MESSAGE FROM THE
DEPARTMENT HEAD
As I begin my second year as the department head, I am thrilled to
share with you this 2015-16 Annual Report of the Mechanical Engineering Department of Virginia Tech. I had a very high opinion of my colleagues at the ME Department before starting in this position in August
2015, but after a year in Blacksburg (and our National Capital Region near
Washington, DC) and experiencing the outstanding quality, steadfast
dedication, and selfless services of our faculty and staff, I am simply full
of praise and admiration for all of them and grateful to be able to serve
them.
AZIM ESKANDARIAN
It is not surprising at all that the same quality, devotion, and enthusiasm is equally reflected in both our graduate and undergraduate students, who are making their own impressive accolades in mechanical engineering as they graduate and enter the work force. We are also blessed
with a committed and supportive advisory board, primarily comprised
of Hokie alumni, who not only encourage and support us to efficiently
operate one of the largest and most productive ME Departments in the
nation; but who challenge us to continue tackling tough problems around
the world. Collectively, our faculty, students, staff, and alumni truly represent Virginia Tech’s well known spirit of UT Prosim (that I may serve.)
Last year, our faculty developed a new strategic plan, creating a renewed vision, and shaping the future of our department. Several new
initiatives are in place in pursuit of excellence and scholarship. We have
redefined our graduate focus into five thrust areas, described in more detail in this report. A new departmental structure is organized to promote
and cultivate specialty areas and cross disciplinary scholarship. Plans for
offering a new major in Robotics and Mechatronics is in the works and
is on track to be implemented next year. Many other activities are in
progress to enhance the quality of our hands-on minds-on educational
Don Taylor - Dean of the College of
Engineering
Azim Eskandarian - Head of
the Department of Mechanical
Engineering
Rosaire Bushey - Communications
& Outreach Manager - Editor
Sierra Colley - Graphic design and
photography intern
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