If it’s made to move, it’s likely mechanical. This is one of the oldest and broadest types of engineering that includes:
- Power generation (from engines to wind turbines),
- Aeronautics (how to fly to London or the next solar system),
- Nanotechnology (small stuff),
- Composite materials (like carbon fibre and even concrete),
- Mining technologies (getting oil and minerals out of the ground and processed for use),
- Industrial systems and manufacturing, and
- Mechatronics (automation and robots!)
There’s also a whole section of mechanical engineering called biomechanical engineering. This field is dedicated to applying mechanics to biological systems, such as prostheses, implants and controlling the flight of robo-insects!
From NASA to Xerox, mechanical engineers are making an impact all over the world. Check out these amazing MEs:
Bonnie Dunbar: NASA astronaut; helped develop the ceramic tiles that enable space shuttle re-entry.
Ursula Burns: Chairperson and CEO of Xerox; first African-American woman CEO to head a Fortune 500 company; named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes magazine.
Lillian Gilbreth: Second woman in the Society of Mechanical Engineers; developed time and motion tools combining her background in industrial engineering and physchology; first female engineering professor at Purdue.
Recommended high school courses:
- Calculus
- Physics
- Chemistry
