The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina offers academic programs and research opportunities in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and nuclear engineering led by experienced faculty. We are a Tier 1 research department, ranked #31 nationally and #1 in the state by the National Research Council.
Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Austin Downey was recently selected as one of two USC faculty members selected as Fulbright scholars. He will leave in August and serve as a visiting professor at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.
Assistant Professor Wout De Backer underscores hands-on learning and collaboration, while inspiring his students with his passion for aircraft design and innovation in composites through additive manufacturing.
Ashley Poyner is rapidly learning all about aerospace. As a first-gen student, she is earning her bachelor of science degree in engineering in only three years. A lot of doors also opened thanks to her acceptance into the Boeing Accelerated Leadership Program.
The Department of Energy is currently funding research in the College of Engineering and Computing's General Atomics Center to provide critical information that companies' and their suppliers need to bring their molten salt reactor designs to market.
As climate change concerns continue to rise, the efficient recycling of waste heat is an urgent scientific challenge. Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor Dongkyu Lee's upcoming research will focus on a conversion process, which aims to transform waste heat into useable electric power for clean and sustainable energy.