if you really want councelling about Phd, i would suggest you all to go talk anywhere but here. nothing wrong to share urs brilliant idea but some crazy people happens to leave bullshit comments here which does not fit you all. so get some idea with great people in your college, or better to immigration. and just my little opinion in front of big guns. can u not study abroad like we from nepal if you hold american PR. i mean like study abroad program. i guess u all can do that. just small thought