefits of a PhD? Does a PhD help your career? Does it limit your career?</p>

<p>It all depends on your career goals. Anyone who does a Ph.D. in engineering for the money clearly doesn’t know what he/she is doing, as it won’t typically net you any major monetary advantage over an M.S.</p>

<p>A Ph.D. both helps and limits your career. If you want to get into research, it is absolutely essential. If you aren’t interested in staying on a technical career path, it is useless. What it all comes down to is this: what do you want to do with your career?</p>

<p>In general, if one is interested in doing research, it is worthwhile to pursue a PhD.</p>

<p>@TechGuy342, you should go to phds.org and read the material there. It will give you a variety of perspectives on obtaining a PhD.</p>

<p>Most people who argue that a Phd is not necessary or is a foolish idea are just bitter that they themselves don’t have one. Google “cognitive dissonance”.</p>

<p>@JamesMadison</p>

<p>Or maybe they came to the realization they don’t need to go tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt for diminishing returns on a degree they won’t use and don’t need. What a terrible sweeping generalization.</p>

<p>I think it is pretty clear the money is in finance. So if you want the money get an MBA after your BS. However if you want to work for JPL you might just want to get your PhD. @JamesMadison there is a big difference between not necessary and foolish. Plenty of times an advanced degree is benefitcial but not absolutely necessary. I’m not even going to deal with the foolish. That would indicate that your goals where in a completely different direction and depends heavily on the debt load in the equation. I’m mean heck if you’ve got a trust fund and want to get PhD’s until the day you die, go for it.</p>

<p>I’m sure 90% of Ph.D are paid with waived tuition. Who would pay for graduate school lol.</p>

<p>MasterKuni, I’ve never heard of a single engineer paying for his/her PhD. They are almost always paid for through the research grant that funds their work.</p>

<p>I can’t imagine what my life would have been had I not pursued my PhD, but I doubt that it would have been nearly as intellectually fulfilling, and probably not been as profitable either. </p>

<p>These calculations about whether it would be worth it seem really silly now, though I admit thinking like many people here do before I took the plunge. </p>

<p>I made sustenance wages teaching and doing research for 6 years a grad student, got a great paying job at a research lab, which paid more than my salary would have been after 6 years of working. I then rose rapidly with leadership positions due to offshoots of my own research. From that, I was able to join a pre-IPO startup that later went public. That was a life changing event. Then another startup, not so successful, but still great fun. I now hold a leadership position in research for a great company with a great salary and benefits still doing significant work. The hours are better and I can be an involved parent. Once the last is off to college? Who knows what lies ahead?</p>

<p>Could I have made as much without the PhD? Perhaps, but the intellectual satisfaction of creating something of great value, which I doubt I would have had quite the same opportunity to do, is priceless to me.</p>

<p>(Sorry if this is a hijack…I weighed the options and this seemed a little less annoying than a new thread)</p>

<p>I would like to ask my own question, and I will delete it if this is not proper etiquette. But I hope that it’s something the answer to which is also hopeful in shaping OP’s decision:</p>

<p>I am not even a freshman yet, and don’t know at all how the engineering world works. But when I try to describe the sort of things I want to be doing, it always seems to be seen by others as “research.” Same with the job listings I see that sound coolest. I bounce around a lot (like a week ago I made a stupid thread about a PhD in biomed), but what seems consistent is that I want to be sort of “on the cutting edge,” developing new ideas for technologies, often specifically in energy. I feel like I want to be almost as much a scientist as an engineer, working in a in a lab for NASA or a company like GE or something. I am currently not concerned about the money at all ($50K/year sounds like plenty), but am concerned with prestige, respect and making cool impacts on the world.</p>

<p>I am not sure this is even a real job or how this work at all (I am totally uneducated), but from what little I can articulate, does this sound like something that would require graduate study likely, or could I get that sort of job with a BS?</p>

<p>A PhD is required for a career in academia. A PhD is almost always required for a career in research, although even with a PhD a job in research is not guaranteed. If either academia or research are of interest, a PhD may be worth it. Otherwise, perhaps not. </p>

<p>There is an opportunity cost in time of being in a PhD program. Most engineering PhD students are supported by grants or RA or TA positions, so almost nobody pays the costs directly. But time spent in grad school living on a small stipend is time not spent earning a decent engineering salary and gaining valuable work experience.</p>

<p>I dropped out of a EE PhD program with a master’s. I’m one of the lucky few who was able to work in research without a PhD, eventually moving to a management position, although I have since moved on to a non-research, advanced development management position. I know an awful lot of people who prefer research work to development work.</p>

<p>I don’t think having a PhD is an impediment to getting a management position, if that is of interest to the individual engineer.</p>

<p>If you are going into biomedical engineering, is a PhD worth it?</p>

<p>What about if you want to become a surgeon?</p>

<p>@sacchi - what exactly is the difference between Development work and Research work? As in, what do you do and how high if a degree do you need to have to best chance at getting a job in either?</p>

<p>So far I dont think I have known any phDs holding manager positions. However alot of phDs that I know of started multiple companies due to their access to alot of stakeholders and alot of time spent on inventing new stuff.</p>

