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Mechanical Engineering, WPI’s oldest and largest department, continues to attract renowned faculty and top students because what we do here is remarkable. The department’s resources allow for diverse research and exploration that give faculty and students opportunities to directly impact areas of most concern to them.
In a collaborative and challenging environment, students and faculty work together on projects and research that form the foundation of our commitment to learning while doing. Faculty help students explore and choose the academic path that matches their interests, and then students dig deeper with transformative projects and independent research. From their first courses here, students sharpen their critical thinking skills and put their problem-solving abilities to real use—giving them a distinct career advantage.
The academic degrees offered in the Mechanical Engineering department are:
For degrees, research and facilities in Aerospace Engineering (AE), Manufacturing Engineering (MFE), Materials Process Engineering (MPE), Materials Science and Engineering (MTE), and Robotics Engineering (RBE) please visit the individual program websites:
The Boston Globe reports on Lola, the injured sea turtle who received a first-of-its-kind prosthetic flipper designed by three WPI engineering students. The new flipper will allow Lola and other maimed turtles to be rehabilitated and live a more normal life--and is another step toward next-generation animal prosthetics. The student project team included two mechanical engineering majors working under the guidance of project advisors Brian Savilonis and Yuxiang Liu as part of their Major Qualifying Project (MQP).
Referring to him as a “leader in haptic technology,” the American Society of Mechanical Engineers featured Cagdas Onal, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, in the article. “Many potential applications exist, including prosthetic/orthotic devices, wearable technologies, robotic collaborators/assistants, elder care, and systems that augment human performance,” Onal said.
Mechanical Engineering published the article by David Olinger, associate professor of mechanical engineering.
Students in WPI’s mechanical engineering department have many choices for projects and research including those in aeronautics, astronautics, biomechanical, engineering mechanics, manufacturing, materials science and engineering, mechanical design, robotics, and thermal-fluid engineering.
Mechanical engineering students also have access to several collaborative alliances between WPI and industry.
With the varied skills and problem-solving capabilities of a mechanical engineering education, graduates find careers in industries from aerospace to academia to automotive. Our graduates find their project-based work gives them the hands-on experience needed to hit the ground running after graduation.
Outstanding mechanical engineering students may opt to earn a BS/MS degree in an accelerated time. Students interested in the program are encouraged to complete an online graduate admissions application during their junior year, noting they want the BS/MS program for mechanical engineering.
Emma was one of 24 students who traveled to the Albania Project Center to complete their IQPs. She and her team—three other WPI students—assisted a tourism company, Albania Rafting Group, with the development of an eco-adventure park aimed at providing additional revenue sources and growth for the company. The team conducted surveys to identify popular adventure activities among the target audience, researched how these activities could be implemented, and brainstormed possible locations for them on the sponsor’s site.
A native of Colombia has an eye-opening experience studying abroad and looks to positively impact the military and the energy industry after graduation.
A BME/ME double major receives invaluable faculty mentorship through hands-on projects, lab experience, and more.
Shamsur traveled to the Albania Project Center to complete his IQP, which was focused on mapping the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Albania. He and his team of three other WPI students researched how entrepreneurs in Albania’s capital, Tirana, build new ventures, overcome challenges, and identify resources and support needed from various organizations. The students conducted interviews with entrepreneurs and different organizations to help their sponsor learn how to help facilitate and grow entrepreneurship activity in Albania. The team also created a website that provides information about events and services that would help entrepreneurs.
