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.
4
Undergraduate options in aerospace, automotive, bioengineering, and energy and the environment
5
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
-
May 13, 2025
RIT showcase offers glimpse of early tech innovation cycle
TechTarget speaks to Paloma Hamilton, fifth-year mechanical engineering student; Geoff Twardokus, electrical and computer engineering Ph.D. student; and Christopher Collison, director of RIT's AI Hub and Initiatives, about the innovative developments featured at Imagine RIT.
-
April 28, 2025
Graduate aims high as part of U.S. Space Force
Brooke DiFlorio will launch her career as one of the first RIT Air Force ROTC cadets to be commissioned for the U.S. Space Force, the newest branch of the armed services.
-
April 28, 2025
Alumnus combines engineering and design to launch startups
By combining academic degrees and career opportunities, Ryan Larcom gained multidisciplinary skills that were an ideal fit for High Alpha Innovation’s venture studio approach for launching startups, even within established companies and organizations.
Featured Work and Profiles
-
Engineering Self-Healing into 3D Printing to Enhance Sustainability
Vincent Mei, Kory Schimmelpfennig, Christopher L. Lewis The research article explores the integration of self-healing capabilities into 3D printing using photopolymer systems to enhance sustainability and material performance.
Read More about Engineering Self-Healing into 3D Printing to Enhance Sustainability -
RIT Formula Racing Zooms to Big Win at SAE Michigan
The student-led race team took first place overall at the annual international collegiate competition.
Read More about RIT Formula Racing Zooms to Big Win at SAE Michigan -
Mistysyn Earns Outstanding Graduate Woman Award
RIT engineering student Morgan Mistysyn received the Outstanding Graduate Woman Award for her leadership in Engineers for a Sustainable World and contributions to her field.
Read More about Mistysyn Earns Outstanding Graduate Woman Award -
Satish Kandlikar Recognized as a Top Researcher in his Field by Research.com
RIT mechanical engineering professor Satish Kandlikar has been ranked 31st in the U.S. and 54th globally by Research.com, recognizing his pioneering work in heat transfer and fuel cell technology.
Read More about Satish Kandlikar Recognized as a Top Researcher in his Field by Research.com -
What's Being Made in the SHED
Making at RIT has hit a new level now that several makerspaces in the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) have opened. Learn what's being created.
Read More about What's Being Made in the SHED -
Naval Research Laboratory Grant Supports Researcher Work to Develop More Sophisticated Sensor Array
A three-year, $746,000 award from the Naval Research Laboratory funds a novel sensor system based on the superior design and detection range found on harbor seal whiskers.
Read More about Naval Research Laboratory Grant Supports Researcher Work to Develop More Sophisticated Sensor Array
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.