Which Research Path Should I Choose at ASU for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?

[jlefevre76]

Ok, so, I'm going to ASU this Fall to start a PhD program in mechanical engineering. Specifically, all of my expertise is in thermodynamics and heat transfer. So, I plan on doing research related to such a field if possible.

ASU (Arizona State) has two avenues of research that interest me:
1. Algae biofuel research (algae biofuel lab)
2. Photovoltaics research (quantum solar energy lab)

While these areas of research are not strictly based on mechanical engineering principles, both labs do occasionally hire mechanical engineers. Any suggestions from anybody on which route to take? Or, if either of these options don't make sense for me to research, what sort of thing should I research? Bear in mind, I probably want a commitee chair who is part of their mechanical engineering department.

 

[TonyG]

Congratulations on starting your PhD program in mechanical engineering at ASU! It's great to see that you have a clear focus on thermodynamics and heat transfer and are interested in pursuing research in these areas.

Regarding your question about which avenue of research to take, I would suggest considering your own personal interests and strengths. Both algae biofuel research and photovoltaics research are highly interdisciplinary fields, and as a mechanical engineer, you may bring a unique perspective and skill set to either lab.

If you have a passion for sustainability and renewable energy, then algae biofuel research may be a great fit for you. As you mentioned, this field does involve thermodynamics and heat transfer, and your expertise in these areas could be valuable in optimizing the efficiency of algae biofuel production. Additionally, your mechanical engineering background could also contribute to the design and optimization of the equipment and systems used in the process.

On the other hand, if you have a strong interest in materials and energy conversion, then photovoltaics research may be a good choice. As a mechanical engineer, you may be able to contribute to the development and optimization of the materials and systems used in quantum solar energy research. Your expertise in thermodynamics and heat transfer could also be useful in understanding and improving the energy conversion processes involved.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your own interests and goals for your research. I would also recommend exploring the faculty members in both labs and reaching out to potential committee chairs to discuss your research interests and see if they align with their areas of expertise.

If neither of these options feels like the right fit for you, don't worry. There are plenty of other potential research areas within mechanical engineering that may interest you. Some examples could include advanced materials, energy storage, or combustion and emissions control.

I wish you all the best in your research journey at ASU. Remember to stay open-minded and explore different options before making a decision. Good luck!