PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Thesis-Route) Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus, Canada

The PhD program in Mechanical Engineering is designed to train independent researchers. The students are called upon to perform highly specialized and original research that makes a distinct contribution of knowledge to one of the major focus areas of our program: mechatronics, vibration control, diagnostics, prognostics, alternative energy, energy harvesting, engines, dynamics, design and manufacturing.

The PhD in Mechanical Engineering satisfies the demand in academia and industry for highly qualified personnel in the field of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Our PhD program is directed to graduates from the existing Master’s in Engineering programs at Lakehead University and outstanding graduates at the post graduate level from other universities.

The objective of the program is to foster students’ scholarly skills and independent research abilities through a combination of formal course work and dissertation (research) work. This PhD program includes the general areas of specialization in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering.

Under the direct supervision of one of our faculty members, the PhD candidates learn to review the state of current technical knowledge in an engineering research area, to identify strengths and weaknesses in this research and to devise a new research initiative to contribute to the area. Students must carry out this research project with objectivity and care, and they are expected to document and publish their results in internationally recognized journals and conferences.

After completing the PhD in Mechanical Engineering program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding that are at the forefront of the field within the academic discipline.
• Demonstrate broad knowledge of relevant information outside their area but pertinent to the research being undertaken.
• Evaluate different research methodologies used in the field.
• Articulate gaps in existing scholarship in the field and identify an original question/problem for study worthy of peer-review/examination.
• Reflect on and evaluate the research process constantly and revise it as needed to accommodate unforeseen problems that arise.
• Assume a leading role in independently designing and conducting original research project(s) that will generate new knowledge in the field.
• Relate the theoretical research foundations to applied research foundations within the discipline at an advanced level.
• Demonstrate independence in research work, including autonomous learning, creative thinking, critical thinking, collegiality in exchanging ideas, and problem-solving.
• Demonstrate originality in tackling and solving problems and autonomy in planning and executing of research.
• Learn and work collegially in varied environments.
•  Be cognizant of employment opportunities that require the technical skills and the professional judgement gained from doctoral studies.
• Articulate and practice disciplinary, health and safety regulations.
• Communicate about research in the field using clear and effective oral and written expression using evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking skills.
• Engage in complex discussions about research area professionally.
• Interrogate the accuracy and ethical boundaries of humanly-constructed nature of arguments and interpretations throughout the research process.
• Identify the limitations inherent to different kinds of evidence, methods, and theoretical approaches.
• Articulate the contributions of findings and perspectives found in other disciplines that lead to greater understanding in one’s own field.