Engineers as Global Citizens

In the past decade, industry has been transformed by computing and communication technologies. Companies doing business globally have become global enterprises, networked and connected around the world. The playing field has widened and engineers must respond to changing requirements. The medical and industrial needs of third-world nations, global issues of energy and environment and the diversity of international governance, policy, and culture are just a few of the issues that tomorrow's engineers will face.

We must equip our students to be those engineers, and we will do that by strategically positioning the college to become, like our colleagues in industry, a global enterprise. We will invest in innovation, a competitive advantage that is rejuvenated by the global marketplace. Our faculty have always been well-known for their interdisciplinary approach to research, working across departments and colleges. We partner with forward-thinking companies in the revitalization of their own R&D and to fund the technologies of tomorrow.

Our strategy is focus. We understand our strengths and we will invest in them. At the same time, we will apply ourselves cross-functionally, leveraging infrastructure and resources to build capacity in key research areas. Strategically, we will focus and build in these four subject areas described below.

For additional information on research at CIT, check out our Research Highlights brochure.

Energy

Projections estimate that global population will double by 2050 to over nine billion people. With increased energy demand from a growing population, coupled with demands of industrialization and dwindling energy resources, there is a compelling need for innovation in energy sources, production, infrastructure, distribution, cost-effectiveness, and policy. We leverage our strengths in this area with an interdisciplinary initiative that brings disparate research efforts together under a single umbrella.

Environment

The stewardship of natural resources, the protection of eco-systems, and the evaluation and management of technology's impact on the world has never been more crucial. Our commitment to green technology crosses all disciplines and is a well-developed strength at CIT. We are committed to contributing environmental solutions, methods and products for business and government around the world and working with our partners to develop effective solutions.

Nanotechnology

Our focus is on nano-enabled sensors and sensor arrays that contribute to new approaches for alternative energy, better air and water quality, and combating terrorism. Nano-structures that alert on chemical or biological elements, contribute to novel full cell technologies or solar energy conversion are ongoing projects. Nano-enabled information technologies are also a focus, including devices and sub-systems for electronic and photonic information manipulation, as well as magnetic data storage systems.

Biomedical Engineering

The ravages of disease extend beyond all boundaries and as global citizens, we are committed in our response. Biomechanics is a key research thrust, particularly in the area of cardiovascular medicine, with numerous devices sent to clinical trial including an artificial heart designed for toddlers. Other research areas include biomage informatics, biomaterials, bone tissue engineering and cellular and molecular biotechnology. We value our collaborations with some of the best medical institutions in the world and continue to grow our global network.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss our work and to build relationships that contribute to the betterment of the world. Please feel free to contact the Dean's Office for more information on partnerships or collaborations.