ECE Research
At Clemson's Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, we translate complex technological challenges into actionable research and innovation. Our interdisciplinary approach connects fundamental engineering principles with transformative solutions across multiple critical domains—from quantum systems and intelligent technologies to sustainable energy and advanced communications.
Our research laboratories are dynamic environments where groundbreaking work unfolds. Computer vision algorithms decode complex visual landscapes, cybersecurity innovations fortify digital infrastructures, and bioelectronics merges biological systems with technological precision. Each research initiative represents a strategic approach to solving critical technological challenges and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge.
- High-performance computing
- Advanced sensor networks
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Renewable energy systems
- Smart grid technologies
- Quantum computing
- Cybersecurity
- Bioelectronics
- Electric vehicle technologies
Faculty & Graduate Research
With 44 visionary faculty members, including five IEEE Fellows and four endowed chairs, we drive an annual research portfolio exceeding $13 million. At the faculty and graduate level, we encourage the partnership of promising research and strategic connections that accelerate commercialization research, which help to bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and technological innovation in the electrical and computer engineering domain.
Our community of approximately 600 undergraduates and 190 graduate students represents a dynamic force of innovation, transforming theoretical concepts into technological breakthroughs that reshape industries and enhance human capabilities.
Our Faculty Research AreasClemson's Electrical and Computer Engineering program offers exceptional research opportunities for ambitious students seeking to make meaningful technological impacts. As a research student, you'll collaborate directly with leading faculty, access state-of-the-art laboratories, and contribute to groundbreaking projects with real-world implications.
Research Opportunities
- ✓ Work alongside IEEE Fellows and distinguished professors
- ✓ Access $13 million annual research infrastructure
- ✓ Publish in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings
- ✓ Develop industry-relevant skills through cutting-edge research initiatives
- ✓ Engage in interdisciplinary projects across quantum, energy, and computational systems
Clemson University is adding to its portfolio of artificial intelligence research with a project aimed at protecting next-generation AI systems from attacks without sacrificing the systems' performance, accuracy or complexity. The work is aimed at shoring up confidence in technology by addressing hardware vulnerabilities and developing strategies to defend against attacks that could have commercial and national defense applications.
Funded by an NSF CAREER award, the research gave Joseph Clements, who pursued his Ph.D., an opportunity to advance his research in adversarial machine learning, helping set him up for jobs after graduation.
“Machine learning, in general, is growing a lot recently, and I think it will be moving into a lot of different fields. We're using these machine learning systems in medical systems, autonomous driving systems and things of that nature– and these have a lot of security implications.”
Joseph ClementsComputer Engineering, Ph.D. '23
Academic and Research Facilities
Riggs Hall
The primary classrooms used for teaching ECE classes and undergraduate labwork are in Riggs Hall. Additionally, it houses lab space for the Center for Silicon Nanoelectronics, Microelectronics Research, and the PARL. Focus Areas: Silicon Nanoelectronic Devices, Parallel Virtual File System, and Sensor Networked Robotics.
Fluor Daniel
The Fluor Daniel Engineering Innovation Building is a 103,000-square-foot ultra-modern facility. It houses the Speech Process Laboratory and the RTPIS Laboratory. Focus Areas: Digital Speech and Audio Processing, Smart Grids, and Power Systems.
Rhodes Hall
Located adjacent to Riggs Hall, the Rhodes Engineering Research Center houses the Semiconductor Process Lab and the Microelectronics Characterization Lab. Focus Areas: High and Low‐k Dielectric Materials, Microelectronics, and Rapid Photothermal Processing.
Advanced Materials Research Lab
AMRL is a state-of-the-art facility recognized for research in optoelectronics. Both COMSET and outstanding electron microscopy facilities are within the AMRL. Focus Areas: Organic LEDs, Specialty Optical Fiber, Light-Emitting Plastics, Glasses, and Crystals.
