DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Welcome to the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at UCF: where world class faculty and highly motivated students - supported by a dedicated staff - experience a unique engineering education second to none. Graduating MAE students discover that the ability to learn on their own is the key to a successful and enjoyable engineering career. Lectures in class room settings delivered by our world class faculty provide the necessary inspiration for students to understand important topics, and they develop the skill to inquire and explore new ideas on their own. In essence, they are well prepared for the life-long learning that is vital for an enriching career in engineering. Our students develop an ability to think, are able to innovate, and acquire a strong foundation. They gain a broad understanding of technical possibilities, sensitivity to societal needs, the vision to perceive solutions, and the confidence to see them through.
I am delighted to announce that one of Dr. Ali Gordon’s graduate students, Calvin Stewart, has been selected for the Order of Pegasus 2013. This is a very prestigious recognition for outstanding accomplishments in academics as well as extracurricular activities. It speaks very highly of our MAE students and the valuable education they are receiving from the MAE department and others at UCF. It is a great tribute not only to Calvin and Dr. Gordon but to the entire MAE family. Please join me in congratulating Calvin on this wonderful accomplishment.
I am delighted to announce that one of our recent Ph.D. graduates Dr. Abhishek Saha has been selected by the UCF Graduate Council to receive the University level Outstanding Dissertation Award. Dr. Saha’s advisor was Prof. Kumar. This is an outstanding recognition that speaks very highly about the quality of research conducted by our students. Of course it goes without saying that the faculty advisors play a vital role in bringing out the best in our students. Please join me in congratulating Drs. Saha and Kumar on this recognition. Dr. Saha will be recognized at the Student Awards Breakfast on April 13 during the research week.
I am pleased to announce that Mr. Lucky V. Tran one of our MAE students has been selected to receive the first place in the Honors in the Major Awards for Outstanding Thesis in the fields of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. Mr. Tran did his work under the guidance of Dr. Jay Kapat as advisor. It is remarkable that this is the second year in a row that one of Dr. Kapat’s advisees has been selected to receive the first place in sciences, Engineering and Technology. We are delighted to see our MAE students recognized for their outstanding work. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Lucky V. Tran and Dr. Kapat on this outstanding achievement. Mr. Tran will be recognized at the Founders’ Day Honors Convocation program on April 3.
The primary mission of the department is to prepare students for careers in engineering.