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Curiosity is the guiding force behind innovation.
In mechanical and aerospace engineering, that’s where change begins — a simple desire to explore beyond the obvious. When curiosity meets research, it becomes a tool you can use to start positively shaping our ever-growing world. You can foster innovations on the scale of using ultrasound equipment to identify the prognosis of cancer patients, turning a Wave Glider into a desalination platform that produces up to 1,000 gallons of clean seawater, or reducing carbon emissions by devising an evaporator that saves energy from heat pumps.
These developments are headed by faculty researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at North Carolina (NC) State University. The sheer impact of their work can be measured by its potential to save the planet and millions of lives.
At NC State, you can be a part of something just as big. This year, the College of Engineering was named the 27th best engineering school by the US News & World Report. As an R1 research institution, their education focuses on improving the lives of the people in North Carolina and the world.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering (MAE) has a history that dates back to the founding of university in 1889 – originally under the name Mechanic Arts – and gained its current title in 1966. It has since grown into 248,291 square feet of lab space and is home to several degree programmes, including two bachelor’s degrees and four graduate programmes: the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE), Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME), Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering (PhD AE), and Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD ME).
All programmes are led by experts eager to nurture tomorrow’s engineers. “This is a department where curiosity and determination are rewarded,” says graduate Emily McCain. “That’s been my experience, as I’ve been supported by many different professors here.”
AThrough four postgraduate programmes, students experience a wide variety of cross-disciplinary research opportunities. Source: NC State University
Curiosity has the breathing room to grow into a solid body of research discovery at MAE. The university lands amongst the top 18 for research productivity in the Leiden Ranking, and with a subject pool filled with opportunity — it only makes sense.
Here, you can take a jab at advancing health care diagnosis and treatments, nursing a stronger population through technology. Perhaps you’re more concerned with the future of the natural world, or maybe you find more fulfilment in improving energy and the environment. You could even develop an inter-connected society by exploring land, ocean, air, and space methods of transportation and vehicle design. There are even programmes on enhancing safety and security, innovating manufacturing and design, and educating tomorrow’s engineers.
Regardless of your research interests, you’ll never have to explore it alone. Since problems are better solved with two minds instead of just one, there are many award-winning faculty members ready to help you get a head start on making history. Collaboration is imbued within the MAE’s research experience, pushing you to think outside the box with cross-disciplinary activities — whether with other department members in the College of Engineering or one of the NC State’s 70+ industry, government, and nonprofit partnerships.
“One of the best qualities about the MAE graduate programme was that it prioritised building relationships,” says alumnus Basil Hassan. “I spent four summers at NASA Langley Research Center, and have continued a relationship with NASA in my career.”
NC State University is located in the city of Raleigh, at the centre of technological innovation and industry partnerships. Source: NC State
Connections aside, perhaps the best part about being a research student at MAE is that you benefit greatly from the university’s location in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State makes up part of the Research Triangle region in North Carolina, connected with two other major research universities — the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University. Campus is in close proximity to a multitude of fast-growing science and technology companies, start-ups, and federal agencies, many housed in the dynamic Research Triangle Park.
What does that mean for you? Unlimited access to real-world problem-solving in professional settings. Students have undergone placements with NASA, Honda Aircraft, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and more. The university’s partnerships with these companies serve as a gateway to industry experience and widen the opportunity for full-time employment. Hence, graduates get employed by some of the biggest names in the nation; companies like Deloitte and BMW Manufacturing Co.
To ensure you put your best foot forward, NC State offers unrivalled professional development. Graduate students are supported by graduate programme staff who provide as little or as much career training each individual requires. You’ll get to experience one-on-one mentoring, rigorous career-focused programmes and resume-boosting certificates, and experiential learning opportunities.
“I participated in the Accelerate to Industry programme,” McCain explains. “It included a seminar series where we met different people from the industry, and they talked about their day-to-day life and the job search which was really helpful.”
Many students land employment within North Carolina, often right in Raleigh — for obvious reasons. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student or a working individual — the capital city of North Carolina is a peaceful abode that shines with steady, mild weather on the daily. You can visit free museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art, indulge in good food and cocktails during happy hour at Downtown Wake Forest, or take a walk along the Durant Nature Preserve’s scenic trails.
So if you’re interested in honing your engineering skills in the city of Raleigh, learn more about the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State today.
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