<p>I’m a EE, so I can best speak to that, rather than other types of engineering. Lots of EEs work in development, and a BS degree is all that is required. However, having an MS or a PhD can sometimes help to find a job, or a more interesting job. When I say development, I mean that the engineers develop products. Company X wants to make a product Y. Someone defines the requirements, and then developers implement them: select or develop the hardware platform, develop the algorithms and software to build the product. A QA (quality assurance) engineer then tests the product, before it is delivered to customers. Down the road a few years, another engineer supports the product - adds new features, fixes bugs, etc. Advanced development (what I do now) tends to be be bleeding edge, developing brand new types of products using better, newer technology than what is available now (as opposed to developing a product that is “me too”.) Although I don’t work in the automotive industry, an example would be that developing the Volt would be advanced development since it uses a lot of new, advanced technology, while designing the model 2013 year Camry would be development.</p>

<p>Researchers tend to work in central research labs of large companies, rather than in the business units where developers, QA, support, etc. work. Researchers generally don’t work on specific products, but on technologies that eventually are used in products. Researchers are much more likely than developers to apply for patents, publish papers in conferences and journals, participate in international standards bodies, etc. A PhD is usually required to work in research, but not always. Sometimes an MS can be good enough. Sometimes there are BS engineers in research, but they tend to work in more of a support role, than as a “researcher”. </p>

<p>Sticking with the automobile example, for many years before the Volt was first developed, researchers would have studied everything about electric cars, batteries, etc. </p>

<p>I’ve worked in both research and advanced development throughout my career, both as an individual contributor and as a manager. My highest degree is an MS - I was in a PhD program, but dropped out. Even though I didn’t end up with a PhD, I think the fact that I had been in a PhD program helped me get that first research job. </p>

<p>Lots of engineers aspire to work in research, and it is considered by many to be higher status than development. (And development is considered to be higher status than QA, support, etc.) However, I think a lot of people find advanced development to be the most exciting work. While “regular” development typically requires only a BS, “advanced” development often requires an MS or PhD, or else some really relevant work experience in the field.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I know many, many PhDs holding manager positions. But they are in research and advanced development organizations, where many of the people who they are managing also have advanced degrees.</p>

<p>Thanks for that amazing breakdown, sacchi. I have a much clearer idea of the landscape than I did before. I have been looking for something like this for months. Cheers</p>

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Should You Get Your PhD in Engineering?

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Is it worth it to continue the academic track towards an engineering PhD, or are you be better off going into the industry, paying back those student loans?  The answer depends on what you want from your engineering career.

Do You Enjoy Research?

The greatest advantage of the PhD is that it gives you experience in carrying out detailed research. Your Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees are focused on learning things that are already known, but the PhD teaches you to find out new things, to carry out experiments, to report data, and learn from your mistakes.

Ideally, you become a subject matter expert in your chosen focus. That puts you in a great position for jobs that require that specific expertise, or where research skills are highly valued.

Preet Anand, CEO of technology company BlueLight , says that you need to think about what role you want. “A PhD is incredibly important for anyone involved with scientific innovation and research. However, if your aspirations are to be involved with implementation and quickly moving into the business side, a PhD is probably not effective from a time-ROI perspective. It’s especially not helpful if you’re working in software, where the speed of innovation in industry is quicker than the speed of academia.”

Forensic engineer Robert McElroy specializes in technical failure analysis related to automobiles, heavy trucks, and all types of industrial vehicles, and is an internationally recognized expert on the causes of industrial and transportation accidents. He stresses that his PhD has both commercial and technical benefits. “As a serial entrepreneur and forensic engineer, without the PhD, I could never have accomplished what I have been fortunate enough to achieve.”

An Engineering PhD Opens Doors…

Karen Thole, Department Head of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Pennsylvania State University and member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers , explains that the usefulness of PhDs in industry quite depends upon the industry itself.  “Many high tech industries continue to develop “tools” to help their engineers determine better designs.  The development of such tools generally requires a graduate level understanding.  And, a company’s tools are what set apart the competition.  For example, there are several companies that make gas turbine engines with the basic architecture being the same.  What sets companies apart, however, are those that do their own tool development such as predictive codes, design codes, standard work practices, etc.  As tools improve, it helps to advance technology and develop better engines.  To improve the tools, however, it requires a high level of understanding of the physics, which is where PhDs come in.  The more technologically advanced the company, the more it takes some sort of research center, which generally employs PhDs.”

“I have yet to find a jobless, homeless PhD in engineering.”

Naturally, this means that some industries have far more demand for PhDs than others. “The aerospace industries as well as the high tech electronics industries both look for PhDs,” says Thole. “They’re generally the ones which require ME and EE disciplines.”

David Gantshar, CEO of engineering recruiters Shepherd Search Group Inc. notes that the value of a PhD often depends on the character of the senior management. Companies founded or led by PhDs tend to have more respect for those who have been through the same academic training. “A PhD is highly valued in some circumstances and not necessary at other times,” he says. “For a vice president of engineering or another senior executive position, it can be a big plus, especially if the company president himself has a PhD. The PhD degree reflects intense and successful research and would be valued in an R&D environment. If the president of the organization has one, he/she will value those individuals that are “on par” academically and offer credentials similar to those around the table. However for a senior engineering or manager’s position, it is rarely required.”

