Mechanical & Materials Engineering

Groundbreaking research in a collaborative environment.

WPI’s Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering continues to build upon its 150-year history of innovative undergraduate and graduate engineering education. With the expertise of more than 40 faculty members, our research solves problems that matter to people and the larger society. 

The university's commitment to research contributes to a continuing and substantial growth in research expenditures and graduate student population. Faculty and students work closely to advance WPI’s particular strengths in Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Advanced Materials, Autonomous Vehicles, Space Exploration, Health and Biotechnology, Sensors and Metrology, Food and Water, and Engineering Education.

Preview MQP PPD 2022
Preview Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase
Preview URPS Showcase
Preview URPS Showcase_NFL
Preview URPS Showcase Draft Kings

Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase

A celebration of research, design, and creative theses—a requirement of every graduating senior through the Major Qualifying Project (MQP)—takes place each spring on campus. Student teams representing all academic departments present their work to their faculty advisors, external sponsors, and the community-at-large, and the public is invited.

Preview

Research

Students in WPI’s Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering have many choices for projects and research, including Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Advanced Materials, Autonomous Vehicles, Space Exploration, Health and Biotechnology, Sensors and Metrology, Food and Water, and Engineering Education.

Preview MJB_9233_liquidbiopsy_July19.jpeg

Our People

Our world-class faculty use their expertise, diverse perspectives, and commitment to innovation and collaboration to teach the next generation of engineers while also leading groundbreaking research to solve the world's most pressing challenges.

Preview ME career.jpeg

Beyond WPI

Whether the final goal is a career path in research or one in industry, the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience gained at WPI will ensure students have a place in the next phase of mechanical and materials engineering that has a direct, global impact. 

From WPI's University Magazine

woman in library with books

In Search of Potable Water on Mars

PhD student Lydia Ellen Tonani-Penha ’23, MS ’25, is addressing the challenge of extracting drinkable water from Mars' subsurface. As a NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunity fellow, she aims to develop solutions for future Mars explorers. 

image ofa country and fruit

Making a Difference in Armenia

Through a partnership with the American University of Armenia and driven by alum Mike Aghajanian '80, WPI students have worked on projects that make an impact at one of WPI's newer project centers. 

robot on wheels

Off Road Brawn with AI Brains

The Autonomous Vehicle Mobility Institute develops technology that will keep tomorrow’s off-road vehicles rolling along.

surgeons performing surgery

Student Project: Improving Minimally Invasive Surgery

This MQP team won the Best Paper Award at the International Symposium on Artificial Life and Robotics in Japan

News

See More News

Meet Our Students

Ron Isidor '27
Ron Isidor '27
BS in Mechanical Engineering, minor in Aerospace Engineering

Ron gets involved with student community groups and appreciates the supportive faculty as he pursues his studies. [...]

read more
Caleb Cotoia '26
Caleb Cotoia '26
Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Engineering

Caleb enjoys performing in the many music and theater clubs on campus while expanding his engineering knowledge through hands-on projects.[...]

read more
Amir Abdollahpour, PhD
Amir Abdollahpour, PhD
PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Amir fully immerses himself in research and mentorship while tackling real-world challenges.[...]

read more
Laura Rodriguez Melo '26
Laura Rodriguez Melo '26
BS in Mechanical Engineering

Laura immerses herself in experiential learning with meaningful projects and other academic opportunities. [...]

read more
Tessa Lytle, PhD
Tessa Lytle, PhD
PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tessa’s college career, both on and off the skating rink, has provided her many opportunities to get involved and make an impact. [...]

read more
Lydia Tonani-Penha, BS, PhD
Lydia Tonani-Penha, BS, PhD
PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Lydia looks to inspire other student researchers while expanding her opportunities for research and learning. [...]

read more
Alisa Gueco '25
Alisa Gueco '25
BS in Mechanical Engineering

Alisa grows her research and leadership skills through her lab work and involvement with several student groups.  [...]

read more

Donor Profiles

man and woman

Gregory Tucker '92

Giving back in gratitude

man and woman

Jason P. Macari '84

Lifelong learner remains lifelong supporter