ENGINEERING PROGRESS
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has two new degrees available to undergraduates , unveiled for the 2021-2022 academic year .
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
For the large number of students who graduate from our program and enter the automotive industry , this major was tailored to give them a robust set of skills . Automotive engineering brings together design and analysis of engines with a study of environmental issues and energy efficiency . Students in this program will graduate with the skills to see engine design with a critical eye , and hands-on research provides a rich experience for putting science into motion .
ROBOTICS AND MECHATRONICS
The robotics industry has exploded over the past few years , and is projected to continue its sharp growth in the next few years . To equip a workforce to build and innovate within that industry , a new major was created .
This major fuses together skills including controls , automation , coding , electrical engineering , and more . From assistive medical devices to robots used in space , consumer electronics to virtual reality , graduates of this program will find multiple paths available after they finish their degree .
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE AMONG OUR OWN
In a September meeting , Department Head Azim Eskandarian recognized several faculty who have achieved notable accomplishments this year . Outstanding Sponsored Research Awards were given to Mehdi Ahmadian , Warren Hardy , Kevin Kochersberger , Roop Mahajan , Rolf Mueller , Wing Ng , Saied Taheri , Christopher Williams , Jinsuo Zhang and Lei Zuo .
4 VIRGINIA TECH MECHANICAL ENGINEERING • ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021