Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Gabriel Ffatade stands and Ethan Yankee sits in a machine shop

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS

Meet the Department

The department of mechanical and aerospace engineering is focused on preparing students to address the current and future challenges in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, energy systems engineering, and engineering management.

Department Research Areas

Aerospace Fluid Dynamics and Flight Systems:

Studies the aerodynamics, propulsion, and control systems that govern aircraft and spacecraft performance, stability, and efficiency.

Energy Storage, Conversion and Sustainability

Develops advanced batteries, fuel cells, and renewable energy conversion technologies for efficient, scalable, and sustainable power systems.

Advanced Manufacturing, Materials and Semiconductors

Advances next-generation fabrication techniques, novel materials, and semiconductor devices that enable higher-performance, more efficient, and more scalable manufacturing.

Built Environment and Smart Infrastructure Systems

Designs, monitors, and optimizes buildings, transportation networks, and civic infrastructure using smart sensors, data analytics, and sustainable engineering practices.

Robotics, Drones, Autonomous Systems and AI

Creates intelligent robotic platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, and AI-driven control systems for autonomous sensing, navigation, and decision-making.

Centers and Institutes

The College of Engineering and Computer Science is home to collaborative, interdisciplinary centers engaged in hands-on research and scholarship.

Explore More

Professor Bing Dong and a student stand next to a table talking while a third person sits at a table
Two people sitting in a flight a fidelity 622i flight simulator

Fidelity MOTUS 622i Flight Simulator

The MOTUS 622i is one of the most advanced flight simulators available. Students are able to test their hypotheses in the simulator and see the impact of their decisions in a real-world scenario. The flight simulator is the result of a generous donation by alumnus William “Ted” Frantz ’80.

Capstone Class Overview

Students in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Capstone Design program work directly with industry partners to solve real engineering challenges while gaining hands-on experience in design, innovation, prototyping, testing, and artificial intelligence. Our industry-sponsored, two-semester Capstone Design Program connects students with companies and organizations on authentic engineering challenges. Sponsors bring the problem; students bring engineering analysis, creativity, design, prototyping, and testing.

Program Highlights

  • Industry-sponsored, two-semester capstone experience
  • Real-world engineering projects
  • Hands-on design, prototyping, and testing
  • Aerospace, robotics, manufacturing, energy & AI
  • Collaboration with industry mentors
  • Professional product development experience
  • Preparing engineers for successful careers

Experiential Learning

  • Real-world engineering projects
  • Hands-on design, prototyping, and testing
  • Aerospace, robotics, manufacturing, energy, biomedical systems & AI
  • Professional product-development experience
  • Teamwork, communication, planning, and technical decision-making

Featured Industry Partners

  • Boeing
  • Carrier
  • Corning
  • DuPont
  • Eaton
  • GE
  • Global Foundries
  • L3Harris
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Micron
  • Microsoft
  • NASA
  • NAVSEA
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Saab
  • TTM Technologies

Industry Engagement 

  • Direct collaboration with company sponsors and industry mentors
  • Faculty mentor assigned based on technical expertise
  • Weekly or bi-weekly sponsor interaction
  • Defined deliverables, milestones, reviews, and final demonstrations
  • Early connection between companies and future engineering talent

See examples of capstone projects

Questions?

Contact Professor Alex Deyhim
akdeyhim@syr.edu
O: 315.443.1928
M: 607.229.3840

Aeropathway program welcome event with Chancellor Haynie

Aeropathway Program

The aeropathway program is designed to connect students in aerospace engineering with faculty mentors, campus research opportunities and professional development resources.

In the fall semester, weekly undergraduate seminars introduce students to faculty research through short talks. In the spring, the focus shifts to research skills development and a showcase of undergraduate work.