Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Individual Evaluation Form
Technical Interest Area(s) of the Research (select 1 or 2):
Expectations for the Dissertation Technical Content

Originality of the proposed research: The presented research is a completely new approach to a particular problem or a substantive improvement over existing approaches. Impact of the proposed research: The presented research will significantly affect its direct beneficiaries, and/or it will influence other scientists or researchers in their research. Student's technical competence: The student demonstrated command of the field of research and would now be considered an expert on the subject matter presented.
Originality of the proposed research
Impact of the proposed research
Student's technical competence
Expectations for the Dissertation Document
Research Context: Background and context of the research based on extensive review of published literature and other relevant sources are presented in an integrated and synthesized manner. Statement and Presentation of Research Objectives: Statement of research is effectively formulated, clearly stated and focused. Research objectives reflect knowledge of breadth and depth of the research topic and demonstrate ability to synthesize knowledge into distinct, well-structured objectives. Description of proposed work: Clear articulation of proposed research work is presented with detailed treatment of relevant methods, equipment, and resources. Description of proposed work demonstrates understanding of potential risks and payoffs. Grammar, Mechanics, Organization: Document adheres to rules of Standard English. Written material demonstrates proper use of punctuation, abbreviations, acronyms, capitalization, spelling, sentence structure, and subject-verb agreement and tense shifts. Correct references and citation format used throughout document. Graphs and charts used appropriately to present data.
.Research context:
Statement and presentation of research objectives:
Description of research:
Grammar, mechanics, and organization
Expectations for the Oral Presentation
Organization and structure of presentation: Material follows logical and systematic sequence, including clear articulation of research objectives; relevant methods, equipment, and resources; and risks and payoffs. Presentation culminates in convincing arguments for the proposed research. Appropriate and accurate use of technical concepts and details are used to support arguments. Selection of content: Selected content demonstrates command of research field of proposed work. Systematic and convincing argument for the contribution of proposed research work and thorough understanding of potential obstacles and problem solving strategies are orally communicated. Overall ability to explain complex material and select necessary details is achieved. Use of visual aids: Sequence of visual aids (slides) is logical and supports and follows oral presentation. Slides are well organized, visually clear, consistent and understandable. Photographs, charts, and graphs are used to effectively illustrate main points and/or provide necessary details. Delivery, speaking skills, and length: Contact with audience is maintained throughout presentation. Delivery is well paced, with attention to diction and enunciation, and not read from notes or slides. Projection is appropriate to size of audience and room and visual aids are within clear view. Adequate time for questions is provided. Answers are thorough and command of material is conveyed.
Organization and structure of presentation
.Content of presentation
Use of visual aids

Delivery, speaking skills, and length