… Unless It Closes Them

However, one problem faced by many PhDs is that they’re often regarded as “too academic,” and therefore not suited to the pace and pressures of commercial engineering.

Credit: NASA

Whether or not that’s true, it’s certainly a perception you have to battle with, as Gantshar notes. “It really depends on the organization. Some companies might see a Ph.D. as too research oriented and would identify the engineer as insufficiently hands-on. We have seen many instances where a PhD has actually worked against a candidate in these circumstances and the individual with less academic credentials is selected based upon these perceptions.”

What About Non-STEM PhDs?

If you’re thinking of going into the management role, then it may be worth considering a PhD which proves your business credentials. Combined with your engineering experience, it can give you a major advantage over other managers.

Sonja Fisher recently completed her PhD in business. “It has been very helpful,” she says, with evident pride. “I am getting opportunities left and right. I seem to be more in demand since getting my PhD.”

Should You Get Your PhD?

If you’re looking for a research role, a job requiring very specific expertise or a position in a company that’s known for innovation or R&D, then a PhD can pay great dividends. According to the latest Engineering Income and Salary Survey , on average, you’ll earn about 35% more than an engineer with a Bachelor’s degree – typically about $30,000 a year. That’s a huge payoff for those few years of research.

Equally importantly, a PhD will give you a level of job security that a lesser degree won’t give you. “I have yet to find a jobless, homeless PhD in engineering.  That’s my simple answer,” grins Thole. Not only that, but it opens up new opportunities. “The PhD really allows you to tailor your own career a bit more.  Generally companies want their PhDs to seek out new ideas and think bigger about the field.  So, it presents more opportunities to do what you want.”

Source: Engineerjobs.com

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Home  |  Graduate Admissions  |  PhD Admissions

PhD Programs Admissions

Ready to apply to Dartmouth's engineering  PhD , the  PhD-Innovation (PhD-I) Program , the PhD in Medical Physics , or the PhD+MD ? To help students prepare a strong application, this page provides important information about the admissions process, including deadlines, eligibility requirements, and application and financial aid instructions.

PhD students typically enter with full support from either a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) or an external fellowship. Explore general PhD funding and expenses to consider for all PhD programs and learn about additional fellowship and grant opportunities .

Start Your Application

On This Page

Phd application process, phd innovation (phd-i) program application process, phd in medical physics application process, md-phd application process, application deadlines.

December 15

priority deadline for Fall term admission; applications are accepted on a rolling basis after December 15

At least two terms prior to admission

deadline for Winter, Spring, or Summer term admission

Required Application Materials

The following instructions are a guide for completing the application for the PhD program at Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth (Dartmouth Engineering).

PhD+PhD-I : New students interested in the PhD Innovation (PhD-I) Program can apply to both the PhD and PhD-I within the same application. Follow the PhD process outlined below , and submit the additional required materials for the PhD-I.

Please read the following instructions carefully. Only complete applications will be considered for admission.

Online Application

Applicants must complete the application for admission online. It is not necessary to send us a hard copy. Online applications open August 1 of each year.

Updating Your Materials

Your test scores and mailing address can be updated at any time through your application status page. After submission, other components (resume, statement of purpose, essays, etc.) cannot be updated. Please be sure you have entered the most accurate information at the time of submission. Due to the volume of applications received, we cannot update these materials after submission.

Acknowledgement

After submission, you will receive an email acknowledgement through the application system.

Application Status

To see the status of your application, visit your online application status page. Please note that it may take a few days for application materials to be processed.

Application materials and supporting documents become the property of the Admissions Committee and are not returnable.

General Policies

False Statements/Materials: If a candidate for admission to Dartmouth makes a false statement or submits falsified material in connection with his or her application, and the misrepresentation is discovered after the candidate has been admitted, the offer of admission ordinarily will be withdrawn. If the misrepresentation is discovered after a student arrives on campus or at any time during their enrollment, the student will be subject to loss of credits earned and disciplinary action that could include separation from the College. If the discovery occurs after a degree has been awarded, the degree normally will be rescinded.

Equal Opportunity: Dartmouth Engineering actively supports equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race or ethnic background. No student will be denied admission or be otherwise discriminated against because of sex, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, race, color, or national origin.

Security and Fire Safety Report: Dartmouth prepares an annual Security and Fire Safety Report which is available to all current and prospective employees and students. The report includes statistics of reported crimes that have occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings, or on property owned or controlled by Dartmouth, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus as well as reported fires occurring in residential facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, fire safety, and other matters. You may obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Director of Safety and Security and the College Proctor at +1 (603) 646-4000.

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required of all applicants, except for Dartmouth College or Dartmouth Engineering students and alumni. The fee must be paid by credit card. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received.

Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters of recommendation must be completed and submitted online directly by your recommenders . Please have your recommenders complete the evaluation form that will be emailed to them and submit a signed letter on their official institutional letterhead. If your recommender’s company or institution has a policy against letterhead they must provide a copy of this policy with the recommendation letter.

