Current Students
As the chair of Mechanical Engineering, I'm thrilled to welcome a new class of very bright students into the department each year. The high demand for our profession led to a record number of sophomore applicants. In 2010, 392 undergraduate candidates applied for 120 openings. Our new students are highly accomplished, with an average GPA of 3.52. The faculty and I look forward to seeing them succeed in our department, and we encourage them to take advantage of the diversity of academic life here at UW, and develop into young engineers and life-long learners.
—Per Reinhall, ME chair
In addition to their studies, Mechanical Engineering students take part in important service, research and competitive activities.
Engineering Discovery Days
One of the most important venues is the Engineering Discovery Days
(formerly known as Open House), which takes place in April each year. Students share their profession with
the public and they inform prospective students about the opportunities available to those studying Mechanical Engineering.
Environmental Innovation Challenge
UW Mechanical Engineering students do very well in the Environmental Innovation Challenge.
In 2010, the ME-based Voltaic team won with their
electric vehicle drive trains that allow auto companies to produce electric models of their gas vehicles.