In the Department of Mechanical Engineering, we recognize a culture that embraces differences and gives space to each member of department - students, staff, and faculty - to be valued and contribute. This is the key to turning fearless ideas into innovations for the public good. Both in and out of the classroom, we create opportunities to promote belonging and community in mechanical engineering thought and practice.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Maryland aims to be a top destination for undergraduate students seeking to develop foundational knowledge in mechanical engineering, graduate students in mechanical or reliability engineering working to build cutting-edge professional and research skills, faculty looking for state-of-the-art infrastructure and a vibrant intellectual climate, and staff employees thriving in people-driven work environments and a culture of belonging.
We live the principles and commitments of the university and Clark School strategic plans; to reimagine learning, to take on humanity’s grand challenges, to invest in people and communities, to partner to advance the public good.
Among the people we seek to invest in is you. Together we can accomplish remarkable things!
We aim to remove any barriers to widespread participation in our educational programs and research activities.
This includes showcasing the roles that mechanical and reliability engineers perform in improving the lifes of residents of the state of Maryland and people across the nation and the world. This includes inspiring young minds to pursue engineering careers where they can give back to their communities and research careers where they can make discoveries that change everything!
The GOAL program provides hands-on STEM kits for middle and high school students that include inexpensive physical componentry and a curriculum that introduces STEM concepts in a way that is fun and accessible to all. Students are engaged through independent physical exploration, instructional and group reflection, and design thinking. Around 2500 kits get distributed each year through local school system partnerships. Several events bring large groups (upwards of 650 students) to UMD and have included keynote speakers such as Chancellor Perman and President Pines.
The STEM Summer Camp @ USMSM for Future Problem Solvers invites high school students from the local Southern Maryland community to participate in a free, week-long camp to be mentored by UMD faculty and current mechanical engineering students. Participants engage with/learn about mechanical design with CAD software (such as Fusion 360), 3D printing, and building electronic circuits. Students conclude the week having built one project (e.g., generating electricity with a windmill, autonomous drone, autonomous land rover).
Our partnerships with Baltimore Polytechnic, the Anne Arundel County STEM magnet program, and Bowie High School helps us develop opportunities for high school students to learn about a future in engineering from current students through mentorship, outreach events, and attendance at events in College Park, e.g., Design Day.
Among the sought outcomes for our undergraduate program is for students to be able to communicate technical results to broad audiences using cross-cultural strategies and engage in socially responsible projects aimed at fostering belonging and addressing systemic inequities.
Students can develop these abilities through in-class experiences, for example, by working on design projects in ENME472 - Integrated Product and Process Development that are focused on providing positive societal impact and presenting their work at the annual Capstone Design Expo.
The Clark School and University have many resources available to help you find answers to questions, address concerns, and connect to students, faculty, and staff from the university community.
At the Clark School
At UMD