Letters of recommendation should ideally come from your college professors using their official school email address. Applicants with work or military experience or currently in another graduate program should submit a recommendation from their immediate supervisor, a current or former employer, or someone who knows them well through some other professional or community activity.

Academic Transcripts

All applicants are required to submit academic transcripts from each undergraduate or graduate institution from which you obtained your degrees (eg. your bachelor’s degrees or other advanced degrees.)

You may scan and upload a copy of your academic transcript (not diploma) issued by the institution(s) from which you obtained your undergraduate degree(s) and any advanced/graduate degree(s) directly to the online application.

For grading scales other than 4.0 grading scales: Please include documentation indicating the scale.

Applicants with international transcripts are encouraged to submit a transcript evaluation from WES (World Education Services) along with their Dartmouth Engineering application. While a WES evaluation is not mandatory for admission, it can help expedite the application review process. If you are admitted, you will need to submit official academic transcripts for all your international coursework and credentials. WES evaluations can be used instead of official transcripts, but they must be sent directly to Dartmouth Engineering by the evaluation service provider, and they must include a copy of the official transcripts that were evaluated.

Non-degree coursework: If you attended institutions other than those from which your degree(s) were granted, you are required to scan and upload your academic transcripts from these institutions (transfer coursework, domestic or study-abroad programs, postgraduate non-degree coursework, etc.).

If you have more than three undergraduate transcripts or three graduate transcripts to upload, please combine them by uploading a file that contains more than one transcript.

• Scan BOTH sides of your transcript (provided the second side is not blank).
• Depending on the scanner and software, you may either insert individual images (.jpg) into a single word processing document for upload, OR if your software produces a .pdf, simply upload that file.
• The file must be less than 1 MB, in a standard format, WITHOUT password protection or macros. Any of these problems will cause the upload process to fail.
• A diploma is not a transcript.

If you upload a scanned copy of your transcript, you do not need to send a hard copy. The scanned copy fulfills the requirement for the application process. Upon admission, you will be required to supply an official hard copy of your transcript.

Admitted students: If admitted, you will be required to request that ONE official, original hardcopy transcript mailed to Dartmouth Engineering (mailing address below) directly from each college and/or university you have attended in a signed, sealed envelope. We will accept a transcript via email if that is your prior institution’s method of transcript delivery.

International applicants must make arrangements to have their academic records translated and sent along with originals. Where American-style transcripts are not used, the applicant must include all available records including courses, grades, degrees, and rank-in-class. The appropriate university officials must certify these records. Evaluations from WES (World Education Services) can be used instead of official transcripts, but they must be sent directly to Thayer by the evaluation service provider, and they must include a copy of the official transcripts that were evaluated.

Upon admission, supporting materials such as transcripts should be mailed to:

Graduate Admissions Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth 15 Thayer Drive Hanover, NH 03755

Supplemental Form: Research Area, Identifying Faculty, Statement of Purpose/Essay & CV/Resume

Research Area: Engineering PhD students typically are funded through a professor’s sponsored research or a fellowship. Students interested in applying to the PhD program are encouraged to reach out to individual faculty members to discuss potential projects.

Through the PhD program, students may elect one of the six program areas to be reflected as a "concentration." In the application, you will be prompted to select which track you are interested in pursuing. Applicants should indicate all areas of interest in order to be considered for the widest possible range of opportunities. Students can switch program areas after starting the program.

Identifying Dartmouth Engineering faculty members of interest : The supplemental form of the application will be used to match your area(s) to those of faculty or to determine your focus. You must select at least one and may choose up to three faculty from the drop-down list in the application.

Fill this out carefully and list your top faculty interest first. We strongly encourage you to review research by program areas and contact Dartmouth Engineering faculty for an initial conversation about research opportunities.

Statement of Purpose/Essay: You will be prompted to write a brief essay describing your research interests and career goals and the reasons you wish to pursue graduate studies at Dartmouth. Include any information that does not appear elsewhere that will help us evaluate your application. If possible, keep your essay to 1–2 pages.

CV/Resume: Upload your most recent CV or resume.

Optional Essay: Dartmouth Engineering is committed to a climate that acknowledges and embraces diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, supporting a culture that fosters inclusion and actively pursues equity. In this optional essay, applicants are encouraged to share how their personal perspectives and unique life experiences will contribute to Dartmouth and the Dartmouth Engineering community.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (International Applicants)

Non-US citizens must submit language proficiency test scores, with the exception of those who are earning or have earned a degree from institutions in the US or Canada, or who are from the following countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Slovenia, and Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the US.

For all graduate programs, Dartmouth Engineering accepts the following English proficiency tests: TOEFL , IELTS , and Duolingo . During the application process, self-reported scores are acceptable. However, once admitted, students will be required to submit official test results directly from the testing organization.

IELTS scores should be sent to "Dartmouth College" with the ETS code 3360.

GREs (optional)

GREs are optional for all Dartmouth Engineering graduate programs. If you would like to include GRE scores to give the admissions committee a better understanding of your qualifications, we accept self-reported scores at the time of application. If you enter self-reported scores, you will be required to provide official scores if admitted. Visit the ETS website and use code 3360.

