DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Sergey Nersesov, PhD, and Hashem Ashrafiuon, PhD, in the lab with autonomous vehicles.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic scholarly community of undergraduate and graduate students and faculty immersed in mechanics and materials, thermal fluid systems, and dynamics and controls.

Our highly-acclaimed professors excel in both the classroom and laboratory in specialties including biomechanics, mechatronics, nanomaterials, renewable energy and more.

At a Glance

  • 23 Full-time faculty members
  • 310 Undergraduates (32% female)
  • 57 Master's students
  • 42 PhD students

All students enjoy small class sizes, practical, hands-on experiences and the attention of professors who are fully committed to your success.

 

OUR RESEARCH

The Mechanical Engineering Department is associated with three of the College’s six research centers:

Center for Nonlinear Dynamics and Control (CENDAC)

CENDAC is distinguished by its strong interdisciplinary teams working on real-world applications—including security, mobility and healthcare—of nonlinear dynamic systems and control theory.

The Center for Energy-Smart Electronic Systems (ES2)

A National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, ES2 develops methodologies, tools and systems to maximize energy efficiency for the operation of data centers.

Villanova Center for Analytics of Dynamic Systems (VCADS)

VCADS develops new tools and techniques for analytics of dynamic systems with applications in engineering, medicine and finance.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Students at all levels are encouraged to pursue research opportunities with Mechanical Engineering faculty in the areas of:

  • Novel nanomaterials
  • Data center efficiency
  • Dynamic control of unmanned vehicles
  • Swarm robotics
  • Advanced energy storage
  • Biomimetic materials

FEATURED FACULTY

DEPARTMENT NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. David Jamison

Dr. David Jamison Named Fellow of Biomedical Engineering Society

The associate dean of Undergraduate Affairs was recognized for “his record of research and teaching excellence in biomedical engineering, and development of a BME minor program at his institution,” according to BMES.

Sept  2023

Dr. C. Nataraj

Villanova Engineers Awarded Patent for Low-Cost NovaVent Mechanical Ventilator

Initially manufactured as an emergency alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic, this machine will now serve as a high-efficiency, low-cost device suitable for mitigating the global need for medical equipment.

Sept 2023

Qianhong Wu

Professor Qianhong Wu Receives Second Patent for Groundbreaking ‘Smart Brain’

Mimicking the human head, Dr. Wu’s “smart brain” enables researchers to measure the motion and deformation of brain matter during impact-induced brain trauma, providing not only a better understanding of brain injuries, including concussions, but also guidance for preventing such injuries.

June 2023