I've "bended" my policy on topic proposals

For the longest time now, I have always said that I will not simply spoonfeed you a topic. I believe that topic generation is a vital part of your [hellish] STR experience. However, given the state of topics and your seeming lack of enthusiasm to flood me with possible proposals, I have bended my policy somewhat. I have said to a number of my students that they have a sound framework but what they're proposing is just not novel anymore or its not that significant. I challenged them to think outside the box and refocus their topic. However, it seems everybody is bidding their time a little bit too much. For example, I have a student whose topic is promising - fish mucus. But fish mucus for antifungal creams is not novel anymore. In such cases I am willing now to brainstorm with you. However, if you suggested garlic for its antimicrobial properties, I cannot help you develop that because that is a dead-end topic already. If you want to consult on possible topics, especially if its on biology, molecular biology or any life science-related topic (modeling something related to biology) you can disturb me every day after 10:50 AM. Note that I will still not give you a topic outright, but I can help you develop it. Therefore, you must have something rather specific in mind already. For technology proposals, I highly encourage you to talk to Mr. Alcarez or Ms. Xavier for insights and comments. Talk to the teachers in field of your research interest. Float your topic with them and have their inputs. I promise you it will save you time and effort and most probably, you'll get your topic approved. Please please PLEASE flood me with more topics. More entries, MORE chances of winning! Our deadline for the final proposal is on July 23 or the Wednesday before periodicals. Today is July 3. Do the math. I am very concerned with the state of our STR2 classes. Right now, you only have 5% of your grade. No matter how much wrangling and consideration I put, 5% will not even give you a 4.0.