More than 1,300 students and over 80 faculty and staff in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering form an innovative and nurturing community in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Students work together to learn the fundamentals of the field and engage in rigorous, team-based experiences addressing real-world problems. That dedication to professional development extends beyond graduation, with an alumni network of 5,000+ professionals of which more than 200 volunteer with the department annually. The department’s award-winning faculty tackle societal challenges through technological innovation impacting the environment, security and human health. 

Our Mission

The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering is pioneering scientific breakthroughs, launching innovative technologies, and educating creative engineers that will solve today’s societal challenges by improving human health, enabling security and promoting sustainability. 

We are committed to...

High-impact research addressing real-world problems

Our faculty are internationally known for research and innovation in biomedical, air quality, energy systems, functional materials, robotics, imaging complex media, and quantum technologies. We publish in high-impact journals, graduate future research leaders, and serve on national advisory boards. Our department embraces entrepreneurship and celebrates the companies founded by our faculty, students and alumni.

Active learning and experiential engineering education

Active learning prepares students for the practice of engineering in the classroom and in the field. Classroom activities and project-based learning encourage students to think, collaborate, and connect their education with real-world problems and their future careers. That learning is integrated across the student experience, from first-year undergraduates to doctoral candidates.

An inclusive community that brings together students, faculty, staff and alumni

We believe that a commitment to diversity and inclusivity is fundamental to both education and scientific innovation. We value a spirit of collaboration which we have integrated throughout our community, from international and interdisciplinary research efforts to student design teams. Those values also inform our recruitment of students and faculty, classroom teaching efforts and the way we engage daily with one another.