Mechanical engineering is the broadest of all engineering disciplines. Our students and faculty work together, across campus and with industry partners, to develop new materials, devices and systems.
In recent years, our research has increasingly expanded in the areas of health technology and energy. This focus has allowed us to diversify our curriculum and grow our leadership in national and international research. The department also has focused research programs in areas such as novel and automated manufacturing, clean and alternative energy, design for the environment, micro and nanotechnology, biomechanics, and advanced manufacturing and materials.
Degree programs
Educating tomorrow’s leaders is our highest priority. We draw talented and creative students and offer a world-class education with an incredible breadth of skill and technological training. Our graduates are making a difference in diverse sectors such as biotechnology and health, environmental engineering and energy, transportation, manufacturing and information systems.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) - prepares students for diverse careers in engineering or industry, or for graduate work.
- Master of Science (MSME) - prepares students for careers in research or industry, or further graduate study.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - intensive research prepares students for advanced-level professional careers in academia and industry.
Faculty
| Composition | Achievements | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | Core faculty members | 13 | NSF Presidential, Young Investigator and Early Career Award recipients | ||
| 28 | Joint or adjunct faculty from other UW departments | 3 | National Academy of Engineering members | ||
| 80 | Affiliate faculty from industry and external research and educational institutions | 7 | Washington State Academy of Sciences members | ||
| 11 | Postdoctoral research associates | 3 | UW Presidential Entrepreneurial Faculty Fellows | ||
Breadth of funding sources (FY22–FY24)
The sources of major grants for the Department of Mechanical Engineering illustrate the breadth and and caliber of research being conducted. From government grants for energy and health to aerospace and automotive industry contributions, these grants help support our diverse research areas and return major impacts for the funding organizations, the state and nation.
| Sponsor | 3 Year Total | Percent | 3 Year Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Institutes of Health (NIH) | $9,294,076 | 13% | $3,098,025 |
| US Department of Energy (DOE) | $8,577,895 | 12% | $2,859,298 |
| National Science Foundation (NSF) | $7,763,864 | 11% | $2,587,955 |
| Boeing Company | $2,837,772 | 4% | $945,924 |
| Advance Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) | $1,825,000 | 2.53% | $608,333 |
| Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) | $1,781,919 | 2% | $593,973 |
| US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) | $1,780,165 | 2% | $593,388 |
| US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) | $1,583,750 | 2% | $527,917 |
| Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) | $1,427,368 | 2% | $475,789 |
| Cornerstone Research Group, Inc | $1,250,000 | 2% | $416,667 |
| Seattle Children's Research Institute (SCRI) | $881,192 | 1% | $293,731 |
| VerAvanti Inc. | $844,627 | 1% | $281,542 |
| SpecTree LLC | $773,448 | 1% | $257,816 |
| Somalytics, Inc. | $732,000 | 1% | $244,000 |
| Environmental Protection Agency | $654,767 | 1% | $218,256 |
| Total | $42,007,843 | $14,002,614 |