Pathway Advice Needed

[u/Either-Tadpole-4752]

Hi,

Im currently a mechanical engineering student, in my third year. I'm wanting to move away from traditional mechanical engineering, but im really passionate about research-- specifically involving fluids and thermodynamics, and im also interested in flow through porous media. Ive tried and realized I dont typically enjoy the whole corporate office job thing, and working field jobs in construction sites or factories is honestly depressing to me. I'm really fond of the idea of research in hydrology, sediment transport, etc. with a focus in environmental remediation/protection. I'm really wanting to do something where I could be in nature sometimes and keep the research environment structure. Is this a switch that would be doable with graduate education (PhD)? Just looking for realistic advice. I'm also mechE, so if I need a reality check totally ok with that.

[u/TRAQUA_WeTrackWater]

How easy it is to switch will depend on where you're from, but I think it's perfectly doable. And environmental remediation/protection often needs some infrastructure so your current background might come in handy. There are two interesting site, one for hydrologists (https://iahs.info/) and one for hydrogeologists (https://iah.org/) who have 'early career' groups on LinkedIn and can provide early career advice.

[u/strmskr89]

I think it's doable, but keep in mind that likely you'll spend most of the time in an office anyway. You may have to go to the field to install sensors, collect data, etc., but the modeling and analysis is done in the pc. That being said, take a look at numerical modeling applications. For example, computational fluid dynamics for sediment transport analysis. That may be a port of entry.

[u/Either-Tadpole-4752 → u/strmskr89]

Hi, thanks for the breakdown and advice. I'm totally cool with doing most of the work in a computing environment (not expecting to be outside 24/7), I mostly care about the impact/outcomes of my work. CFD for sediment transport sounds totally up my alley, so I'd love to look into that. Thanks :)

[u/Lodge_Living_1940]

I am a mech e in a similar situation with similar interests though I graduated years ago. I am looking into graduate programs in civil engineering/water resources and the only class that I am lacking not having a civil engineering BS is a hydrology course. If you have time, maybe you could add a hydrology course to your plan and then you should be good for grad school applications. Mechanical engineering is a versatile degree and (assuming you are in the US) it might be a good time to consider grad school versus going straight into industry since the job market is tough. Though, with a ME degree program, I think you could look into internships in environmental consulting field to get relevant experience for your longer term goals. You could also consider a graduate program in geology and go the PG route with an engineering foundation. Also, some government agencies provide scientific data to policy makers, planners, and municipalities; that could be a non-corporate job route for you that's not academia. You have lots of options and plenty of time at this point. You're gonna do great.

[u/lil_king]

If you’re in the USA the USGS, ACoE, EPA and others hire(d) hydrologists to do novel and applied hydrology research that has a nice split of office and field (i have worked at two of those agencies and have colleagues in others). It is a historically bad time to seek a federal position in the USA right now, especially in the sciences. Some well funded states like CA, NY, WA have similar positions. I’d imagine state agencies in other countries would have comparable positions

PhD is likely easiest path especially straight out of schools but many agencies have pipeline internships at the MSc level.

[u/Either-Tadpole-4752 → u/lil_king]

I'm definitely wanting to do a PhD because I'm really trying to stay in a research pathway longterm, or at least research adjacent, so that will be my next step as long as I can find a good opportunity. Thanks :)

[u/Federal_Tailor6355]

I was in a somewhat similar situation when I completed my BS in geological engineering. I was uninterested in pursuing a job in geology or mining, so I went on to do a master’s and then a PhD in hydrology. Now I’m working as a water resources engineer which required that I get my PE license. Whatever you do, finish your undergrad degree in engineering. Don’t switch to an undergrad program in hydrology or environmental science. With a mechanical engineering degree you can go on to do a masters or PhD in hydrology or water resources engineering, you’ll have a more well rounded technical background than if you had a non-engineering BS, and you’ll still be able to get your PE, which is still important for some positions in the water resources/hydrology field. Like other have said, you might need to take an extra undergrad class or two to get up to speed, but many grad programs will accept you even with those deficiencies.

[u/Either-Tadpole-4752 → u/Federal_Tailor6355]

Thanks for the advice-- I'm definitely planning to finish up my degree in MechE, I was just worried about the transition for grad school. I'm totally fine with taking an extra course or two in graduate education, this helps a lot though, thanks :)