Facts & Figures

Starting with a program in mechanical engineering in the early 1970s, the department has grown tremendously in numbers, infrastructure and reputation. The faculty are world-recognized experts in their fields and have achieved top honors and distinctions. The undergraduate programs blend fundamentals with hands-on design experience and include research opportunities in a variety of laboratories. Graduate programs are recognized nationally and internationally for their impact and scholarship.

Founded

1983: Department of Mechanical Engineering
1990: Department expands to include Aerospace Engineering

Student Population

1243 Undergraduate Students (Fall 2019)
- B.S. degrees:
  - Aerospace Engineering
  - Mechanical Engineering
175 Graduate Students (Fall 2019)
- M.S. and Ph.D. degrees:
  - Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Faculty

31 Full-time
9 Afﬁliated

Recognition

4 National Academy of Engineering Members
1 Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences Member
1 Presidential Young Investigator Award
1 Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award
7 NSF CAREER Awards
1 National Academy of Inventors
6 Distinguished Professors (2 Emeriti)
1 Chancellor's Professor
11 Fellow Status

Research & Expenditures

6 World-class centers
5 Research thrusts:
- Dynamics and Controls
- Fluid Dynamics and Propulsion
- Thermal and Transport Sciences
- Mechanics of Materials and Structures
- Systems and Design
2019-20 Research expenditures: $10.2M

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2019 Facts and Figures (PDF)