Have you been thinking about exploring your interest in engineering but aren’t sure where to start? You’re in luck! There are dozens of engineering focused career options out there and we’re almost certain that you can find one that aligns with your curiosity. The top three engineering degrees fall within the categories of mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, but there are a plethora of other options to investigate!
Although often associated with hands-on laboratory work, there are plenty of fun and advanced engineering projects you could engage with in the comfort of your own home.
Energy Harvesting in Space
Level: Intermediate
How can we better power a spacecraft? It has been a constant challenge to keep a spacecraft charged while in space for a long period of time. The power generation that we currently have works fine for the time being but will only get us so far. What are some creative ways to power a spacecraft for a longer period of time? You can either brainstorm new ideas or investigate current ideas to help research a better way to help make this happen!
Idea by engineering research mentor Ashwyn
What attributes make a good airplane?
Level: Intermediate
Let’s talk about airplanes! There are so many different types, some of which look drastically different from one another. Take a deeper dive into each design choice and why they might be built the way they are. What does the plane benefit from each of the features? Once studied, create your own airplane design!
Idea by engineering research mentor Tanay
Designing a Hydroponics System
Level: Advanced
Imagine an environment of your choice and select a hydroponics system that you feel is the most appropriate fit. The goal is to find out which types of plants will thrive in your environment. It’s your job to calculate nutrition, timing, and flow rates to get to the bottom of this. Design your system in a 3D modeling platform to prove how your creation can produce food for your area throughout the year.
Idea by engineering research mentor Lexi
Review of Artificial Clots For Preclinical Testing of Endovascular Medical Devices
Level: Beginner
The medical device industry is looking to improve the ways in which they test their endovascular devices. This is a chance for you to gain a better understanding of how certain devices work, and to help come up with ideas to make them better. Your goal will be to write a review paper to better explain your findings and thoughts.
Idea by engineering research mentor Bo
Electrifying ammonia synthesis
Level: Intermediate
Fertilizers, along with many chemical products, contain Ammonia as a base. The issue that we face with ammonia is that it is being created through the Haber-Bosch process. Is there a better way to produce ammonia that doesn’t require the burning of fossil fuels, yet makes use of renewable energy?
Idea by engineering research mentor James
Understanding Structural Failures
Level: Beginner
Although it’s devastating when buildings collapse, these failures leave us with a learning opportunity to explore. Identify a destroyed building or structure and start looking for clues! Why did the building collapse and what could have prevented it? With consent, feel free to interview the individuals who were troubled by this structural failure. How did this event impact the individuals local to the area?
Idea by engineering research mentor Caroline
Electrical Engineering - Systems Exploration (data / energy)
Level: Intermediate
How is technology so smart? By simply pressing a button you communicate with your device and it knows what you’re asking it to do, but how? Select an application of your choice to thoroughly examine from the inside out. Take a deeper dive into the engineering process to better understand the complexity of each system. The final project will include a detailed case study covering one piece of the stack, along with a survey of your findings.
Idea by engineering research mentor Bob
Your Own Engineering Project - Ready, Set, Go!
Polygence pairs you with an expert engineering mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!
Snow Shovel
Level: Intermediate
It’s tough to recreate an already existing product to make it better. Challenge yourself! Create a new and improved snow shovel. Why is your shovel better than the old model?
Idea by engineering research mentor Hassan
Computer Animated Design & Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
Level: Advanced
Engineering relies heavily on digital 3D models from start to finish. These models help portray the ideas at hand in a more realistic way. Thankfully, our 3D printers today are intricate enough to assist with creating a 3D model and seeing the outcome very quickly. Choose an object around your school or house that needs to be fixed or adjusted! It’s time to learn about 3D printing while also designing a new part.
Idea by engineering research mentor Tony
Design a product from concept to physical prototype in 10 days
Level: Intermediate
Mechanical engineering is a good direction to take if holding a physical product in your hand intrigues you! If the only thing holding you back from not designing your own product is simply not knowing how, this project is for you. Let your mentor help guide you through the steps from beginning to end to help provide you with the knowledge needed to design a product of your choice.
Idea by engineering research mentor Weixun
