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Crothers Hall

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Welcome!

The Mechanical Engineering program at South Dakota State University offers programs of study leading to a variety of careers in a challenging and rewarding profession. Mechanical engineers develop ways to safely and sustainably use the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of humankind. They rely on a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained through study, experience and practice.

We encourage you to explore the links in the navigation menu to learn more about us and our programs. Degrees offered include Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

The mechanical engineering (B.S.) program at South Dakota State University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Our faculty members are dedicated to guiding students to develop their full potential as creative and effective problem solvers and leaders. In addition to their work in the classroom, our faculty members are involved in a wide variety of research activities. Current projects include:

  • Biomedical applications.
  • Biomaterials development.
  • Computational fluid dynamics and high-performance computer modeling and simulation.
  • Emerging fabrication techniques, including additive manufacturing (3D Printing).
  • Methods for characterizing material properties.
  • Flight control for aerial and space vehicles.
  • Renewable energy development.
  • Development and applications of new materials.
  • Robotics and autonomous systems.
  • Development of advanced heat transfer devices.
  • Improving process energy efficiency.

Our students have the opportunity to participate in many of these projects as well as other engineering projects sponsored by industries and agencies throughout the region. Students gain experience through design projects conducted within the curriculum as well as numerous opportunities for internships. ABET enrollment and graduate data of the Mechanical Engineering Department can be found online.

Department of Mechanical Engineering News

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Liam Murray, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, right, shows footage taken on Cocoa Beach, Florida, of the rover prototype that he and fellow students built for NASA’s RASC-AL competition in June. The team finished third overall and, as in 2023, received the award for building the best prototype in the Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts – Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) competition.

Retired SD astronaut Gemar visits campus

Charles D. “Sam” Gemar, the only South Dakota-born astronaut, visited the South Dakota State University campus Oct. 4 at the invitation of an SDSU official. Gemar is originally of Scotland and is a 1973 graduate of Scotland High School. He joined the Army out of high school and got an appointment to a military prep school. That opened the door for an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. He flew military aircraft before being accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program.

New CNC machines to open doors for students

Patience is a virtue, but when it comes to working in a production lab, speed and precision rate pretty high too. Thanks to an anonymous gift, Lohr College of Engineering has been able to buy six new CNC (computer numerical control) machines valued at $120,000. The machines arrived and were installed in the production lab of the Chicoine Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering Hall in September.

Rising star: Basu invited to prestigious engineering showcase

Saikat Basu, assistant professor in South Dakota State University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been invited to the American Society of Mechanical Engineering Rising Stars of Mechanical Engineering Celebration and Showcase.