Welcome to the College of Engineering Research Hub

Where Research Talent, Partnerships, and Education Unite

In 2023, the College of Engineering’s external awards for grants and contracts topped $38 million, an average of $400,000 per faculty member, with an eight-fold increase in awards exceeding $1 million.

With a Carnegie classification as an R2-Doctoral University with High Research Activity, record-setting research wins and two new buildings opening and in development, Tennessee Tech is embarking on a trajectory as a leading research institution in energy technologies, vehicle engineering, the environment, aerospace, data science and artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, the nation’s infrastructure (our roads, buildings, and water resources) and more. Our interconnected approach for student success combines an equal focus on teaching and research to produce students who are career-ready and capable of solving societal problems. 

We are opening our Ashraf Islam Engineering Building for interdisciplinary learning, where research and education combine, in Fall 2024. Our Advanced Construction and Manufacturing Engineering (ACME) building, featuring industry-grade labs for construction and advanced manufacturing research and a state-of-the-art smart foundry, is slated to break ground in Summer 2026. Learn more at Watch Us Grow: tntech.edu/watchusgrow

Our Research

• » Energy and Infrastructure

  Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects involving solar energy, energy storage, smart grid power systems, power electronics, wind energy, distributed power plant performance improvement, cement, concrete, bridge and structure health monitoring, flood flow modeling, advanced communications and cyber security.

• » Electric Vehicles

  From developing EV infrastructure throughout rural Tennessee to EV battery technology, autonomous systems, and transformative tech for the auto industry, Tennessee Tech has many individual and large-scale projects supporting the future of electric vehicles.

• » Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

  Delve into the world of intelligent systems, automation, AI and high-performance computing. Our research spans many departments on campus and includes work in applied AI (e.g., cybersecurity, healthcare, and environmental studies), machine learning, robotics and trustworthy/explainable AI.

• » High Performance Computing

  Our research in high-performance computing involves different aspects of HPC, network and cybersecurity ranging from runtime systems to applications. Join us in designing next-generation internet, network protocols for big data and AR/VR technologies, cybersecurity protocols and applications for cyber-physical systems, smart grids and vehicle security.

• » Advanced Manufacturing 

  Faculty across the college collaborate on innovative projects across the manufacturing sector, including smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, advanced robotics and smart mobility, cybersecurity, sustainable materials, materials processing and modeling and energy conversion/storage materials and systems.

• » Cybersecurity

  A cohort of educators and researchers collaborate on finding solution to security and privacy problems in cyber, including access control, blockchain, cyber-physical systems security, network security, malware, software development and more.

Research Centers of Excellence

Engage in interdisciplinary research through our centers of excellence, such as:

• Center for Energy Systems Research (CESR)
• Center for Manufacturing Research (CMR)
• Cybersecurity Education, Research & Outreach Center (CEROC)
• Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MInDS) Research Center

Impactful Partnerships

We collaborate with industry leaders, government agencies and academic institutions worldwide to ensure our research translates into real-world applications. These partnerships provide our students and faculty with opportunities to work on high-impact projects, secure funding, and access unique resources.

Join Our Research Community

We are committed to fostering a vibrant research community that encourages curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. Whether you are a prospective student, current student, or researcher, we invite you to explore our research capabilities and join us in shaping the future.

Get Involved

For more information on our research programs, facilities, and opportunities, visit Tech's Research and Economic Development website or contact our research office at (931) 372-3374 or email research@tntech.edu. Together, we can engineer solutions that make a difference.