Mechanical Engineering

Wyatt Curtis lifts-off from undergraduate research to doctoral innovation
Wyatt appreciates the flexibility and the competitive but collaborative culture on campus that made his path possible; “I’m definitely proud to say that I got my engineering degree at Iowa State.” Read More

June 23, 2025
From learner to leader: Honing mechanical engineering skills through hands-on work in Boyd Lab
Colin Livesay's job in the Boyd Lab has provided “the enjoyment of working with your hands and seeing a project through.” Read More

June 12, 2025
Maedeh Ahmadipour: ‘As an engineer, I’m interested in making the world a safer and smarter place’
Maedeh Ahmadipour, mechanical engineering graduate student, grew up in a family of educators. “My grandpa was a high school mathematics and physics teacher and inspired me to pursue engineering,” says Maedeh. Read More

May 29, 2025
Engineering students shape future of origami drone design
A team of IE 4350X: Engineering Problem Solving for Defense students worked this semester in a class taught by IMSE associate professor Cameron MacKenzie with specific focus on origami drones, a unique design featuring folding & shape shifting in the wings. Read More

May 15, 2025
Sarah Stewart: Outstanding senior in mechanical engineering
"As an engineer, I want to use my passion for science and math to drive the innovations and advancements that will allow us to better explore, understand, and improve our world." Read More

May 12, 2025
Engineers using ‘digital twins’ to improve agriculture, health, manufacturing and more
Iowa State researchers are building "digital twins" that are regularly updated with data from their physical twins. A national committee said digital twins have "immense promise in accelerating scientific discovery and revolutionizing industries." Read More

May 1, 2025
Strong mentorship and hands-on learning helped Sarah Stewart turn her dream into reality at Iowa State
Iowa State’s strength in engineering and space programs influenced her decision to become a Cyclone. “By going to Iowa State, I was immediately able to work on hands-on projects I was passionate about through classwork, student organizations and research opportunities.” Read More

April 24, 2025
Nicole Hashemi recognized as emerging inventor by the NAI
Nicole Hashemi, associate professor of mechanical engineering, has been named a senior member of the National Academy of Inventors. The honor recognizes the nation’s top emerging leaders in turning innovative discoveries into new technologies and products. Read More

March 6, 2025
Mark Bryden named ASME Fellow
Mark Bryden, mechanical engineering professor and founding program director of the Division of Simulation, Modeling and Decision Science at Ames National Laboratory, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME). Read More

February 28, 2025
Robert C. Brown elected to National Academy of Engineering
Robert C. Brown, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering and the Gary and Donna Hoover Chair in Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University, has been elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of engineering. Read More

February 21, 2025
Racing, rivalry, innovation: Erick Shoesmith on what drives Iowa State’s Formula SAE team
Each year the Iowa State University Formula SAE team designs, builds, tests, and competes with an open-wheel, formula-style race car. Read More

February 3, 2025
Xinwei Wang named Fellow of Optica
Xinwei Wang, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Wilkinson Professor of Interdisciplinary Engineering, has been named a Fellow Member of Optica by the society’s board of directors. Read More

January 31, 2025
Kalista Leners: Outstanding senior in mechanical engineering
Kalista Leners, mechanical engineering, has been named a fall 2024 Iowa State University College of Engineering outstanding senior. Read More

December 9, 2024
The bionics (making) woman
Kaylee Herrig set out early on her engineering journey, encouraged by the confident women in STEM fields whom she admired. But it was an “aha” moment in seventh grade that solidified her path — a news story about a man receiving an artificial hand. “I realized you could apply the fundamentals of engineering to solve the problem of a lost limb,” she says. “When I learned I could study this in college, I thought, this is the way I can help the world.” Read More

November 13, 2024
Researchers study 3D printing tungsten parts for extreme conditions in nuclear reactors
Sougata Roy and his DREAM-TEAM collaborators are studying 3D printing as an alternative way to process tungsten for use as shields and other components in nuclear reactors. The project is supported by a new, $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Read More

October 7, 2024