Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering

Parviz Merati, Chair
Judah Ari-Gur
Christopher S.K. Cho
Muralidhar Ghantasala
Philip J. Guichelaar
Richard Hathaway
James Kamman
Daniel Kujawski
Ho Sung Lee
William W. Liou
Tianshu Liu
Koorosh Naghshineh
Kapseong Ro
Iskender Sahin
Rameshwar P. Sharma
Bade Shrestha
Dennis J. VandenBrink

The Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering offers programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical or Aeronautical). The two programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012; telephone (410) 347-7700. The programs are designed to provide engineering expertise appropriate to the diversity in the specific engineering program selected. These programs include mathematics, general education subjects, the basic sciences, the engineering sciences, product design, and an integrated computer experience. Electives may be used to deepen or broaden the program.

Mechanical engineers are found in almost every industry. Examples of areas for career opportunities include manufacturing, machine tool design, and product development; land, sea, air, and space vehicles and systems; energy conversion and energy distribution; computer hardware and computer software; environmental systems; and construction and urban development. Opportunities for mechanical engineers continue to develop with the rapid expansion of our knowledge base and population growth.

Aeronautical Engineers find career opportunities in the aerospace industry and other engineering areas capitalizing on their strong applied engineering background. Much of their course work is specialized to the aerospace fields.

Offerings for those interested in automotive engineering include internal combustion engines, engine design, vehicle design, vehicle dynamics, and vehicle structural design.

Academic Advising

Students should contact a mechanical or aeronautical engineering academic advisor as early as possible. Advisors are available to assist in individual program planning, to recommend electives appropriate to a student’s educational objectives, to discuss employment opportunities, and to help solve academic problems. Substitutions and transfer credit must be approved by a departmental advisor, the curriculum committee, and the department chair. The academic advisors are located in Room E-102, CEAS, (269) 276-3260.

Scholarships and Awards

Several scholarships are available through the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. These include, but are not limited to, scholarships through the Giffels Associates, Lakehead-Pipeline, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, H. H. Harris Foundation, Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club, Knight scholarship, and the College itself. Program announcements are distributed during the application period.

The Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering also annually presents several awards, which include:

Dean E. Bluman Memorial Award - presented to an outstanding student of mechanical engineering who has demonstrated interest and ability in liberal studies. This is in honor and recognition of the late Dr. Bluman who, during his tenure as Professor and Chairman of Mechanical Engineering, was an active supporter of liberal education for engineering students.
Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Scholar Award - presented to a mechanical engineering student who is outstanding scholastically, involved in extra-curricular activities, and demonstrates leadership ability and the professionalism associated with mechanical engineering.
Outstanding Aeronautical Engineering Scholar Award - presented to an aeronautical engineering student who is outstanding scholastically, involved in extra-curricular activities, and demonstrates leadership ability and the professionalism associated with aeronautical engineering.
Mechanical Engineering Presidential Scholar Award - presented to an outstanding mechanical engineering student who is selected using University-wide criteria which includes senior standing, superior scholastic ability, extra-curricular involvement, and professional promise.

Cooperative Education

Students may elect the cooperative plan of education. In this plan, the student alternates a semester of study on campus with a semester of compensated industrial experience. Students may work in any area in which mechanical engineers may be found.

Internships

A number of students choose to do internships while continuing their studies. Taking a reduced course load enables the student to gain valuable engineering experience while being continuously enrolled.