News Archive

Mechanical Engineering News

man in a robotic spine

Vikas and Aaleti Lead Research Team to NSF Phase 2 Award

The U.S. National Science Foundation has presented a Convergence Accelerator Bio-Inspired Design Innovations to Dr. Vishesh Vikas, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Sriram Aaleti, associate professor…


Author: Tanner Coffman    /    Published: February 10, 2026    /    Posted in:   Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Faculty and Staff, Mechanical Engineering, Research    /    Features:   ,   

Meet the Styslinger College of Engineering’s Newest Student Organizations

From bioethics to drone racing, five new student organizations have joined the Styslinger College of Engineering this academic year, giving students new ways to explore emerging fields, gain hands-on experience and develop leadership skills. These clubs reflect a growing interest among students in interdisciplinary learning and community engagement.


Author: Natalie Crouse    /    Published: February 3, 2026    /    Posted in:   Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Students   

Mechanical Engineering Student Named ORED Rising Star    /  UA Research News

Emma Godwin, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, has been named the winner of the 2025 ORED Rising Star competition. The competition, hosted by the Office for Research and Economic Development…


Source: UA Research News    /    Published: October 21, 2025    /    Posted in:   Awards and Honors, Mechanical Engineering, Research, Students   

Styslinger talking at a podium

‘He would be so proud’

When Lee Styslinger Jr. withdrew from his mechanical engineering studies at The University of Alabama, he had a monumental opportunity ahead of him.


Author: David Miller    /    Published: October 17, 2025    /    Posted in:   Alumni, Awards and Honors, Home Page Main Story, Mechanical Engineering,   

4 men pose in a beige room

UA Engineers Secure Global Aviation Award for Groundbreaking SAF Research

Graduate students from The University of Alabama are making waves in the world of aviation. Vamsi Krishna Undavalli, Jerry Hamilton and Chuming Wei from the Engines and Combustion Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have received the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award. Under the mentorship of Dr. Bhupendra Khandelwal, the team secured second prize in the 2025 cycle, receiving a $150,000 cash award. 


Author: Natalie Crouse    /    Published: October 14, 2025    /    Posted in:   Awards and Honors, Faculty and Staff, Mechanical Engineering, Partners, Research    /    Features:     

Finch Selected as Spring 2025 Outstanding Co-op Student

Henry Finch, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was selected as the spring 2025 Outstanding Co-op Student by the Engineering Career Development Center. Finch is currently completing his third and final term with Lavender, Inc. in Aliceville, Alabama, where he has served as a project manager co-op within the engineering and project management teams.


Author: Natalie Crouse    /    Published: August 28, 2025    /    Posted in:   Awards and Honors, Mechanical Engineering, Students   

Bama Dining is Test Site for Engineering Alum’s Invention    /  UA News

UA diners who never run out of their favorite beverage have John Podsednik to thank for that. The 2023 engineering alumnus is using Bama Dining locations to perfect his low soda monitoring system and is close to that goal.


Author: Associated Engineering Press    /    Published: August 25, 2025    /    Posted in:   Alumni, Mechanical Engineering, UA News   

ariel view of Engineering Quad

3 Engineering Faculty Members Receive DARPA MTO Award

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has presented the Microsystems Technology Office Award to three faculty members from the College of Engineering. Drs. A.B.M. Tahidul Haque and Sree Kalyan Patiballa, assistant professors in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Shreyas Rao, associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, were recognized at the agency’s Spark Tank event, held July 24-25 in Aurora, Colorado.


Author: Tanner Coffman    /    Published: August 19, 2025    /    Posted in:   Awards and Honors, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Engineering, Faculty and Staff, Mechanical Engineering    /    Features:   , ,   

lots of mechanical parts and wires inside a machine near a wall

UA’s AMI Connects Research and Industry Through Materials Innovation    /  UA News

At the Alabama Materials Institute, investments in facilities and technology aim to strengthen the collaborative ecosystem around materials engineering at The University of Alabama.


Author: Associated Engineering Press    /    Published: August 6, 2025    /    Posted in:   Mechanical Engineering, Research, UA News    /    Features:     

5 people in a lab

Research in Orbit: UA to Partner with Air Force Research Labs on Satellite Fuel    /  UA News

In a recently awarded project, the Alabama Materials Institute at The University of Alabama will aid the Air Force Research Laboratory in developing technology related to a new satellite propellant. The AFRL-developed Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic propellant, formerly known as AF-M315E, is less toxic and burns hotter than current satellite-based propellants, resulting in greater efficiency.


Author: Jessica Nelson    /    Published: June 26, 2025    /    Posted in:   Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty and Staff, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Partners, UA News    /    Features:   , , ,   

In 1837, The University of Alabama became one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering classes. Today, UA’s College of Engineering has more than 5,800 students and more than 150 faculty. In recent years, students in the College have been named USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, Goldwater, Hollings, Portz, Boren, Mitchell and Truman scholars.