Research

Research activity is a building block for electrical and computer engineering and is an essential part of graduate-level study.

There are ample opportunities in the department of electrical and computer engineering for undergraduate and graduate students to be involved in faculty members' research. Students are encouraged to contact faculty members to inquire about possible opportunities to participate in their research.

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Research Laboratories

The ACIL is a leading research program in Adaptive Critic Designs, also known as Approximate Dynamic Programming. We are active in the theory and application of various computational intelligence approaches, particularly those pertaining to neural networks. Key subject areas are control, optimization, forecasting, security and power.

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Major activities in this laboratory include both basic R&D and applied research in the field of Microwave and Millimeter Wave Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation. Past research included detection of surface anomalies in metals and evaluation of porosity in mortar. New applications are being discovered continuously.

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The Applied Optics Laboratory (APOL) supports projects involving smart sensor systems, fiber optics, imaging, engineering education and pre-college education. The Smart Engineering Project, in conjunction with the campus Smart Composite Bridge, (http://smarteng.mst.edu/) demonstrated field optical instrumentation on the first all-composite bridge. The prototype pedestrian walkway was installed in August 2000 and is rated for highway loads. Other lab projects include fiber optic sensor systems, neural-network-based processing of sensor signals, imaging systems for surveillance, and pre-college activities in robotics and GPS.

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The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Laboratory supports EMC research and education projects with the goal of developing the knowledge base, tools and people necessary to solve the EMC problems of today and address the EMC problems of the future.

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The lab occupies around 600 sqft and is primarily responsible for the development of novel control and networking algorithms, and their implementation on embedded hardware. Current research projects include development and implementation of adaptive neural networks, fuzzy and artificial immune-based controllers with applications to engines operating lean and with high EGR levels, Fault detection, isolation and accommodation, MEMS and Nano manipulation and assembly using micro/nano robotics, power sensitive architectures and routing for wireless ad hoc and sensor networks, congestion and admission control for the internet and in ATM.

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The Intelligent Microsystem Laboratory (IML) is dedicated to accomplishing functional and structural integrations of advanced microsystems. Current research topics include development of intelligent biochemical microdevices and microsystems, and their applications to special environments.

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The mission of the proposed center is to provide an opportunity for cooperative research between Missouri S&T researchers and industrial partners to develop appropriate technologies to bridge the gap in the areas of sensor, networks and decision making for monitoring, diagnostics and prognostics industrial applications. Over 43 industrial companies are members of the center.

From generation of electric power to its utilization in homes and businesses, and from the smallest motors used in appliances and electric vehicles to the largest machines for propulsion in Naval ships, the power engineering program offers a broad spectrum of courses and research activities highlighted by the presence of multiple teaching and research labs.

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Campus-Wide Interdisciplinary Research

Interdisciplinary research is an essential component of the research and educational missions of our ECE department. Many faculty members and graduate students conduct research in association with our interdisciplinary centers and laboratories, including the following research centers. Learn more about campus-wide research centers.
  • Center for Biomedical Research
  • Center for High Performance Computing
  • Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies
  • Center for Intelligent Infrastructure
  • Center for Research in Energy and Environment
  • Center for Science, Technology, and Society
  • Energetic Materials, Rock Characterization, and Geomechanics Center
  • Intelligent Systems Center
  • Materials Research Center
In addition, the Kummer Institute for student success, research and economic development was established to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The Institute will leverage connections with industries with the following four research centers to support incubation, acceleration, commercialization and other research and development activities. Learn more about Kummer Institute.
  • Center for Advanced and Resilient Infrastructure
  • Center for Resource Sustainability
  • Center for Advanced Manufacturing
  • Center for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems