Undergraduate Students

Opportunities for research

  • Funded: NSF REU (professor usually needs 6 months advance notice); UROP (you need to apply, professor can help); college of engineering funding; or from a specific research project (you probably need to have special skills or background for this). There is more information on funding, including college funding, on the college's Active Learning website. 
  • Research for credit: see me before start of semester for independent study credit. Even better, plan a semester ahead. Number of credits can be flexible.
  • Requirements for research: did well in 3400 and circuits classes as a minimum; enjoy applied electromagnetics.

Opportunities for service and teaching

  • Funded: Earn-Learn college program (need to apply a semester ahead).
  • Funded: grader for a lower level class, semester-dependent.
  • There are possible service/teaching duties that can qualify for independent study, come talk to me about these. Example: help develop demos for classes.

Prospective and Graduate Students

If you are applyings for a M.Sc. (or M.E.) degree, you will most likely not be funded, although there are rare exceptions when specific experience helps an ongoing project. Most of your time will be spent taking courses, the following are recommended:

  • ECEN 5634-Microwave Lab: this is a useful overview course which meets once per week in a lecture and one 3-hour lab. Expect to spend at least 4 hours on top of this per week on prelabs. If you have not done microwave measurements, this course is definitely useful for jobs.
  • ECEN 5134-Antennas: an overview course on antennas which covers one of the standard antenna texts, e.g. that by Balanis. Useful for everyone.
  • ECEN 5104-CAD of Microwave Circuits: practical course using at least one of the industry-leading software tools. A follow-up class that is focused on active circuits and MMIC design, usually Special Topics 5014, is offered roughly once every two years.
  • ECEN 5114-Waveguides: higher-level mathematical background than the above, with more detailed analysis of guiding structures and waves. Useful for your general academic education and if you wish to continue work in applied electromagnetics and microwaves.
  • In addition: depending on what is offered, Numerical Methods, Radar, Analog Electronics and Mixed-Signal Electronics are also recommended.

Students who wish to apply for a Ph.D. should keep in mind the following:

  • Most of our graduate students are funded as a TA, RA or on a fellowship
  • If you are interested in a possible TA during your first semester/year, let us know in your cover letter and during your visit.
  • Recommended classes: in addition to the ones above for the M.Sc. degree, I would recommend Mathematical Methods in Physics, Complex Variables in Applied Math, GPS in Aerospace Engineering, and specific classes that might be related to your research project (e.g. in bio-engineering or mechanical packaging).
  • Other than classes, there are several other milestones listed roughly in chronological order, assuming 3 years after MS degree:
    • Preliminary exam generally taken in 1st year. I recommend taking it in your 2nd year if you worked in industry and are coming back to school (that means start as MS student but make sure your advisor knows you are planning on a PhD). The one-day prelim exam consists of a written and an oral exam, and covers mainly undergrad material in EM, basic physics and basic math. The oral exam consists of 15-minute interviews with 3 to 4 professors. (Year 1 or 2)
    • Find advisor and project area, start on initial project (Year 1)
    • Finish most classes, help older grad students in the lab to get your name on a paper (Year 1 and/or 2)
    • Identify your own project with advisor (Year 2)
    • Make progress, enough for a paper; submit paper (Year 2,3)
    • Take comprehensive exam as if it is your final, just without written thesis and with one more thing left to do which is your own idea (Year 2 or beginning of Year 3)
    • Finish thesis work, tie loose ends (Year 3, latter part)
    • Write thesis and defend

If you have any questions regarding advising, graduate school or research, contact Zoya Popović.