DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

 

Villanova’s College of Engineering offers a distinctive PhD program leading to a Doctorate of Philosophy.

Congruent with the University’s mission, the doctoral program emphasizes excellence, innovation and integrity in research, scholarship and education. Its purpose is to educate highly qualified engineering scholars for academia, industry and government.

Doctoral candidates wishing to concentrate their studies in Mechanical Engineering will take courses and pursue research projects reflecting the specialties of the department’s highly distinguished and nationally recognized faculty, including:

  • Thermal Sciences
  • Mechanics and Materials
  • Dynamics and Controls
  • Bioengineering
  • Nanotechnology

Research and Facilities

The College of Engineering has an active research environment with projects sponsored by industry partners, governmental agencies and foundations.

Explore:

Professional Development

The College is unique in its professional development program for doctoral students, which reflects Villanova’s commitment to high quality teaching and close attention to the student, as well as development of the whole person. Based on your area of professional interest, two tracks are available: Academic Scholars and Industry Scholars. Each offers the option to pursue a corresponding certificate.

In addition, Villanova’s Career Center recognizes and supports the unique career needs of graduate students as you pursue new academic and career goals. Tailored advising and guidance are available as well as online resources that use the latest technology to network, polish your resume, job search, prepare for an interview and more.

Courses

Learn more by exploring the Graduate Courses for Mechanical Engineering.

Qianhong Wu, PhD
Director of Graduate Studies

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

Kamran Makarian works with a Villanova engineering professor in the lab.

“My Villanova University graduate education dramatically improved my critical thinking skills and scientific creativity. I conducted cutting-edge experimental and computational research, which was tightly linked to industrial projects. Career fairs at Villanova are flooded with employers eager to hire knowledgeable Villanova Wildcats!"

Kamran Makarian
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dept. of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University

 

Michael Benson traveled to alll areas of the world with Dr. Garrett Clayton

“I’ve traveled all over the world working with Dr. Garrett Clayton. From the foot of the Alps in France to the floodplains of Cambodia to our lab in Tolentine Hall, every interaction with Dr. Clayton has helped shape my life in some way.”

Michael Benson
Current PhD student

 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Ronald Warzoha stands with two students in the lab.

RONALD WARZOHA

Title: Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, United States Naval Academy

Research Focus: Nanoscale thermal transport

 

Sebastian Araya works with a fellow student in a Villanova engineering lab.

SEBASTIAN ARAYA

Title: Thermal Engineer, Data Center Architecture and Engineering, Salesforce

Research Focus: Comprehensive study of organic rankine cycles (ORC) as waste-heat recovery systems for data centers

 

Yue Schuman, graduate of Villanova's doctoral program in engineering.

YUE SCHUMAN

Title: Applications Scientist, TA Instruments

Research Focus:  Materials development and characterization on materials ranging from nanoparticle thin films to graphene and graphene-based phase change material composites