faces of Vanderbilt Mechanical Engineering

Message from the Chair:
The Mechanical Engineering Department is thriving at Vanderbilt.  This year we reached a new high with an undergraduate enrollment of 271 students.  Students are attracted to mechanical engineering due to its breath of technology and the pervasive role of mechanical engineers in nearly every industry. Our students learn the core disciplines of mechanical engineering in thermal-fluid sciences, dynamics and control.  In addition, they learn computer science, statics, electronics and material science allowing them to be conversant in other engineering disciplines. Immersed in a strong liberal-arts university, mechanical engineering students learn to communicate with students from all walks of life. With their broad background in engineering and communication skills, our students are prepared to tackle the technical challenges that lie ahead in the world in the areas of energy, environment, and global competitiveness.  

Our students continue with their multi-disciplinary approach by teaming with other engineering students on their senior design projects.  Our seniors team with students from electrical engineering, computer engineering and bio-medical engineering on projects sponsored by Nissan North America, Denso Manufacturing Tennessee, NASA Marshall, Standard Candy, and many others.  Many of these projects address broad technical challenges. By working with other disciplines on projects, the students learn new technologies, team dynamics, and project management under the pressure of real deadlines.  

Our department is expanding in its faculty. We were delighted to have hired two outstanding faculty members. Dr. Haoxiang Luo joined our department in August 2007. Dr. Luo received his Ph.D. from University of California – San Diego and is an expert in computational fluid mechanics applied to micro-fluids and bio-flows.  Dr. Robert Webester joined us in January 2008.  Dr. Webster received his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University and his research is in surgical robotics.  These new faculty will strengthen existing research programs in micro-fluidics and robotics. 

Our research programs are thriving as well. Dr. Deyu Li received the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, the most prestigious award for young faculty members in the U.S.  We are also part of a new NSF research center on Compact and Efficient Fluid Power that you can read about in the newsletter. 

If you are in Nashville, please come by and see us. We can show you all of the exciting programs going on in the department. As always we appreciate your interest, your letters, and support of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Vanderbilt University