Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Facts & Figures

Starting with a program in mechanical engineering in the early 1970s, the department has grown tremendously in numbers, infrastructure and reputation. The faculty are world-recognized experts in their fields and have achieved top honors and distinctions. The undergraduate programs blend fundamentals with hands-on design experience and include research opportunities in a variety of laboratories. Graduate programs are recognized nationally and internationally for their impact and scholarship.


Founded

  • 1983: Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • 1990: Department expands to include Aerospace Engineering


Student Population

  • 1225 Undergraduate Students (Fall 2024)
    • B.S. degrees:
      • Aerospace Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
  • 189 Graduate Students (Fall 2024)
    • M.S., M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees:
      • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering


Faculty

  • 31 Full-time
  • 9 Affiliated


Recognition

  • 4 National Academy of Engineering Members
  • 1 Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences Member
  • 1 Presidential Young Investigator Award
  • 1 Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award
  • 7 NSF CAREER Awards
  • 1 National Academy of Inventors
  • 6 Distinguished Professors (2 Emeriti)
  • 1 Chancellor's Professor
  • 11 Fellow Status


Research & Expenditures

  • 6 World-class centers
  • 5 Research thrusts:
    • Dynamics and Controls
    • Fluid Dynamics and Propulsion
    • Thermal and Transport Sciences
    • Mechanics of Materials and Structures
    • Systems and Design
  • 2020-21 Research expenditures: $11.0M