Mechanical Engineering at UConn
A strong foundation in engineering science can lead to many rewarding careers. Mechanical Engineering majors at UConn are prepared to solve the technical problems of tomorrow. From medical equipment to fuel cells to airplanes, mechanical engineers serve society in ways that shape the future.
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Stephen Stagon (B.S. ‘09) was a Mechanical Engineering major whose research experience led to more than just a bachelors’ degree. He chose to attend UConn because “in terms of quality to value, UConn seems to rank among the top. Other universities that offered a comparable education could not compete in terms of price.” Always interested in engineering, “in high school I had dreams of heading out to Detroit and working on the next generation of American muscle, or working on the next high performance fighter jet. Mechanical engineering seemed to be the obvious career path, well aligned with my passion. I’ve always been intrigued by man made things that push the limit: I find it amazing that we are capable of building a plane that can carry a man at Mach 3, a production car that will go 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, jet liners that can fly millions of miles a year with almost zero mechanical failures.”
This positive experience gave him “a good glimpse into graduate school. The independent projects and the freedom to control the direction of the research were very appealing to me. The experience of working on something I felt ownership of and truly passionate about solidified my choice to continue on to graduate studies. “
Students Brian Anderson, Stephen Stagon and Caitlin Curtis design gumdrop structures > Judges learn about Mark Scarzella and Stephen Stagon’s Pratt & Whitney senior design project in product packing >
When Steve heard that a faculty member was looking for undergraduate students to conduct research in his lab, he thought it would be “a good way to get some hands on experience and make my resume more competitive. The available project was in machine design and development, and allowed me freedom and the ability to use all of the skills I had developed as an undergrad. “ He found that he “enjoyed the challenges I faced the most. I was challenged to learn, and was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone. The most rewarding thing I took from undergraduate research was the ability to break down problems that initially seem daunting, and confidence in myself as a problem solver. “
When asked who would make a good ME major, Steve says it might not be who you think: “There seems to be this classical notion of the mechanical engineer, one that I don’t think I fit. I didn’t get a perfect score on the math portion of the SAT and I don’t build robots for fun. In high school I took art classes, enjoyed literature classes and science courses. A good ME major is someone who is creative, passionate about learning and likes solving problems. At its essence, engineering and researching is as much a creative process as it is an analytical process. A mechanical engineering degree enables you to be a problem solver, whatever you choose to pursue as a career.”
Design a solution Our Senior Design program matches industry mentors who have realworld problems they need to solve with student design teams ready to solve them. This year-long capstone course gives seniors a chance to learn more about prospective employers and gain hands-on experience. From brainstorming ideas to creating designs to constructing working or virtual demonstrations of their solutions, students have the opportunity to bring their ideas and knowledge out of the classroom.
To learn more visit our senior design webpage: www.engr.uconn.edu
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Graham Philbrick (B.S. ‘09) is a recent graduate who found Mechanical Engineering prepared him well to launch his life after school. “UConn gave me a strong background in engineering fundamentals, as well as an opportunity to tailor my education to my own interests. I selected elective classes and a senior design project that were aligned with my own goals.” Before graduating Graham had a job lined up with his current employer, Hamilton Sundstrand, a division of United Technologies in Windsor Locks CT. “In my job I work with new and emerging technologies on a daily basis, creating computer models to predict the performance of systems in the field. I enjoy the fact that since many of our products are manufactured, assembled or tested on-site, I’m able to see the physical hardware that my model simulated or predicted — in action.”
Graham comments that one of the biggest benefits of the UConn Mechanical Engineering major is “the size of the program. There are professors who specialize in many different fields, be it heat transfer, turbo machinery, vibrations, solid body motion, control systems, you name it. If you’re at UConn and you haven’t found something that really interests you in the department? You probably just haven’t looked.” Graham says he first became interested in Mechanical Engineering before he knew what it was. “The first time I saw a tractor when I was little I wondered, how does that work? Not until much later was I able to put a label to that pursuit, but for a long time I knew that I wanted to make things work. “ We’re glad UConn Mechanical Engineering worked for Graham!
Why Mechanical Engineering at UConn?
Do it yourself
• ABET accreditation: the Mechanical Engineering program at UConn is accredited — it meets high educational quality standards recognized by industries and universities.
Each year, SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) challenges students to build a competition grade Formula One race car. After two semesters of design, development, and fabrication, student teams from universities around the country get together to compete.
• Great career prospects: Our graduates are sought after by industry. Students can explore career options by working with companies in internships and projects before graduation. • State-of-the-art facilities give students experience with new technologies. • Excellence in teaching and research: many of the best Mechanical Engineering professors in New England call UConn home.
This extracurricular activity is open to all undergraduates (regardless of year). It’s a great way to work hands-on in designing and building.
Make it your own
• Hands-on design opportunities give students the chance to explore beyond what can be learned in the classroom. • Study abroad: the five-year EUROTECH program includes a sixmonth internship in Germany and leads to a dual degree: a B.S. in Engineering and a B.A. in German.
Mechanical Engineering students can focus their electives in an area of interest to gain depth in that field.
• B.S./M.S. program: students with a high GPA can earn a combined B.S. and M.S. degree in five years.
The four Areas of Concentration are: Aerospace Dynamic Systems and Control
• Student and Professional Societies: Pi Tau Sigma, Tau Beta Pi, and the UConn ASME Chapter are a few of the groups in which UConn Mechanical Engineering students participate. The Honors Program also provides opportunities to conduct research and earn degree credit. • Scholarships and Fellowships: Unique scholarships are available to mechanical engineering students: visit our website to learn more!
Energy and Power Design and Manufacturing
Learn more!
Department of Mechanical Engineering 191 Auditorium Rd., Rm. 465, Unit 3139 (860) 486-2090 (Director of Undergraduate Studies)
www.engr.uconn.edu/me