As the oldest engineering discipline that has the broadest reach in terms of application, mechanical engineering touches every aspect of life from medical devices, computers, and athletic equipment to automobile engines, electric power plants, and the very machines that create these innovations.
Mechanical and materials science influence virtually every aspect of human life. Our department, supports research and education in a wide range of modern technologies including design, dynamics, controls, materials, intelligent systems, advanced mechanical systems, applied mechanics and thermal systems engineering.
Mechanical engineering students gain knowledge to design, manufacture, and operate machines and mechanical systems that work in a safe and efficient fashion. Students learn fundamental principles of force, energy, and motion and apply theories to develop everything from simple devices to complex systems.
Mechanical engineering technology students gain knowledge in the hardware- and computer-oriented aspects of mechanical design, manufacturing, and energy systems. Students receive a fundamental and applicable foundation with emphasis on realistic, technical problem-solving projects involving mechanical systems.
Materials science and engineering students gain knowledge of how materials work, leading to the creation of new materials for new applications as well as the further development of existing materials to improve performance.
Industrial and systems engineering students gain knowledge to innovate and improve systems, solve complex problems and incorporate human interaction within a system. Focus areas include data analytics, healthcare systems, and Industry 4.0/5.0.
The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering will have multiple doctoral student Research and/or Teaching Assistantship openings in Mechanical Engineering and in Materials Science & Engineering, for new applicants, anticipated for the next Academic Year. Applicants who possess master’s degrees (MS degree or equivalent) in the same or closely-related fields are particularly encouraged to apply. Very highly qualified individuals who possess bachelor’s degrees (highest degree) are eligible to apply for direct admission to the doctoral program.
Applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled.
The Department offers active and well-funded research programs in the following major research thrust areas:
Competitive stipends are available, including generous tuition scholarship support. Very highly qualified applicants may also be eligible for well-funded fellowship awards.
More information on research activities in the Department can be found at the Department’s website.
All of our faculty members have extensive and impressive research backgrounds, working closely with students in their research activities. The department is home to several internationally recognized research activities in structural dynamics, bio-mechanics, vibro-acoustics, gear dynamics, computational mechanics, nanotechnology, intelligent autonomous systems, computational fluid dynamics, robotics and many more.
Connect with the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering on LinkedIn.
For questions about undergraduate and graduate programs and degrees, visit the CEAS undergraduate or graduate admissions pages or email us:
Sign up for a live virtual Graduate Information Session to learn more about CEAS programs and the application process.
January 20, 2026
Popular Science and other outlets highlight an engineering-inspired biology study examining how bats find hidden prey in thick foliage at night.
January 14, 2026
Why do researchers think big-eared bats can find hidden insects without having to scrutinize every leaf in a forest? Their robot can do it.
December 17, 2025
Drawn to the University of Cincinnati for the strong reputation in cardiovascular research and the connections with the UC Medical Center, Shrayesh Manegaonkar is pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering at the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Recently, he was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month for his work on biofluid mechanics, aiming to develop better diagnostic tools for cardiovascular diseases.