Eligibility Requirements

The foundation for doctoral engineering degree work is undergraduate preparation in science, mathematics, and engineering principles. Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree to be considered for the program, although a master’s degree is not required. Students admitted to the program who are not prepared to complete the first-year requirements are advised to enter the MS program and petition to be admitted to the PhD program. Students who have prior graduate training may be considered for advancement to candidacy after completing one or two terms of the first-year doctoral program.

International Students

Language proficiency test scores are required for non-US citizens, with the exception of those who are earning or have earned a degree from institutions in the US or Canada, or who are from the following countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Slovenia, and Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the US.

While all applications are looked at holistically, we recommend the following score ranges:

• TOEFL scores of 100 or higher
• IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher
• Duolingo scores of 135 or higher

Dartmouth Engineering initiates the visa process. For information about the visa and immigration process, visit Dartmouth's Office of Visa and Immigration Services .

Part-Time Students

The PhD program can also be undertaken part-time: students interested in this option should contact the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs .

Graduate Admissions Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth 15 Thayer Drive, Hanover, NH 03755 [email protected]

PhD Program

Learn about requirements, funding, expenses, and more.

See student testimonials, course and funding comparisons, and more

Student Life

Explore our community on campus and beyond.

Admission to this program is determined by a committee consisting of the Dean of Dartmouth Engineering or the Director of the Program (Professor Eric Fossum ), and members of the faculty, drawn from those serving on the Program Advisory Board.

Review PhD-I Program funding comparisons

Application Timeline

application deadline

Late January/ Early February

presentations via Zoom

Mid-February

decisions and notifications

candidate acceptance deadline

The PhD Innovation (PhD-I) Program welcomes applicants who are in the process of applying to Dartmouth Engineering's PhD program, as well as applicants who are already enrolled in Dartmouth Engineering's PhD program. The application process differs slightly for each group, and is outlined below. Please read the following instructions carefully. Only complete applications will be considered for admission.

Students applying to Dartmouth Engineering's PhD program

Students not already enrolled in a Dartmouth Engineering PhD program must submit all required materials for the PhD program listed above in addition to the following:

When completing the online application, check the box indicating "Innovation Program" interest on the program information page of the application.

On the PhD Supplemental Form of the online application, you will be prompted to submit the following two essays for the PhD-I Program, in addition to the materials required for the main PhD program.

Statement on PhD-I Program Interest (two-pages max): Submit a statement specific to the PhD-I Program that addresses the following:

• Reasons for interest in the PhD-I Program
• Why the program is relevant to your long-term career goals
• An example demonstrating creativity in arriving at a solution

Statement on Broad Technology Development Problem (two-pages max): Describe an example of a broad technology development problem that interests you. It should be written in the general form of a proposal for funding. Specify one or two potential Dartmouth Engineering faculty advisors for your proposed work (prior contact with those faculty members by email is recommended).

Current students already enrolled in a Dartmouth Engineering PhD program

Current students already enrolled in a Dartmouth Engineering PhD program must assemble the following materials and submit them via email at [email protected] to apply.

• Letter of recommendation from your thesis advisor. This should be submitted directly from your advisor to [email protected] .
• Current CV/resume.
• reasons for interest in the PhD-I Program
• why the program is relevant to your long-term career goals
• an example demonstrating creativity in arriving at a solution
• Statement (two-pages max) describing an example of a broad technology development problem that interests you. This should be written in the general form of a proposal for funding.
• Combine your CV/resume and two statements into a single .pdf file.
• Label the file following this format: LastNameFirstName_Innovation.pdf
• Email the .pdf as an attachment to: [email protected]

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all prerequisites and requirements for the standard PhD degree program . New PhD applicants, as well as current Dartmouth Engineering PhD and MD-PhD students are eligible to apply to the PhD Innovation (PhD-I) Program. Current students are advised to consult with their faculty advisor and Professor Eric Fossum , Director of the PhD-I Program, prior to applying.

General Program Questions

Jessica Moody PhD Innovation Program Coordinator [email protected]

Admissions Questions

[email protected]

The PhD and Certificate Program in Medical Physics welcomes applicants who are currently in the process of applying to Dartmouth Engineering's PhD program, as well as applicants who are currently enrolled in Dartmouth Engineering's PhD program, or any of the physical science PhD programs at Dartmouth. The application process differs slightly for each group. Please read the application instructions carefully. Only complete applications will be considered for admission.

Learn how to apply

Start your PhD in Medical Physics Application

David J. Gladstone Adjunct Professor of Medicine, Professor of Engineering, and PhD and Certificate Program in Medical Physics Program Director [email protected]

Students must apply to the Dartmouth Engineering PhD program through the process outlined above , indicating their specific interests on their online application, as well as to Geisel School of Medicine .

Learn about the MD-PhD program

Start Your MD-PhD Application

CBE Doctorate Degree Program & Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

The Ph.D. program is designed to enlarge the body of knowledge of the student and, more importantly, to discover and develop talent for original, productive, and creative work in chemical and biomolecular engineering.

