Manufacturing-related equipment includes plastic injection, compression, extrusion, resin transfer molding, vacuum forming and stereolithography equipment, a composite resin repair station, mechanical testing machines, ovens, lathes and robots. This institute was established in 1986 with the primary objective of enhancing the interaction and cooperative applied research opportunities with local and regional industries in the energy field. Undergraduate and graduate students and faculty from Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments are involved in obtaining solutions to problems posed by both industrial and governmental sponsors. Completely equipped laboratories are available. Access to College and University SUN servers support high-end computer needs.
Every student is entitled to an e-mail account.
The development of academic excellence is fostered through a coordinated program of advising, mentoring, tutoring, group study and many other support services. Many other active student chapters of professional and honorary societies, each with one or more faculty advisors, are housed within the College of Engineering to support and enhance various academic endeavors. A number of factors indicate that employment opportunities for mechanical engineering graduates will increase. Engineers now comprise nearly 40 percent of the top management of U.S. industrial firms. As in other fields, engineering job openings for women are increasing dramatically.