MECHANICAL Engineering


Cutting-edge research and hands-on learning across diverse fields such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, and nanotechnology. Our graduates are equipped to tackle complex global challenges with a strong foundation in design, analysis, and sustainable solutions.

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MECHANICAL Engineering Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine offers a comprehensive educational journey, from undergraduate to doctoral studies, with exciting research opportunities at every level. Faculty expertise spans areas including renewable energy, advanced materials, robotics, aerospace engineering, biomechanics, and computational mechanics, providing students with a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning environment.

Research highlights include innovations in offshore wind energy systems, 3D printing for sustainable manufacturing, bio-inspired aerospace design, robotics for rehabilitation, and nanoscale thermal energy transport. With state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations across industry and academia, UMaine’s Mechanical Engineering program prepares students to lead in fields critical to addressing societal and environmental challenges. Join a vibrant community committed to innovation, problem-solving, and creating a sustainable future.

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Engineering and Engineering Technology – Similarities and Differences

Many engineering graduates find roles as “engineers”, but the differences between various engineering degree programs and the nature of the jobs they lead to are often unclear. A look at the history of these programs helps to better understand their evolution.

MECHANICAL Engineering and Engineering Technology – Similarities and Differences

Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) are closely related fields, but they differ significantly in focus, educational content, and career paths. ME emphasizes theoretical, conceptual, and analytical design, with students delving deeply into advanced mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. The curriculum often includes courses in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, material science, and system design, preparing graduates to conceptualize, analyze, and develop entirely new systems and technologies. In contrast, MET focuses on the practical application and implementation of engineering principles. Its curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with applied mathematics, manufacturing processes, automation, and the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Graduates of ME programs, typically earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), are prepared for careers as design engineers, researchers, and analysts, often working in roles that require innovation and system optimization. Many ME graduates pursue licensure as Professional Engineers (PE), which is essential for certain roles, particularly those involving public infrastructure or high-level responsibility. On the other hand, MET graduates, who earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET), are better suited for practical roles in manufacturing, quality control, and system maintenance, focusing on troubleshooting, testing, and implementing designs. While MET graduates may pursue advanced education or licensure, their training is generally oriented toward immediate technical application in the workforce.

Ultimately, the choice between ME and MET depends on individual interests and career goals. ME is ideal for those who enjoy theoretical problem-solving, design, and research, while MET is better suited for individuals who prefer hands-on work, practical problem-solving, and the application of existing engineering methods. Both disciplines play crucial roles in the engineering ecosystem, supporting innovation and functionality in diverse industries.

Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Programs

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers both MS (thesis & non-thesis options) and PhD degree programs aimed at preparing students for successful careers in industry, R&D, and academia by acquiring strong engineering background and research capabilities. In partnership with the Graduate School, our graduate programs are structured to achieve the established Learning Outcomes.

Mechanical Engineering Research


The Mechanical Engineering Department provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students for research in a wide variety of areas. Explore eaCH AREA and associated faculty members.

Aerodynamics, UAVs, and Aerospace Design

Focuses on the study of airflow, control, and dynamics of aerial vehicles, including drones and aircraft, with applications in harsh environments and bio-inspired aerospace designs.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Ahmed Aboelezz, Ph.D.
  • Drones for Harsh Environment
  • Applied Aerodynamics
  • Flight Dynamics and Control of UAVs
  • Wind Energy Systems and Turbine Performance Optimization
  • Bio-inspired Design and Applications in Aerospace Engineering
  • Wilhelm “Alex” Friess, Ph.D.
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Lighter-Than-Air Vehicles
  • Engineering Education
  • Energy Efficiency in Extreme Climates
  • Kewei Xu, Ph.D.
  • Aircraft Aerodynamics
  • Bluff Body (Ships and Vehicles) Airwakes
  • Active Flow Control
  • Wind Turbine and Turbomachinery Applications

Offshore Wind and Renewable Energy Systems

Covers offshore wind turbines, floating energy structures, tidal energy, and advancements in renewable energy systems to enhance performance and efficiency.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Andrew Goupee, Ph.D.
  • Numerical Methods and Model Testing of Floating Offshore Structures
  • Experimental Techniques and Structural Optimization
  • Multiscale Methods for Heterogeneous Materials
  • Richard Kimball, Ph.D.
  • Offshore Wind Energy: Floating Systems Development and Testing
  • Marine Diesel Engine Performance Testing and Emissions Reduction
  • Low Emissions Fuel Development
  • Tidal Energy Systems
  • Amrit S. Verma, Ph.D.
  • Offshore Wind Turbine Technology: Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
  • Leading Edge Erosion of Wind Turbine Blades
  • Structural Testing and Finite Element Analysis

Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology

Explores the design, testing, and mechanics of advanced and multifunctional materials, including composites, ceramics, and nanostructures, for various engineering applications.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Sharmila Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D.
  • Multifunctional Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Testing
  • Compact Lightweight Components for Energy, Environment, and Biomedical Applications
  • Surface and Interface Phenomena

Combustion, Heat Transfer, and Thermal Systems

Investigates combustion science, heat transfer processes, and energy transport at various scales, including modeling and experimental methods for thermal systems.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Sheila Edalatpour, Ph.D.
  • Near- and Far-Field Radiative Energy Transfer
  • Computational Heat Transfer
  • Electromagnetic Light Scattering
  • High-Performance Computing
  • Thermal Energy Transport at Micro/Nanoscale
  • Christopher Mordaunt, Ph.D.
  • Sooting Propensity of Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels
  • Biomass Combustion
  • Combustion Characteristics of Coal-Based Liquid Fuels
  • Combustion Instability in Land-Based Gas Turbines
  • Olivier Putzeys, Ph.D., P.E.
  • Combustion and Fire Science
  • Smoldering Combustion and the Transition to Flaming
  • Combustion in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres
  • Thermal Modeling of Animals Using Infrared Thermography
  • James Sucec, M.S., P.E.
  • Skin Friction and Heat Transfer in Turbulent Flow over Aerodynamically Rough Surfaces
  • Transient, Conjugated Forced Convection

Robotics, Biomechanics, and Virtual Reality

Develops robotic systems, biomechanical analysis tools, and virtual reality technologies for applications in rehabilitation, manufacturing, and motion control.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Babak Hejrati, Ph.D.
  • Robotics and Robot-Assisted Gait Rehabilitation
  • Controls and Dynamic Systems
  • Biomechanics and Motion Analysis
  • Haptics and Virtual Reality
  • Mechanical Design and Manufacturing

Manufacturing, Additive Technologies, and Sustainability

Addresses advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, sustainable practices, and digital technologies to improve industrial processes and reduce environmental impact.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Bashir Khoda, Ph.D.
  • Digital Manufacturing
  • CAD/CAM/CAE
  • Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
  • Bio-Manufacturing
  • Philip King, Ph.D.
  • Additive and Convergent Manufacturing
  • Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
  • Sustainable Manufacturing
  • Large-Scale Manufacturing
  • Metal Casting

Structural Engineering and Optimization

Focuses on the optimization, testing, and analysis of structures, leveraging modeling techniques to improve performance under various conditions and constraints.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Vincent Caccese, Ph.D., P.E.
  • Design, Testing, and Analysis of Impact Attenuating Materials
  • Structural Testing and Finite Element Analysis
  • Dynamic Systems Modeling and Testing
  • Fatigue Response of Connections
  • Masoud Rais-Rohani, Ph.D., P.E.
  • Structural and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
  • Mechanics of Thin-Walled (Aircraft, Automotive, and Composite) Structures
  • Probabilistic and Non-Probabilistic Approaches for Uncertainty Quantification
  • Reduced Order and Surrogate Modeling

Solar and Thermal Energy Systems

Examines solar energy systems, thermochemistry, and thermal cycling, with a focus on materials and technologies for high-temperature applications.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Justin Lapp, Ph.D.
  • Solar Thermal Energy and Thermochemistry
  • Numerical Heat Transfer Modeling for High-Temperature Systems
  • Thermal Radiation
  • Material Behavior Under Solar Thermal Cycling
  • Determination of Optical and Thermal Properties of Materials

Computational and Dynamic Systems

Applies computational modeling, dynamic system analysis, and multiscale methods to understand and improve material and structural behaviors.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Senthil S. Vel, Ph.D.
  • Mechanics of Composite Materials
  • Computational Solid Mechanics
  • Micromechanical and Multiscale Modeling of Heterogeneous Materials
  • Thermoelastic Properties, Seismic Anisotropy, and Creep of Rocks, Ice, and Polycrystalline Materials
  • Zhihe Jin, Ph.D.
  • Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures
  • Thermal Stresses and Thermal Shock Failure of Advanced Ceramics and Composites
  • Fluid Migration Through Fracture Propagation in Geological Materials
  • Thermo-Poroelasticity
  • Continuum Theory of Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Materials

