Regional airports are a worthy topic, but I would suggest at Undergraduate level as part of a Pilot Studies course that something building or developing core knowledge of operating the aircraft and flying would probably be most rewarding. If it was me, I would study precision navigation and Required Navigation Performance, or situational awareness. Both are hot topics , relate to the pilot activity, and have direct benefits that can be translated to benefits to the Airline rather than simply new technology for its own sake...
hugel