Breadth of knowledge and professional training are achieved through advanced course work. A total of 18 units of letter-graded courses must be taken during residence in the graduate program. A minimum of 9 units must be obtained from the five core chemical engineering courses in the areas of mathematics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and transport phenomena. Additional units must be obtained from graduate level or upper division elective courses so that the total number of units taken is 18. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue additional courses of specific relevance to their thesis research and to explore other areas of technical, professional, or personal interest. In addition students are required to take the ChE 375 Pedagogy course and department colloquium.

To develop the creative talents of the student, a paramount emphasis in the Ph.D. program is placed on intensive research. Starting the second semester students will work on a project with one or more members of the faculty serving as their advisor.

Two departmental examinations are required in the course of the degree. The first, an oral preliminary examination, is held at the beginning of the second semester to ensure adequate knowledge of fundamental graduate and undergraduate course material. The results of this examination, performance in course work, and a statement from the students' research director are used by a committee of the faculty to evaluate the students' progress toward the Ph.D.

The second examination, the oral qualifying examination taken at the beginning of the fifth semester in residence, consists of a written technical manuscript and a formal presentation of students' research to a committee, including review of the most relevant literature, research accomplishments to date, and a future plan. After passing the examinations students advance to candidacy and will spend most of their time on their dissertation research projects.

The department requires that each doctoral candidate assist in the instructional program of the department as a teaching assistant for two semesters. The faculty regard teaching experience as highly valuable for all graduate students, especially those who plan to teach as a career.

Completion of the Ph.D. occurs with students presenting the results of their dissertation research at the department colloquium and filing the dissertation with graduate division. Time for completion of the degree is on average 5.5 years.

Research Areas Online Application

PhD Application Deadline

Dec 4, 2023 8:59 PM

EE PhD Model Program

Electrical Engineering is a broad field which draws from disparate areas of knowledge, and so instead of providing rigid course expectations the faculty suggest EE students and their advisors consider the following courses as part of their program, depending on which aspect of EE their research is most aligned with.  Programs will also often contain courses from SEAS, statistics, mathematics, physics, computer science or chemistry.   This description of the Electrical Engineering PhD course guidelines augments the school-wide PhD course requirements . Students should make themselves familiar with both.

The EE faculty strongly recommend all Ph.D. students also attend to professional skills such as writing and giving presentations.  Classes include  ES 297 Professional Writing for Scientists and Engineers  and ES 301 SEAS Teaching Practicum. Other resources include the GSAS Center for Writing and Communicating Ideas , the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning , and the  SEAS Graduate Council 's Professional Development series.

The course lists below form a starting point for a discussion with the faculty about areas of interest. Students should work in close consultation with their advisors to develop an appropriate program plan that is consistent with the PhD Program's overall course requirements . Courses provide the background knowledge that is often needed to successfully complete research and allow students to learn more broadly about a field or related fields in a structured fashion.

Computer Engineering - suggested courses include

• ES 202 Estimation and Control of Dynamic Systems
• ES 250 Information Theory
• ES 255 Statistical Inference with Engineering Applications
• CS 283 Computer Vision
• CS 243 Advanced Computer Networks
• CS 244 Networks Design Projects
• CS 246 Advanced Computer Architecture
• CS 247r Advanced Topics in Computer Architecture
• CS 249r Advanced Topics in Edge Computing
• CS 252r Advanced Topics in Programming Languages
• CS 261 Research Topics in Operating Systems
• CS 262 Introduction to Distributed Computing
• CS 265 Big Data Systems

as well as other courses listed under Devices and Circuits below

Control and Robotics - suggested courses include

• ES 252r Advanced Topics in Robotics Research
• ES 259 Advanced Introduction to Robotics
• ES 201 Decision Theory

as well as other courses listed under Devices and Circuits

Devices and Circuits - suggested courses include

• CS 248 Advanced Design of VLSI Circuits and Systems
• Physics 223 Electronics for Scientists
• AP 195 Introduction to Solid State Physics
• AP 218 Electrical, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Materials
• AP 295a Introduction to Quantum Theory of Solids
• AP 295b Quantum Theory of Solids
• MIT 6.341 Discrete-Time Signal Processing
• ES 273 Optics and Photonics
• ES 274 Quantum Devices
• AP 216 Electromagnetic Interactions with Matter
• AP 217 Applications of Modern Optics
• Physics 285a Modern Atomic and Optical Physics I

Photonics - suggested courses include

• AP195 Introduction to Solid State Physics
• Physics 143b Quantum Mechanics II
• Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE 200/ES200)
• Chemistry 242 Quantum Mechanics for Physical Chemistry
• Physics 251a Advanced Quantum Mechanics I
• Physics 232 Advanced Classical Electromagnetism
• ES 151 Applied Electromagnetism
• ES 173 Introduction to Electronic and Photonic Devices
• ES 277 Microfabrication Laboratory
• AP 218 Electrical, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials
• AP 225 Introduction to Soft Matter
• AP 284 Statistical Thermodynamics
• AP 291 Electron Microscopy Lab
• Physics 262 Statistical Physics

Signals and Information Processing - suggested courses include

• MIT 6.450 Principles of Digital Communications
• Statistics 210 Probability I
• Statistics 211 Statistical Inference I
• CS 223 Probabilistic Analysis and Algorithms
• Statistics 220 Bayesian Data Analysis
• MIT 6.262 Discrete Stochastic Processes
• Math 112 Introductory Real Analysis
• Math 136 Differential Geometry
• AM 201 Physical Mathematics I
• ES 220 Fluid Dynamics
• MIT 6.255J Optimization Methods

Note that, for Program Plans in Engineering Sciences, Physics 223  Electronics for Scientists  is considered to be a 200-level SEAS-equivalent technical course.

