Department of Mechanical Engineering
Department of
Mechanical Engineering
Overview
From rockets to robots, power plants to biomechanical parts, mechanical engineers put both energy and machines to work. Wherever there is motion or energy, mechanical engineers have played a role in the innovations that define modern life.
Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline, covering topics that include aerodynamics, medical devices, energy systems, system control, robotics, new product development, materials development, structural integrity, manufacturing, automotive systems, and space vehicle systems. The mechanical engineering department offers a solid foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals with options for students to concentrate their studies in several specific areas of engineering.
Mechanical engineers work in many different industries and businesses as product developers, researchers, prototype designers, automotive engineers, aerospace engineers, management consultants, among many others. Because of their comprehensive training, mechanical engineers are often called upon to serve in senior leadership positions.
Well-equipped labs and facilities offer students the opportunity to build models and prototypes to demonstrate particular engineering design concepts. Experimentation and research are encouraged and there are opportunities for students to enrich their undergraduate and graduate experience by engaging in faculty-led research in areas such as sustainable energy systems, biomedical and assistive device technology, systems analysis, robotics, vibrations, and automotive and aerospace engineering.
Accreditation
The BS degree in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. For Enrollment and Graduation Data, Program Educational Objectives, and Student Outcomes, please visit the college’s Accreditation page.
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Undergraduate options in aerospace, automotive, bioengineering, and energy and the environment
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Areas of research
1000+
Undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering students
Research
Advanced Gear Design and Simulation
Led by Dr. Alfonso Fuentes-Aznar, the research performed at RIT’s Gear Research Laboratory is focused on the study of new gear geometries and the development of new methodologies for advanced design, analysis, simulation, and troubleshooting of gear drives.
Bioengineering / Nanotechnology
Led by Dr. Ke Du, the Nanobiosensing, Nanomanufacturing, Nanomaterials (3N) Lab explores the potential of high-aspect ratio nanostructures combined with CRISPR assays to detect biomarkers both in vitro and in vivo.
Clean Energy and Water
Led by Dr. Howard Tu, the Clean Energy and Water lab targets interdisciplinary problems coupling mechanics, electrochemistry, and materials in the field of energy storage and water desalination.
Droplet Based Microfluidics
The Discrete Microfluidics Laboratory studies the physics of small droplets. The goal is to understand fluid interactions and leverage the physics of microdroplets for innovative advancements in current technologies.
Smart Manufacturing
The Smart Manufacturing Research Group (SMRG), under the leadership of Dr. Rui Liu, is dedicated to investigating the research problems related to smart manufacturing on the fundamental level and expanding the research scope by exploring new research topics and introducing state-of-the art technologies.
Respiratory Technologies Lab
The Respiratory Technologies Lab (RTL) specializes in the mechanics of inhaled particles. Its current research focus is to understand the relationship between tobacco product characteristics, behavior, and health effect. The RTL studies e-cigarettes, waterpipe, cigarettes, and tobacco heated products.
Interfaces and AI-Powered Diagnosis
Dr. Isaac Perez-Raya conducts research on interfacial phenomena such as boiling heat transfer and applies artificial intelligence (AI) in modeling of intracranial blood flow and breast cancer. Other relevant fields of study include pollution monitoring and optimization problems.
X-Ray Diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy, Quantitative Microscopy
The Advanced Materials Laboratory focuses on X-ray diffraction (both powder and high resolution), scanning probe microscopies, optical microscopy, microhardness testing, and specimen preparation by mechanical and electrochemical polishing.
Latest News
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April 26, 2022
![student standing in front of a SpaceX rocket.]()
RIT graduates turn multiple job offers into their No. 1 choices
As the nation’s reshuffled economy rebounds from the pandemic, RIT students graduating from a university renowned for its academic rigor combined with successful internships and co-op experiences are leveraging multiple job offers into their top choices.
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April 26, 2022
![ROTC student running in a road at dusk.]()
Community service informs career paths for graduating students
From pandemic response to rebuilding after natural disasters, RIT students will draw upon their foundation of community service in their careers after graduation.
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April 20, 2022
![students Julia Visconte and Isabella Daquita.]()
Hot Wheelz celebrates 10 years with alumni and team event April 24
What started with a go-cart at Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival morphed into an all-electric race car when Hot Wheelz began 10 years ago. On April 24, current team members and alumni will celebrate a milestone anniversary and take the next lap in its history showcasing plans for a new competition solar car.
Featured Profiles
Researching Propulsion at NASA
Bailey Reid
Bailey Reid completed a co-op as a propulsion academy research assistant at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
Tesla Co-op Student Has Self-Starter Attitude
Kristina Klishko
Kristina Klishko, a mechanical engineering major, shares how her co-op experience at Tesla influenced her career plans.
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Student Resources
The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a variety of resources for our students that vary from academic support to handbooks and more. Visit our Student Resources page for more information.