Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most general fields of engineering. Combining some of the basic elements found in electrical and civil engineering with more in-depth use of mechanical design and thermal science principles, a mechanical engineering education will provide its students with the tools required to solve a wide range of technological problems.

Mechanical engineers work on the design, development, analysis, production, and testing of a wide variety of devices, products, and systems. The devices and systems developed by mechanical engineers can be found in many fields, including energy conversion, power generation, environmental control, manufacturing, materials handling and processing, and transportation and construction equipment.

The mechanical engineering curriculum is based upon fundamental engineering science courses in mechanics, the thermal sciences, mechanical design, and controls. Students also take courses in experimentation, computer-aided engineering, vibrations, and mechatronics. A variety of technical elective courses are also offered. With these courses, a student can either pursue a general mechanical engineering education, or can tailor a program of study towards a concentration in either thermal sciences or mechanical systems.

Mission Statement

The mission of the UWM Mechanical Engineering Department is:

  1. To provide quality educational programs for undergraduate and graduate students planning careers in mechanical engineering or related fields.
  2. To create and disseminate knowledge through research, publications, and other scholarly activities.
  3. To foster a close partnership with industry and government.
  4. To engage in professional and academic service activities of value to the University and the community at large. 

Mechanical Engineering Courses

NameRankDegreeSchoolGraduate FacultyEmeritus Faculty
Ryoichi S. Amano Professor PhD University of California, Davis Yes No
Illya Avdeev Associate Professor PhD University of Pittsburgh Yes No
Robert T. Balmer Professor ScD No Yes
S. H. Chan Professor PhD No Yes
Woo-Jin Chang Associate Professor PhD Inha University Yes No
Junhong Chen Adjunct Professor PhD University of Minnesota-Twin Cities No No
Roshan D'Souza Associate Professor PhD University of California, Berkeley Yes No
Anoop K. Dhingra Associate Professor PhD Purdue University No Yes
Andrew Dressel Lecturer PhD University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee No No
Kenneth F. Neusen Professor PhD, PE No Yes
Michael Nosonosky Associate Professor PhD Northeastern University Yes No
Krishna Pillai Professor PhD University of Delaware Yes No
Deyang Qu Professor, Chair, Johnson Controls Endowed Chair PhD University of Ottawa, Canada Yes No
Mohammad H. Rahman Associate Professor PhD University of Quebec, Canada Yes No
John R. Reisel Professor PhD, PE Purdue University Yes No
Kevin J. Renken Associate Professor PhD University of Illinois at Chicago Yes No
Nathan Salowitz Associate Professor PhD Stanford University Yes No
Nathaniel Stern Professor PhD New York University, Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland) No No
Yongjin Sung Associate Professor PhD Massachusetts Institute of Technology Yes No
Keh C. Tsao Professor PhD No Yes
Mohamed Yahiaoui Lecturer PhD Massachusetts Institute of Technology No No