Hydrophobic and Surface Technologies

Develops innovative surface technologies like superhydrophobic coatings and PFAS-free solutions for applications requiring advanced liquid and droplet control.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Xiaoxiao Zhao, Ph.D.
  • Liquid Droplet Transport
  • PFAS-Free Surfaces
  • Liquid-Like Polymer Brushes
  • Micro/Nano Surface Patterning
  • Durable Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Marine and Energy Systems

Explores marine propulsion, emissions reduction, and energy-efficient systems for extreme climates, including fuel development and propeller/turbine design.


Faculty and Research Areas:

  • Richard Kimball, Ph.D.
  • Computer Design of Propellers and Turbines
  • Tidal Energy Systems

Undergraduate Concentrations

Offshore Wind Energy

Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering students can obtain a Concentration in Offshore Wind Energy by completing three (3) courses (9 credits) of offshore wind coursework with a grade of C or better.  Students are required to complete a minimum of two (2) core courses and a maximum of one (1) supporting course.  It is acceptable for all three courses to be from the list of core courses.  The core and supporting course lists are indicated below:

Core Courses

  • MEE 480 Wind Energy Engineering
  • MEE 489 Offshore Floating System Design
  • MEE 491 Offshore Wind Farm Engineering

Supporting Courses

  • MEE 441 Manufacturing and Testing of Composites
  • MEE 450 Mechanics of Composite Structures
  • MEE 459 Engineering Optimization
  • MEE 463 Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • MEE 477 Introduction to Structural Dynamics
  • MEE 490 Modern Control Theory & Applications
  • CIE 340 Introduction to Structural Analysis

The offshore wind industry in the United States is expected to experience significant growth in the forthcoming years. The federal government has set an objective of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030, which would necessitate a substantial number of skilled workers in this field. Moreover, the Gulf of Maine boasts one of the best offshore wind resources in the country, and Maine’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy has identified offshore wind as a critical sector for the state’s economic growth. Overall, the development of offshore wind in the US and Maine will have a substantial impact on the economy, job market, and environment in the near future.

By completing the concentration, MEE undergraduates will gain skills essential for serving particular roles in the growing offshore wind industry here in Maine and beyond, including understanding socioeconomic and political factors, core wind energy industry concepts, hydrodynamic and structural design of floating platforms, offshore wind farm planning and operation, and/or offshore wind system-specific numerical engineering analysis techniques

Aerospace Engineering

Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Students can obtain a Concentration in Aerospace Engineering by completing three of the following aerospace courses with a grade of C or better (effective Fall 2020):

Core Courses

  • MEE 348 Introduction to Flight
  • MEE 448 Aircraft Design
  • MEE 449 Aircraft Performance
  • MEE 452 Aircraft and Automobile Structures
  • MEE 462 Dynamics of Fluid Flows
  • MEE 463 Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • MEE 477 Introduction to Structural Dynamics (new)
  • MEE 562 Advanced Fluid Mechanics

Aerospace Engineering is an ever-evolving and highly challenging career choice. Aerospace engineers are on the leading-edge of that evolution, involved in research, design and development of a wide range of fascinating vehicles, some traveling at astounding speeds through both air and space. These systems can include airplanes, helicopters, satellites, launch vehicles, projectiles, airdrop vehicles, and an ever widening range of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The skills developed in these courses can be applied in a number of different industries including those associated with aerospace science missions, defense missions and commercial applications as well as in the automobile and marine industries.

For more information on the Undergraduate Aerospace Engineering Concentration, please contact Dr. Alex Friess.

Our Faculty and Staff

At MCEC, our faculty is the heartbeat of our academic community. Dedicated, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable, our professors go beyond the traditional classroom experience to foster real-world skills and a passion for learning. Whether mentoring, leading innovative research, or providing personalized support, our faculty members are committed to empowering students to achieve their highest potential

Department Contact Information

Mechanical Engineering

Masoud Rais-Rohani

Department Chair

Meghan Honnell

Administrative Specialist

75 Long Road
Orono, ME 04469
Tel: 207.581.2120

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Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the Commission’s General Criteria and the Mechanical Engineering Program Criteria. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.