In Electrical Engineering

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Engineering student works to create safer ground transportation

Sai bonthu is a doctoral candidate at the university of cincinnati.

Ground transportation has a substantial impact on the daily lives of humans. Sai Bonthu, doctoral student of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Cincinnati, is working to develop a product that has the potential to accurately reduce traffic crashes.

Currently, he is working on a grant with the Ohio Department of Transportation and was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

Why did you choose UC? What drew you here?

Sai Bonthu is working with the Ohio Department of Transportation to create a product that has the potential to accurately reduce traffic crashes. Photo/provided

Coming to UC was a relatively easy decision for me. After completing my master's in electrical engineering at Akron in 2017, I was hired as an electrical engineer at Cincinnati Incorporated, making UC a natural destination for my PhD. 

With automation being the core of the machining world, I wanted to utilize the opportunity of pursuing a PhD at UC under the guidance of esteemed professors in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

Doctors Arthur Helmicki and Victor Hunt have advised me during my studies and as I have worked closely with them at the UC Infrastructure Institute (UCII) , they have demonstrated extensive experience in applying control systems and machine learning algorithms to real-world applications such as smart mobility and civil infrastructure monitoring. 

Why did you choose your field of study?

Electrical engineering draws certain characteristics from individuals pursuing the highest level of the study. Back in 2012, I earned my bachelor's in electrical and electronics engineering. However, it alone wasn't enough for me to standout in a competitive environment. In a discussion with my sister, I realized that there weren't many opportunities to learn the toughest part of electrical engineering — power electronics and electric motor drives. That's how I got into a master's program at Akron and then successfully landed a job in Cincinnati. From then on, I wanted to earn a PhD. UC has a wide range of opportunities to dig deeper into electrical engineering and apply my skills towards researching something more meaningful to me and the community I live in. 

Professor Helmicki (my research adviser) and I have secured a National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) award followed by a research grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation. These awards empowered me to pursue an exciting research project with a real-world case that transformed my life in the last few years. I'm also grateful to the consistent support that I've received from my superiors at Cincinnati Incorporated and HDS Global to pursue my dream while working full-time. 

Briefly and simply describe your research work. What problems do you hope to solve?

Sai Bonthu is working with the Ohio and U.S. Departments of Transportation on his PhD research. Photo/Kristian McNeal, The Gaskins Foundation

Ground transportation has one of the most significant impacts on human life. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, traffic fatalities were 10.5% higher than the previous year at 42,915. During the NSF I-Corps program, our team conducted more than 175 stakeholder interviews and converted raw transportation data into inputs for generating real-time safety responses in traffic operations as well as producing insights for transportation planners. Transportation planners and engineers have identified specific transportation problems such as an increase in traffic crashes and the lack of accuracy validation in road user detection, classification and localization of vulnerable road users. 

My PhD research focuses on the development of a product that can potentially accurately reduce traffic crashes. The outcomes will benefit UC Digital Technology Solutions, public safety and planning teams to better understand road user trajectories and the capabilities of existing and new solutions to improve road user experience on campus. Furthermore, one of the research outcomes to test Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) alerts is prioritized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve safety nationwide. 

What are some of the most impactful experiences during your time at UC?

Working as an entrepreneurial lead for the NSF Innovation Corps award and as a project lead for ODOT's Student Transportation Advancement Research (STAR) have been my most impactful experiences at UC. 

While the NSF I-Corps program expanded my network into the transportation ecosystem and taught me about real-world challenges, the ODOT STAR project has provided me with an opportunity to develop and execute solutions to identified challenges. 

As part of these projects, I've attended several national and international conferences to interview folks who are in the middle of dealing with real-world problems. I attended the American Association for State Highway Transportation Officials annual meeting in 2022, as well as several ITS conferences. FInally, one of the highlights of my time at UC was my visit to the Netherlands for the 2023 TRAIL International PhD Autumn School on Cycling in Cities. 

I had the opportunity to develop and demonstrate Connected and Automated Vehicle Education lesson plans for K-12 STEM educators. This was through the support of my research team, Mary Welsh Schlueter at Partnership for Innovation in Education, FHWA Saxton Lab, and ODOT/DriveOhio technical advisory committee. 

What are a few of your accomplishments of which you are most proud?

Sai Bonthu placed third in UC's Elevator Pitch Competition. Photo/provided

Publishing my research work at the UCII is definitely at the top of my list. Beyond that, winning third prize in UC's one-minute elevator pitch competition validated my ability to translate society and market needs into a value proposition for a new product idea. Finally, participating in numerous tradeshows, international conferences and expos to network, interview and learn from experts in the industry has been the greatest accomplishment during my PhD program at UC. 

