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Research

Research is where engineering concepts become real-world solutions. In the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, students work alongside faculty to tackle challenges in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational mechanics, motorsports engineering, thermal-fluid sciences and dynamics and controls.

Whether you’re interested in designing next-generation technologies, improving healthcare, advancing sustainable energy systems, or pushing the boundaries of precision engineering, you’ll find opportunities to gain hands-on experience, contribute to meaningful discoveries and build the skills employers and graduate programs value. Explore our research areas, connect with faculty whose work aligns with your interests and discover how you can make an impact through innovation.

Individual Research Groups

Explore hands-on labs where innovation is designed, tested and refined. In Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, you’ll work alongside faculty and peers using advanced tools and facilities to address challenges in robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, motorsports and computational mechanics, building the skills and experience needed for modern engineering practice.

Explore Our Labs

Advanced Manufacturing and Metrology

Explore cutting-edge manufacturing and precision measurement, including additive and subtractive processes, machining dynamics, ultra-precision fabrication and optical and machine tool metrology.

Student using precision metrology equipment

Research contacts: Christopher Evans | Kostantinos Falaggis | Kevin Lawton | Edward Morse | Brigid Mullany | Steven Patterson | Jeffrey Raquet | Steven Schmid | Stuart Smith

Bioengineering

Explore research in biomechanics, tissue and neural engineering, biomaterials, cryopreservation and microfluidic technologies that advance health and medical innovation.

Lab assistant working with Vile Samples

Research contacts: Ahmed El-Ghannam | Charles Lee | In Hong Yang | Nigel Zheng

Computational Mechanics and Materials

Explore computational modeling and materials research, including finite element analysis, multiscale and large-scale simulations, nanomaterials and advanced mechanical testing.

3d rendering of computational mechanics

Research contacts: Youxing Chen | Robert E. Johnson | Erina Joyee | Russell Keanini | Praveen Ramaprabhu | Ronald Smelser | Alireza Tabarraei | Mesbah Uddin | Qiuming Wei | Terry Xu | Haitao Zhang

Dynamics and Controls

Explore system dynamics, control systems, robotics, mechatronics and machining dynamics to design and optimize intelligent engineered systems.

Faculty and students working with marine equipment

Research contacts: Amir Ghasemi | Scott Kelly | Artur Wolek

Motorsports Engineering

Explore high-performance vehicle research, including dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, simulation, crash analysis and automotive instrumentation.

Professor talking to a group of students in the motorsports lab

Research contacts: Amir Ghasemi | Mesbah Uddin

Thermal Sciences and Fluid Mechanics

Explore heat transfer, fluid dynamics, combustion and computational and experimental modeling across engineering and biological systems.

3d rendering of a thermal engine

Research contacts: Russell Keanini | Scott Kelly | Charles Lee | Praveen Ramaprabhu | Mesbah Uddin

The Recharge Unit

The Recharge Unit gives engineering students access to advanced tools for materials testing, fabrication, machining and microscopy. Whether you’re conducting research or building a prototype, gain hands-on experience with the equipment and expertise to take your project further.

Explore The Recharge Unit