The Department of Mechanical Engineering (MechE) at MIT has a culture of curiosity that combines a rigorous education with hands-on experience. Since classes began at MIT in 1865, MechE’s faculty and students have had a passion for pushing boundaries and developing creative solution for the world’s problems – from the development of artificial skin to pioneering 3D printing technology. We will continue to make discoveries and solve problems across an array of disciplines in the 21st century. Who We Are We educate future leaders in mechanical engineering that can model, design, innovate, and solve grand challenge problems facing our society. Our students and faculty advance science and technology by discovering solutions, designing products, and engineering workflows that help make our world a better place. What We Do We conduct cutting-edge research at the new frontiers of mechanical engineering. Faculty often specialize in more than one discipline, ensuring a fluidity of research that promotes cross-disciplinary discovery. Our research is organized across seven collaborative disciplines: - Mechanics - Design, Manufacturing, and Product Development - Controls, Instrumentation, and Robotics - Energy Science and Engineering - Ocean Science and Engineering - Bioengineering - Micro-and-Nano Engineering How We Teach Rapid developments in technology, societal shifts, and changes in the environment over the past two decades have necessitated mechanical engineers who can think critically, develop creative solutions, and remain flexible in the face of abrupt change. We encourage students to think outside the box, helping foster an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that permeates our classrooms and laboratories.