What are your plans after earning your degree?

I will graduate in August of 2024 with my PhD. My doctoral studies at UC and the experience through the ODOT STAR research project have dramatically changed my perspective towards sustainable and smart transportation. I'm going to continue exploring pathways toward sustainable and active transportation through a technology lens. I strongly believe automation is possible at any level in any application, but autonomous vehicles (e.g., self-driving robot taxis) are not ready to completely blend into our traffic. Meanwhile, connected vehicles are here to stay. In the near future, all vehicles will communicate with one another and the infrastructure in real-time, causing trans-disciplinary impacts on e-commerce, supply chain, daily deliverance systems, decarbonization, circular economy, uncrewed vehicles (ground and aerial) and sustainable multi-modal mobility. I'm hopeful that I'll be uniquely skilled and positioned to address important issues in such an evolving and complex ecosystem. 

Do you have any other hobbies or experiences you'd like to share?

Like many other South Asians, I love cricket. I've played in the Midwest Cricket Tournament since I moved to the U.S. in 2013. At UC, I currently serve as the president of the UC Cricket Club and represented the club as captain and wicket-keeper/batter between 2021-22. We've made it to the finals of MCT Division II 35 over tournament in 2021, and that is one of the most memorable experiences for me during my time at UC. Beyond that, I've helped out Tri-State Trails, a nonprofit to connect people and places with a regional trail and bikeway network, as a trail monitoring intern in the summer of 2023, and it was a great experience to learn about the active transportation network in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky/Indiana area. 

Interested in engineering graduate programs?

Check out the engineering graduate programs offered at the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

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Ground transportation has a substantial impact on the daily lives of humans. Sai Bonthu, a doctoral candidate of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Cincinnati, is working to develop a product that has the potential to accurately reduce traffic accidents. Currently, he is working on a grant with the Ohio Department of Transportation and was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

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Graduate and Professional School Launches Spring Awards Ceremony

The Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional School held its inaugural spring awards ceremony on April 16 at Rudder Theatre. The program included presentations of Distinguished Dissertation Awards, Montgomery Awards, Outstanding Mentoring Awards and GRAD Aggies Certificates. The ceremony was followed by a reception in Rudder Exhibit Hall.

“Graduate and professional students and faculty teach and mentor our more than 60,000 undergraduates, conduct ground-breaking research, and lead campus initiatives and organizations,” said Dr. Fuhui Tong, interim associate provost and dean of the Graduate and Professional School. “They enrich our campus community and our growing Aggie Network and make the world better. Presenting our awards at a single event broadens our recognition and celebration of exceptional and well-deserving awardees,” Tong said.

The Montgomery Awards are sponsored by the Jeff ’41 and Leonora Montgomery Family Endowment. Distinguished Dissertation Awards are sponsored by the George W. Kunze Endowment, the Carol J. Cantrell Endowment, and the Mobil Aggies Graduate Endowment.

Distinguished Dissertation Awards

Distinguished Dissertation Awards honor current or recent former students whose dissertations make a significant, impactful contribution to their field of study. Awards are given in four categories.

Biological and Life Sciences

• Hannah Justen, ecology and evolutionary biology
• Faculty advisor: Dr. Kira Delmore

Social Sciences

• Marianne Rice, educational psychology
• Faculty advisor: Dr. Florina Erbeli

Mathematics

• Jacob Rogers, Mechanical Engineering
• Faculty advisors: Dr. Thomas Lacy and Dr. Justin Wilkerson

Humanities and Fine Arts

• Hyunjoo Yu, English
• Faculty advisor: Dr. Ira Dworkin

Montgomery Awards

Montgomery Awards are presented to graduate students who, through leadership in recognized graduate student groups or service organizations, make major contributions toward creating academic and professional opportunities and enhancing quality of life for their fellow graduate and professional students, while also excelling as scholars. Each awardee receives a commemorative plaque and $1,000.

• Sambandh Dhal, computer engineering
• Leah Kocian, biological and agricultural engineering

Outstanding Mentoring Awards

Outstanding mentoring awards honor individuals who have shared their knowledge, skills or experiences with graduate and professional students at Texas A&M, assisting in their development and activating their success at our university and beyond. Awards are presented in two categories: faculty and graduate student.

Outstanding Graduate and Professional Student Mentoring for Faculty

• Dr. Sarbajit Banerjee, chemistry and materials science and engineering
• Dr. David E. Claridge, mechanical engineering
• Dr. Sarah Hamer, epidemiology

Outstanding Graduate and Professional Student Mentors

• Heather Baldi, agronomy
• Saifur Rahman, biomedical engineering
• Maiya Turner, multicultural education

GRAD Aggies Certificates

Graduate Resources and Development for Aggies (GRAD Aggies) provides professional development opportunities that help students find success in graduate or professional program, on the job market, and in their professional career. Certificates demonstrate to potential employers that students are prepared for the professional world.

For full bios of the award winners and a full list of GRAD Aggies Certificate earners, visit the Grad School website .

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