This, and their other CC books, is a great starting place. Especially because it has a hands-on section you can build upon:
https://5g.systemsapproach.org/README.html
Maybe take a larger forest view of convergence & orchestration of a provides core.. from access to fabric.
Other than that, lots is being said about the true meaning of network source of truth. Check some NANOG talks for free on their YouTube channel. Check out Jeremy Stretch's fairly recent blog post on Netbox (packetlife.net).
If you're looking for more greybeard Inspiration, check out some great analysis from Geoff Huston on potaroo.net and think of interesting software defined ways to demonstrate his analysis (maybe become the next Kentik etc.)
Russ White & Ivan Pepnelnjak are also great grey beard thinkers.
Best of luck with your thesis.