Department of Mechanical Engineering


Department of
Mechanical Engineering
Breadcrumb
- RIT/
- College of Engineering/
- Academics/
- Departments/
- Mechanical Engineering
Contact
Bob Carter, Associate Department Head
585-475-7098, rncbme@rit.edu
The Department Mechanical Engineering Office
585-475-5181, mece@rit.edu
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
Degree Programs
Undergraduate Degrees
The aerospace engineering option allows for specialized study in all engineering aspects of air- and space-borne vehicles.
Learn more about the Aerospace Engineering Option - Mechanical Engineering BS programThe automotive engineering option offers specialized electives that provide a comprehensive understanding of automotive design and manufacturing, vehicle power plants, dynamics, control systems, and more.
Learn more about the Automotive Engineering Option - Mechanical Engineering BS programBioengineering is the application of engineering fundamentals to the principles of biology, the life sciences, and the physical sciences.
Learn more about the Bioengineering Option - Mechanical Engineering BS programThe energy and environment option is focused on identifying, developing, and effectively utilizing alternative energy systems.
Learn more about the Energy and the Environment Option - Mechanical Engineering BS programMechanical engineers put energy and machines to work–from rockets, robots, and airplanes to automobiles, satellites, and renewable energy systems. In RIT’s mechanical engineering BS degree you'll study math, science, physics, engineering science, and engineering systems.
Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering BS programGraduate Degrees
In the mechanical and industrial engineering doctorate you’ll graduate with a depth of knowledge in mechanical or industrial engineering while engaging in cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research.
Learn more about the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Ph.D. programIn the ME in mechanical engineering, you’ll apply mechanical engineering principles and theories to enhance your skills through formal education, training, and independent inquiry.
Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering ME programA mechanical engineering master’s degree that focuses on the in-depth examination of dynamics, robotics, nanotechnology, biomechanics, and energy systems to prepare you to enter a career in industry or research.
Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering MS programConduct research in nano-engineering, design methods, and technologies for micro- and nano-scaled systems. This microsystems engineering doctorate is a multidisciplinary program that addresses the technical challenges of micro- and nano-systems.
Learn more about the Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. programVibration engineering helps you control vibration in engineering systems and in everything from consumer product development and design, manufacturing, aerospace and automotive systems, and more.
Learn more about the Vibrations Adv. Cert. programMinors and Immersions
The minor in mechanical engineering exposes students to the core foundations of the discipline. Courses help non-majors explore high-technology careers and communicate more effectively with engineers on project teams. The minor consists of a five-course sequence that builds on prerequisite knowledge from calculus and engineering mechanics. Elective courses provide additional depth of knowledge in an area of individual student interest.
Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering Minor programResearch
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.
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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September 5, 2023
Zach Miller Post-2023 UTMB Interview
I Run Far interviews Zach Miller '12 (mechanical engineering), an ultrarunner who finished in second place in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a mountain ultramarathon race.
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August 23, 2023
Meet Darcie Jones, RIT’s Student Government president
Darcie Jones, a fifth-year mechanical engineering major from Reading, Pa., is this year’s Student Government president, representing more than 19,000 students on RIT’s Henrietta and overseas campuses. There were four sets of candidates this year, the most in recent history. This year’s Student Government vice president is J.T. Lapham, a fourth-year biochemistry major from Queensbury, N.Y.
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August 4, 2023
Faculty member develops new sensor and signaling technology by exploring harbor seal whiskers
Qian Xue, associate professor of mechanical engineering in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering and recent NSF CAREER Awardee, is exploring how the varied sizes, shapes, and directions of whiskers on harbor seals can correlate to better sensor technologies.
Featured Profiles
Xavier Wilson '26
"I have always been fascinated with how machines work, especially automobiles."
Joseph Vasquez '24
Joseph Vazquez '24 spent his summer making life-long connections and conducting research in optics and photonics at the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP).
Jonah Sharp '20
After an unprecedented senior year and graduation from RIT, Jonah Sharp '20 (mechanical engineering) works as a mechanical systems and design engineer at Constellation Energy - R.E. Ginna Nuclear...
Faculty
Affiliated Faculty
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Iris Rivero
ProfessorDepartment of Industrial and Systems Engineering -
Steven Day
Department HeadDepartment of Biomedical Engineering
Staff
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A Gary Difrancesco
Associate Research ScientistDepartment of Mechanical Engineering -
Sarah Buell
Senior Staff SpecialistDepartment of Mechanical Engineering -
Katarina Wayman
Senior Staff SpecialistDepartment of Mechanical Engineering
Student Clubs and Organizations
Pi Tau Sigma
Pi Tau Sigma is the mechanical engineering national honor society. Membership, by invitation, is open to students ranked in the upper third of their class in their fourth and fifth years at RIT. Chapter activities are tailored to foster high ideals in the engineering profession, support departmental activities, and promote professionalism.
Tau Beta Pi
This national engineering honor society was founded to celebrate those who have conferred honor upon their alma mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary character as students in engineering, or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering, and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges. Election to Tau Beta Pi is one of the highest honors bestowed on an engineering student by his or her peers.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
The student chapter of ASME offers educational, technical, and social activities. It helps students develop leadership skills and leads to contacts with engineers in industry and students at other colleges within the region. The student chapter is active and works closely with the local professional chapter.
Society of Automotive Engineers and FSAE Competition Team
The purpose of the RIT Society of Automotive Engineers is to give students the opportunity to meet with senior engineers in industry and provide students a chance to apply their classroom knowledge in various projects.
National Society of Black Engineers
The student chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers is dedicated to the retention, recruitment, and successful graduation of its members.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers is an association of professionals and students in engineering, science, technology, business, and other related disciplines at RIT. SHPE’s aim is to identify and promote professional growth opportunities for Hispanic students.
Society of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers is a student-run organization that organizes and hosts guest speakers, high school outreach, community activities, tours, social events, and events with other student organizations. The RIT chapter is strongly committed to encouraging women in their pursuit of careers in engineering or related fields.
Professional organizations and societies provide opportunities for students to enhance their professional development, including society-sponsored conferences, symposia, and workshops, through local and student chapter meetings and activities. Explore professional organizations and societies for opportunities to volunteer, get involved, and shape your career.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Society for Engineering Education
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Materials Research Society
National Society of Black Engineers
Rochester Engineering Society
SAE International
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Society of Women Engineers
Aero Design Club
The student chapter is dedicated to promoting careers and opportunities in the aerospace industry.
Formula One SAE Racing Team
Our award-winning SAE team, builds a car from the ground up every year. Purchasing only the engine block, tires, and bulk materials, it is entirely designed and constructed by our students to compete in national and international competitions.
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.