Mechanical Engineering

The University of Idaho’s bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering (M.E.) prepares you for highly rewarding careers on the cutting edge of countless exciting fields ranging from aerospace, computer, automotive, construction and defense to biotechnology, robotics, and energy and thermal systems. Because it’s the broadest of all engineering disciplines, a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Idaho provides you with both a big-picture perspective of future opportunities as well as the diverse research experiences required to make the most of them. Our mechanical engineering program produces students who have more than a 90 percent pass rate on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

The Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.

Mechanical engineering students at Idaho have the unique opportunity to participate in the senior capstone design experience, an innovative program that enhances workplace skills and professionalism, creating graduates that are highly valued and recruited by employers. Mechanical engineering alumni have become CEOs, entrepreneurs, astronauts, faculty, physicians, and patent attorneys.

Idaho's legacy in mechanical engineering started 106 years ago and continues to produce some of the world's most innovative leaders. Its strong curriculum and hands-on learning will equip you with the tools you'll need to take your career to the next level, whether it be in the workforce or with an advanced degree.

Prepare for Success

Looking to gear up for a future in mechanical engineering? You've made a great choice. To get the most of an M.E. degree and set yourself up for success, you should enjoy math and science and have a strong interest in algebra, calculus, physics and chemistry. At Idaho, you'll benefit from a variety of learning experiences including lectures, labs and one-to-one work sessions. When you're ready to take your knowledge to the next level, you'll find plenty of research opportunities to fit nearly any interest.

Your First Year

When it comes time to plan your schedule and choose which classes will best fit your needs, you can count on the help of a faculty adviser. Your adviser will also help you learn about jobs, internships and answer any questions you have along the way. During your first year, here are some of the classes you may take:

• Introductory English
• Calculus I & II
• Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design
• Introductory Communications
• Integrated Seminar
• Engineering Physics lecture and lab
• Introductory Chemistry
• Engineering Statics

What You Can Do

Nearly every technical organization employs a mechanical engineer to ensure their operations are both efficient and cost effective. A bachelor of scence in mechanical engineering (B.S.M.E.) degree from Idaho will allow you to excel in a variety of areas including:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Biotechnology
• Construction
• Defense
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Nuclear
• Robotics
• Thermal systems

You can also continue your education beyond a bachelor’s degree right here at Idaho. We offer master's and doctorate-level M.E. programs, including:

• Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master's of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (non-thesis)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Opportunities

Mechanical engineering is one of the fastest growing fields of engineering. Idaho's strong partnerships with industry leaders will jump-start your career with industry leaders like:

• The Idaho National Laboratory
• Boeing
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Hewlett-Packard
• Micron Technology
• Stryker Endoscopy
• Intel
• U.S. Military (every branch)

Current Research

Today's mechanical engineering research includes an incredibly diverse list of projects. Currently, the University of Idaho is home to the championship clean snowmobile team, self-guided submarines, and an array of ever-changing projects. Leading research is conducted by undergraduates, graduates and faculty who work in interdisciplinary groups across the College of Engineering.

Activities

• AIAA
• ASME

Hands-On Experience

In the mechanical engineering department, students have many opportunities for hands-on experience.

• Capstone Design: Mechanical engineering seniors have the unique chance to be a part of an interdisciplinary capstone design program along with students in electrical, computer, biological, and agricultural engineering.  Teams of 3-6 students assist regional industry sponsors by designing, building, and testing working prototypes that solve manufacturing and product development problems. Along the way, you'll work with researchers, faculty and industry leaders to learn teamwork, communication and leadership skills that will take your education to new heights.
• Engineering Design Expo: Each year culminates with the Engineering Design EXPO.  Students present their final designs to faculty, alumni, peers, and industry sponsors.  EXPO is a signature event for the College of Engineering at the University of Idaho and exhibits the innovative teamwork of senior engineering students who have applied theoretically and academically acquired knowledge to an engineering problem.
• Clean Snowmobile Team: Each year students vie to be members of an elite team of engineering students that re-engineer an existing snowmobile to reduce emissions and noise, and then take the snowmobile to the Clean Snowmobile Challenge. Since organizing in 2000, the University of Idaho's Clean Snowmobile team has garnered three first place prizes in 2002, 2003 and 2007. Over the past nine years, the team has run out of space in the display cases for their awards.
• Formula Hybrid™ Car: One of the department's newest projects that students can get involved with is the Formula Hybrid™.  Students must design, build and compete an open-wheel, single-seat, plug-in hybrid racecar.

Breakthroughs & Discoveries

University of Idaho mechanical engineers have gone on to do some amazing things. The combine leveler, stealth bomber, first hybrid SUV, and an automated missile silo are just a few examples of the things our engineers have done.

Facilities

INSTITUTES AND CENTERS

• National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology
• NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium

Faculty Involvement

All mechanical engineering faculty serve as student advisers. We have twelve on-campus faculty members, five off-campus faculty members, and over 400 students. Faculty are available to students before and after class and during office hours. Most have an open-door policy and welcome students with inquiries, problems or questions about engineering in general.

Michael Anderson, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor
Acoustics in fluids and solids; transducer design
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Denise Bauer, Ph.D.
Research Faculty
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Steven Beyerlein, Ph.D.
Professor
Teaching Design, Assessment of Project Learning, Engine Modeling, Engine Testing
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Ralph Budwig, Ph.D., P.E.
Boise Engineering Director, Professor
Experimental and theoretical fluid dynamics; turbulence; optical, acoustic, and thermal measurements techniques; and experimental methods. Laboratory pedagogy.
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John C. Crepeau, Ph.D, P.E.
Professor and Chair
Solid-liquid phase change with internal heat generation; transition to turbulence; history of science and engineering.
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Donald Elger, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor
Technology Entrepreneurship; Learning Theory; Organizational Theory; Fluid Mechanics; Heat Transfer
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Jay McCormack, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Design, design methodology, computational design, and design pedagogy
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Steve Penoncello, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor
Thermophysical properties of fluids and fluid mixtures, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, exergy analysis of processes and systems
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Gabriel Potirniche, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Multiscale modeling of plasticity and damage behavior in metals; Fatigue and Fracture; Constitutive Modeling for Metallic Alloys; Atomistic Simulations, Crystal Plasticity, Anisotropic Plasticity; Finite Element Method; Solid Mechanics; Stress Analysis
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Matthew Riley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Multidisciplinary design optimization, Stochastic design and uncertainty quantification, Computational mechanics, Numerical methods development
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Karl K. Rink, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Application of krypton-85 radioisotope tracer gas technology to leak detection, material characterization, and reliability of microelectronics, MEMS devices, and energetic materials and components. Ballistic performance of energetic materials, propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics and their associated components.
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Judith Steciak, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor
Combustion and air pollution, catalytic ignition of renewable transportation fuels, efficient energy conversion of biofuels.
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Robert Stephens, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor
Materials properties measurements and modeling; failure analysis, fatigue and frature
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Akira Tokuhiro, Ph.D.
Professor
Heat transfer in mechanical and nuclear engineering systems and components
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Eric Wolbrecht, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Robotics; nonlinear and adaptive control; control of pneumatic actuators; motor learning; and neurorehabilitation
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Tao Xing, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
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