A male student in a Stevens muscle t-shirt works with equipment in a robotics lab.

Department of Mechanical Engineering Research

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology has a thriving research community of globally-recognized experts in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, biomechanics, neuromechanics and nanotechnology.

Both graduate and undergraduate students dive deep alongside faculty in cutting-edge interdiciplinary labs, supported by significant national funding partnerships. Programs like LINK-ME helps the department foster connections between research and industry, preparing students for careers in mechanical engineering while pushing boundaries to rewrite the playbook on real-world problems.

Graduate Studies: Flexible, Supported, Connected

Our Mechanical Engineering graduate programs offer advanced study and research in a hands-on, collaborative environment. Students work closely with faculty and industry leaders on projects in aerospace, renewable energy, biotech and more. With access to our state-of-the-art labs and close proximity to strong professional networks across the water in New York, graduates are prepared for careers across academia, industry and innovation-driven fields.

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Studies
Student twisting wires on small robot
Real-World Research

Advancing Aerospace Research Through Stevens’ Shock Tunnel

The American Society for Mechanical Engineers visited Stevens to see how students get hands-on experience in fluid dynamics and aerospace engineering as they prepare a test article for a shock tunnel simulating flight speeds up to Mach 6. This specialized wind tunnel in the Parziale Lab simulates airflow at hypersonic speed, and experiments can prove or disprove computer simulations.

Leading What's Next

Curious about Mechanical Engineering research at Stevens? Read about these breakthroughs.

Stevens Professor Nicholaus Parziale Receives Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

Professor Nicholaus Parziale Receives Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

Professor Nicholaus Parziale was selected as a recipient of the highly prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). His selection reflects his contributions to the study of high-speed boundary-layer physics, which refers to the physics of the thin layer of gas surrounding a high-speed vehicle, and has major implications for advances in high-speed transportation.

A futuristic black-and-blue graphic of a battery charging.

E.H. Yang is Putting a Brand New Spin on Magnetism to Power Electronics

Professor E.H. Yang, along with Stevens Ph.D. student Siwei Chen and collaborators from North Carolina State University, is exploring a groundbreaking way to control magnetism in atomically thin materials using only electron spin. This research could lead to more energy-efficient, faster and smaller electronic devices.

A technical microscopy image related to Jason Rabinovich's work on water droplet story - technical microscopy image

Studying Supersonic Rain: Navy Funds Stevens Research on Droplet-Induced Damage

What happens when a raindrop hits a vehicle moving faster than sound? At supersonic speeds, even tiny droplets can cause real damage. Stevens researcher Jason Rabinovitch is working with Cornell to understand and predict these impacts—combining fluid dynamics and structural analysis to help protect aircraft and spacecraft.

Research Areas

Our faculty, along with post-doctoral associates and graduate and undergraduate students, continuously strive to push the boundaries of mechanical engineering by conducting cutting-edge research in the following six main areas below.

Click the names of faculty below each area to learn more about their research experience and expertise.

graphene atomic structure for nanotechnologyMicro/Nano/Quantum Technology

The interdisciplinary nature and expanding applications for nanotechnology, micro-electrical-mechanical systems and quantum technology demonstrate the vast potential and impact of the field. Our research group explores nano/microfabrication, fabrication and characterization of advanced nanomaterials, nanomaterial-based sensors, polymer nanocomposites, nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, quantum technology, multiscale robotics and nano- and microfluidics.

Professor Brendan Englot and a group of students using a laptop to operate a four wheeled robot with a crane neck/arm.Dynamics, Controls and Robotics Systems

Through applied robotics research and fundamental studies of dynamical systems and control, our faculty and students contribute to the improvement of robotics technology. Our investigations cover all aspects of robotics and autonomous systems, including sophisticated intelligence systems, novel robotic platforms and controls, to component technologies for robotic systems.

Two researchers examine a monitor with an image of brainwaves.Biomechanical Engineering

The biomechanics and materials research cluster uses theoretical, computational, experimental and simulation-based approaches to study, characterize and leverage the behavior of a wide range of high performance materials, including biomaterials, metals, plastics/polymers and composites. Our researchers also study the development of novel medical devices and systems for various health-related applications.

wind tunnel entranceAerospace Engineering

Research in Aerospace engineering focuses on the development of technologies for aviation, defense systems and spacecraft. Our department emphasizes areas such as aerodynamic fluid flow, hypersonic reactive flow, guidance, navigation and control, propulsion systems, and computational fluid dynamics.

A hot, orange light shines from above down into a porous cube, and the light is refracted out of the cube on the right side. The background is dark.Credit: Shima HajimirzaEnergy, Thermal-Fluids and Sustainability

Promoting economic and environmental sustainability is crucial for the future of society. Our department undertakes research in energy systems and sustainability by developing solutions that align with these goals. Through interdisciplinary collaborative research, education and outreach programs, our faculty members explore research on advanced and sustainable energy systems combined with fundamental and applied research in fluid mechanics, heat transfer and thermodynamics.

Bioprinting Technology Concept. Advanced Medical Printer Producing Artificial Heart Valves with Biopolymers. Futuristic Laboratory.Design Computations and Advanced Manufacturing

The design and manufacturing cluster focuses on realizing cost-effective and high performance products and systems through cross-disciplinary research. This research spans multiple design and manufacturing areas including applications of AI and machine learning in product design and manufacturing, advanced materials and manufacturing process sciences and intelligent systems integration technologies.

A student writes down formulas on a tablet in a classroom.Engineering Education

The engineering education cluster deploys evidence-based teaching practices to advance student-centered learning through . Faculty research and classroom innovations employ active learning techniques such as flipped classrooms, team-based learning and problem-based instruction, along with the integration of AI-powered tools for personalized feedback and engagement. Additional efforts involve formative assessment techniques, reflective practices, project-based learning and the design of equitable, accessible curricula.

Research Video Library

Learn more about research in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Visit our YouTube channel playlist.

Three male student engineers working on a prototype made of metal piping and wires.

Powered by Partnership. Driven by Engineering.

Our LINK-ME (Leveraging Industry Networks and Knowledge for Mechanical Engineering) ecosystem connects students with industry, turning classroom learning into career-ready experience. By combining academic expertise with real-world collaboration, we prepare the next generation of engineers while helping companies invest in talent and innovation.

Abstract image of glowing binary ones and zeros

Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence

The Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence (SIAI) is an interdisciplinary, tech-driven collaboration of engineering, business, systems and design experts working toward solving pressing global problems in industry and the world. SIAI’s technology expertise and research resources provide the collaborative, competitive edge that today’s businesses need to enhance operations. The Institute’s Industrial Alliance Program forges connections to regional AI-related industries. Program members—including NEC Labs, Eastech and DataEthics4—gain knowledge and expertise through monthly working group sessions, have preferential access to specialized AI-focused recruiting events and participate in the selection of faculty seed funding projects.