Modern Challenges for EE Students Pursuing Fundamental Research in Metamaterials

Electrical-engineering students considering fundamental research in metamaterials today may perceive challenges, ranging from the overwhelming diversity and breadth of the field following 20+ years of growth to questions about the applicability of their work and their own employability. This article provides some observations on these and other topics with the hopes of assuring young students that the field of metamaterials remains full with opportunity and, with a good amount of hard work, one can derive a satisfying and productive research career from it.