Mechanical engineering research drives the innovations that shape how we live, move, and stay healthy. From cleaner energy systems and advanced manufacturing to robotics, medical devices, and smart materials, this research turns ideas into real-world solutions.
As a mechanical engineering student, research means more than working in a lab. It’s an opportunity to solve meaningful problems, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, and collaborate with faculty who are advancing their fields. Students apply classroom knowledge to projects that improve sustainability, strengthen infrastructure, enhance healthcare, and create smarter, more efficient systems.
Participating in research builds the skills employers value most—critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. Whether you plan to enter industry, pursue graduate school, or launch your own venture, research experience prepares you to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Mechanical engineering research empowers students to move from learning how things work to shaping what comes next.
Mechanical Engineering Research Areas
Because the field is so interdisciplinary, our faculty and their research span a wide variety of specialties, giving you the opportunity to explore multiple directions and discover your passion.
Research & Expertise Areas:
Manufacturing & Materials
Additive and advanced manufacturing, composites and metals, smart and self-healing materials, sustainable manufacturing
Energy & Sustainability
Batteries, renewable energy, energy systems and modeling, combustion and alternative fuels, energy efficiency
Fluids, Modeling & Tribology
Computational fluid dynamics, flow in porous media, filtration and transport systems, friction and wear modeling
Robotics, Controls & Intelligent Systems
Robotics and assistive devices, embedded systems, sensors and actuators, control and autonomous systems
Health, Imaging & Bioengineering
Biomechanics and rehabilitation, biosensors and BioMEMS, computational biology, medical and biological imaging
Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship
Translation of engineering research into real-world impact through design, startups, and interdisciplinary collaboration
AI & Data Analytics
Enabling data-driven decisions, rapid simulation, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and faster materials discovery—shifting engineering from traditional models to intelligent, efficient systems.
Mechanical Engineering Research Centers and Labs
The team at the Center for Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems (SEES), led by Rob Cuzner, are exploring methods to make electric power systems more sustainable, cost-effective, and secure through research on energy storage, microgrid systems, and renewable energy sources.
The Connected Systems Institute (CSI), led by Joe Hamann, accelerates innovation by bringing together industry and academic researcher to facilitate digital transformation for small and medium-sized manufacturers, ultimately developing an educational curriculum to better prepare the workforce of the future.
In the Energy Storage Research Laboratory, led by Deyang Qu, the focus is on fundamental electrochemical research, seeking new materials and understanding reaction mechanisms in the areas of renewable energy, sensor and water treatment.
The mission of GRid-connected Advanced Power Electrical Systems (GRAPES), led by Rob Cuzner, is to accelerate the adoption and insertion of power electronics into the grid in order to improve system stability, flexibility, robustness, and economy.
The Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC), led by Ryo Amano, is a Department of Energy program dedicated to helping small and medium-sized manufacturers and wastewater treatment plants minimize their energy costs through efficient use of resources
The Machine Shop, led by Michael Brown, is a hands-on facility with state-of-the-art manual and computer-assisted equipment and machine tools used by faculty, students, and members of industry.
As an R1 research institution, research is integral to our work at UWM and to the experience of students pursuing graduate degrees. Our college has a wide range of faculty-led labs that perform cutting edge research. Full list of our college’s research labs, centers, and institutes
Funding Partners
UWM is one of only two R1 research universities in Wisconsin, and the only one in Southeast Wisconsin. We’re also a top externally funded institution with robust opportunities for teaching and research assistantships. Partners that support our research include:
Department of Energy (DOE)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
National Institute for Health (NIH)
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
United States Air Force (USAF)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA)
Regional and national businesses
Undergraduate Research
As an R1 university, research is a significant focus of what we do. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to get involved in research. Undergraduate students can reach out to the UWM Office of Undergraduate Research regarding research opportunities, or contact individual faculty directly.
Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis
Graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in the annual Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis, a signature event for our college. Students gain valuable experience working with faculty researchers and are invited to share their work with judges from industry, who provide feedback.
Professor Ryo Amano is directing a $5.7 million DOE grant that supports training in energy assessments for manufacturing.
