Research is an integral part of the Department’s academic mission. Currently the Department receives  $3,715,000 of research funding from federal, state and industrial sources. A number of Research Centers and Institutes are closely affiliated with the Department and represent the interests of faculty in these specialized fields. These centers of expertise form the basis for specialized research capabilities that are heavily utilized by industry and government agencies.

New graduate students participate in research projects by working closely with their faculty advisor. However, they are quickly encouraged to work and think independently, assuming greater responsibility for critical research functions. Our graduate students participate in international and national technical conferences, co-author publications in peer review journals, design and fabricate state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, and participate in writing research proposals.

Numerous opportunities exist for undergraduates to participate in cutting-edge research projects. Mechanical Engineering undergraduates often contribute to large, funded research efforts, by working on a smaller, specific aspect of the project. The student can receive academic credit for working on these projects by taking the independent study courses (ME210, ME310). Alternatively, promising undergraduates can arrange to participate in research projects during winter/summer breaks.

Click on the link below to view a video that gives an in-depth look at a recent research project within the Department.  Supervised by Prof. John Coulter, this project is examining ways to improve the injection molding of plastics.
View Video