About the Department
One of four departments in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Department of Mechanical Engineering offers accredited and nationally ranked undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Automotive Systems Engineering. Our curriculum offers comprehensive and rigorous education rich in design, research, and interdisciplinary opportunities leading to successful careers in industry, government, higher education, and non-profit organizations both in southeast Michigan and worldwide.
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History
- 1959: UM-Dearborn's first students enroll in three degree programs, including Mechanical Engineering.
- 1963: The Mechanical Engineering master's program begins.
- 2011: The Bioengineering undergraduate program begins.
- 2016: The Bioengineering master's program begins.
- 2017: The PhD in Mechanical Sciences and Engineering program begins.
- 2017: The Automotive Systems Engineering master's program joins the department.
Learn more about our fields of study
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Mechanical Engineering
The mechanical engineering field is one of the oldest engineering fields. It is also one of the broadest in scope, for it is not restricted to any particular technology or particular device. Mechanical engineers understand the basic principles of statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid flows, control, instrumentation, and other areas. Mechanical engineers know how to use these principles to design and manufacture technical systems.
The field is continuously evolving with new technologies bringing new challenges, new knowledge, and new job opportunities. One example is the automobile. The automotive industry has always employed many mechanical engineers, but the work they do and the problems they solve now are completely different than what they were fifty or even twenty years ago. Another example is new methods of energy generation. Neither wind, nor solar, nor biomass energy would be possible without mechanical engineers.
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Bioengineering
Bioengineering (BENG) is a cross-disciplinary field in which the methods of various areas of engineering are applied to solve problems in medicine, biology, health care, and, in general, to improve the quality of human life. The expertise of a bioengineer combines knowledge of engineering principles with the understanding of living systems.
Bioengineering is a rapidly growing profession with expanding career opportunities. Bioengineers work on medical and health care devices (artificial organs, imaging systems, surgery instruments and so on), medical procedures (such as rehabilitation), bio-processing technologies in pharmaceutical and other industries, and other biology-related problems (such as safety and ergonomics).
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Automotive Systems Engineering
The automotive engineering industry is currently in the process of fundamental change, probably the most significant one in its history. Electric and autonomous vehicles are the two most noticeable aspects of the change, but there are other rapid developments such as the use of lightweight materials, more efficient powertrains, intelligent control systems, better manufacturing techniques, and improved comfort and safety.
The automotive engineering program is an interdisciplinary field that integrates the knowledge of other technical and non-technical disciplines. In addition to expertise in a specialized area, an automotive engineer must understand broader issues and have the skill of synthesizing diverse technical approaches into a system-wide solution.
News Flash
Mechanical and Bioengineering Students Collaborate with North Star Reach Camp in Pinkney, Michigan
Over the past year, the department’s capstone design students and course coordinator, Professor A. Argento, have been collaborating with Patrick Smith, the Director of Camping at North Star Reach. North Star Reach is a medically-supported camp for kids with serious illnesses and their families located 20 miles northwest of Ann Arbor. With an experienced medical staff and a state-of-the-art health center, the camp annually serves about 1,000 pediatric patients and their family members through summer sleep-away and spring and fall family weekend programs, all at no charge to them. From canoeing to archery, swimming, nature hikes, crafts and more, campers embark on confidence-building adventures purposefully designed to foster independence, confidence and joy. They also get a chance to connect with other kids facing similar health challenges and feel a sense of normalcy and belonging, often for the first time in their lives. Six of the department’s capstone design teams in mechanical and bio-engineering have worked on projects aimed at enhancing program experiences for campers by increasing inclusivity and adapting program equipment and activities. Projects such as Human Sized Battleship, Off Road Wheelchair Improvements, Archery Bow Holder, Camper Lift and Adaptive Canoe Seating are either in operation at the camp or under design by our student teams. The projects have been advised by Professors Ratts, Mallick, Esquivel and Argento.
For links to more information about the camp and examples of projects please click here.
Open Faculty Positions
The Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for these tenure-track faculty positions:
Department Staff
Advisory Boards
The ME department continually seeks outside interactions with business, industries, and government through its Industrial Advisory Boards. Our advisory boards are composed of industry professionals who provide input on curriculum, potential employment for students, research opportunities for faculty, and a perspective on future challenges requiring collaboration.
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Bioengineering Advisory Board
Subha Bhattacharyya, PhD
Principal Engineer
Medtronic PLCMark Cheng, PhD
Director, Nanofabrication Core
Wayne State UniversitySteve LeBeau
nanoMAGSongnian Li
Sr PD Engineer II
Terumo Cardiovascular GroupJan Stegemann, PhD
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
University of MichiganFangjing Wang, PhD
Senior scientist
Allergan -
Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board
Kevin Gagnon
Vice President of Central Sales
STMicroelectronicsDavid Harwood
Director - Renewable Energy
DTE EnergyJan Ladewig
Chief Technical Officer
BorgersKelly Pietras
Director of Engineering, Transmission Hardware
General MotorsRavi Raveendra
Comet Technology CorporationGreg Roth
Director of Automotive and Transportation Solutions
Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.Jeff Russell
Director Sales
Citic DicastalJ.P. Sheng
TARDECHarry Stansell
Manager - Renewable Energy Business Development
DTE EnergyMingan Tan
Engineering Manager
AkebonoEric Tseng
Ford Motor CompanyBrian Wolfe
Director Global Engine Engineering
Ford Motor CompanyWeiguo Zhang
Senior Technical Specialist
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Mechanical Engineering
ME Department News and Announcements
