About Us
Mechanical Engineering at BYU
Mechanical engineering is a very broad subject that deals with essentially anything that moves, including the human body, machines that range from simple to complex systems, and devices with embedded sensors and actuators. It is the broadest of the engineering disciplines and mechanical engineers work in many different industries. Some of these include aerospace, automotive, biomedical, energy systems, product design and development, and manufacturing, although this list is only a subset of areas where mechanical engineers work. Nearly every product that is developed and that humans interact with in any manner has had a mechanical engineer involved at some stage in the design and/or production process.
The department of Mechanical Engineering at BYU consists of 28 faculty members, 12 staff, over 1200 undergraduate students, and over 130 graduate students. It is a collaborative community where we strive for excellence in teaching, learning, and discovery. Faculty and students work together to learn the fundamental principles of mechanical engineering through classroom and laboratory settings. They also work together to conduct leading research where we aim to discover new knowledge and processes and to design new devices that will lead to improvements in the world in which we live. Mechanical engineers learn how to solve real world problems that involve forces and dynamical motion, materials and their strength, common manufacturing methods, design principles and computer design tools, fluid physics, thermodynamics and the transfer of heat, how to use instrumentation to conduct experiments, and how to use computational tools to solve complex problems.
Our goal is to help mechanical engineering students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become truly influential engineers in their chosen areas of expertise. Influential engineers affect the world in a variety of ways. Some may influence a large number of people in highly visible ways, while others will quietly lead and inspire those within their sphere of influence. To be influential, engineers must understand their strengths and apply them in ways that lead to a positive impact on people, problems, and their profession. Since each person is unique, each individual’s influence is also distinct, and their influence will typically change over time as opportunities arise and skills are developed. Regardless of where engineers find themselves, they will become influential as they develop character, resilience, technical excellence, communication skills, leadership, and a commitment to lifelong learning and service.
Influential Engineers Develop...
Character
Influential engineers have integrity and strong desires to serve their community and their profession. They do the right thing, even when no one is watching or when others oppose it. Their influence is derived from strong moral principles and mutual respect. Their sphere of influence expands as others recognize and trust their character.
Resilience
Influential engineers are resilient and learn from their failures. They persevere in pursuit of long-term goals. They embrace challenge and recognize effort is the path to mastery.
Technical Excellence
Influential engineers are innovative experts in their field. They solve significant, real-world problems by building models based on basic concepts and fundamental laws. They use state-of-the-art engineering practices and technologies to solve their models and obtain results.
Communication Skills
Influential engineers communicate results and conclusions clearly and concisely. They persuasively present recommendations that prevent and solve problems. They are collaborative and always civil, particularly when others have differing viewpoints.
Leadership
Influential engineers lead in ethical behavior regardless of their position. They focus more on the greater good than on personal achievement. They make tough decisions when necessary. They inspire with genuine praise, correct with kindness when necessary and generously recognize the contributions and accomplishments of colleagues.
Lifelong Learning and Service
Influential engineers consistently develop new skills and use their abilities and resources to enhance the lives of others.