Applied Research Can Enhance Hydraulic Engineering Education

Abstract

Applied research projects can enhance student education in hydraulic engineering. This contention considers three lines of argument associated with societal context: historical necessity, educational merit, and issues associated with funding of universities. Necessity and merit are especially important in keeping engineering education meaningfully engaged with engineering practice. Funding issues reflect universities’ increased reliance on nonstate sources of funding. The lines of argument were supported using examples drawn mainly from a university hydraulics laboratory and a course on hydraulic structures. The examples involved basic hydraulics principles and broader considerations often arising in actual engineering projects. There are risks associated with applied research at a university, including diminished basic-research activity and perceived unfair competition. The paper concluded that hydraulic engineering students greatly benefit from exposure to applied research. However, hydraulic engineering education should align with a university’s core mission and stimulate fundamental research.