For more information about clubs and competitions, visit the College of Engineering's Student Clubs & Competitions page. For diversity organizations, view engineering societies or the College of Engineering's Programs for Inclusive Excellence.
Engineering clubs
These clubs are affiliated with the Mechanical Engineering Department. There are also a number of interdisciplinary clubs that mechanical engineering students can take part in, listed on the College of Engineering's website.
Formula Motorsports (UWFM) designs, builds and races small formula-style race cars. The team manufactures its own parts, including various carbon fiber parts, and puts them to the test. UWFM competes annually in the Society of Automotive Engineers’ International Formula SAE competition. The team has achieved great success with combustion-powered vehicles and is now focusing on electric vehicle technology.
Email: uwfsae@uw.edu
Human Powered Submarine
The Human Powered Submarine team designs and manufactures a submarine to compete at the International Submarine Races in Bethesda, Maryland, or the European International Submarine Races in Gosport, England. The team gives students interested in naval architecture and marine engineering a chance to gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom.
Email: subuw@uw.edu
The HuskyADAPT team works with the community to co-design innovations to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and support inclusive play for all. Team members work on design teams, adapt toys for local families and run outreach events for local schools and clinics.
Email: adaptuw@uw.edu
Husky Robotics competes against teams from all over the world in the Rover Challenge Series, including competitions in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The team designs, builds and operates a sophisticated mock Mars Rover, providing members the opportunity to develop well-rounded skills and experiences as part of a large and interdisciplinary science, engineering and business project.
Email: uwrobots@uw.edu
Washington Superbike is a competitive design team dedicated to designing, manufacturing and racing a zero-emission electric motorcycle. The team is committed to empowering the UW community with the hands-on skills necessary to excel in the workplace, while also accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
Advanced Robotics at the University of Washington (ARUW) is a coalition of students pursuing their passion for robotics and technology. The team competes in the annual international RoboMaster competition in Shenzhen, China. Through designing and building different types of robots, members learn skills applicable to the rest of their engineering careers.
Email: robomstr@uw.edu
The Electric Truck Challenge at UW (E-Truck)'s mission is to revolutionize the future of transportation by converting a medium-duty truck into a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle. Members will gain invaluable expertise in high-voltage equipment, CAD modeling and server management. Students will not only acquire technical skills but also develop strong leadership abilities to navigate the challenges that lie ahead in this exciting endeavor.
Email: etruck@uw.edu
Entrepreneurship competitions
Mechanical Engineering students have achieved great success in the following competitions hosted by the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship.
In the Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge, interdisciplinary student teams define an environmental problem, develop a solution, design and build a prototype, create a business plan, and pitch to judges at a demo-day event. Environmental innovation is any product, process or service that reduces waste, minimizes energy consumption, and contributes to a healthier planet.
The Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge provides a platform for interdisciplinary student teams to work on new solutions to existing problems, new approaches to helping people live healthier lives, and new opportunities for care and treatment.
The Dempsey Startup Competition provides student teams with mentoring from entrepreneurs and investors, the opportunity to tell their stories to the Seattle startup community, and the visibility they need to get going.
Looking for more ways to get involved?
Engineering societies »
Gain important opportunities to engage and network with their peers and build valuable relationships for their future lives and careers.
College of Engineering Student Clubs and Competitions »
Explore interdisciplinary engineering teams and other student groups across UW Engineering.
UW Registered Student Organization (RSO) Directory »
Build relationships across campus by searching through UW’s hundreds of unique student groups or even registering your own organization.
Undergraduate Research Program »
There are research opportunities available year-round at the UW and surrounding research locations (e.g., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, etc.). The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) database includes several hundred (just some) of these undergraduate research opportunities.