Focus Areas

Focus areas that students can choose are based on the research areas and competencies of our faculty. While the focus areas are the main focus for most of our students, we still provide enough flexibility for students to create their own focus areas.  

The seven current focus areas are:

Biomechanics

MAE M.Eng. students in the biomechanics focus look at mechanical forces in living beings. Students come into biomechanics from either biology (with foundation knowledge in mechanical engineering) or mechanical Engineering. Engineering applications of biomechanics are: orthotics, prosthetics, human computer interfaces, robotics, wearables, implants and medical devices. Engineers in biomechanics interact with doctors, surgeons, veterinarians, device makers – many go on to create their own companies.

A biomechanics focus can focus on bones, tissue, blood – and be incorporated in design, simulation, analysis, robotics and engineered materials. There are opportunities for students in all these areas at the Sibley school.

Courses

There are no required courses in the M.Eng. Program. Each student develops a Program of Study with the Director that fits their individual needs. The courses listed below are ones that provide knowledge and practice for those wishing to pursue careers in simulation or analysis.

A Sample Curriculum

There is no required program of courses, this is just a possible model

Fall

  • MAE 5700 Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical and Aerospace Design (4 cr.)
  • MAE 5430 Innovative Product Design via Digital Manufacturing (3 cr.)
  • BME 5500 Innovation and Design of Biomedical Technologies (3 cr.)
  • DEA 6510 Ergonomics and Anthropometrics (4 cr.)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr.)

Spring

  • MAE 5135 Mechanics of Composite Structures (3 cr.)
  • MAE 5640 Orthopaedic Tissue Mechanics (3 cr.)
  • NBA 5070 Entrepreneurship for Scientists and Engineers (3 cr.)
  • MAE 5210 Dimensional Tolerancing in Mechanical Design (1 cr.)
  • MAE 5260 Design for Manufacture and Assembly (1 cr.)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr.)

A Sample of Other Possible Courses

There are hundreds of courses to choose from, this is just a short list to give you an idea of what is available. The courses you take will be based on your specific goals.

Biophysical Methods, Practice in Tissue Engineering, Stem Cell Bioengineering, Principles of MRI, Biomedical Engineering Seminar, Statistical Methods, Principles of MRI, Biofluid Mechanics, Soft Tissue Biomechanics, Biomedical Tech Point of Care Diagnostics, Immuno-engineering, Soft Tissue Biomechanics, Cancer for Engineers & Physicists, Biofluid Mechanical/Physiological Transport, Principles of Infectious Disease & Public Health

Past projects have included:

  • Adaptive Orthopedic Back Brace
  • Brain Lander
  • Design of a novel surgical screw
  • Low Density Microstructures with enhanced fatigue life
  • Equine Herpes Virus Assay
  • In-Culture Imaging System

Partial list of companies that have hired our M.Eng. graduates:

  • Depuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson
  • Lexington medical
  • IQ Motion Control
  • Intuitive
  • Atrium Health
  • Stryker
  • Abbott
  • Global Prior Art
  • Key Tech
  • Miya Health
  • Smith & Nephew 
  • Hospital for Special Surgery
  • MIDI Product Development
  • Neuralink
  • Hyperfine-Research Inc.

Design

Design is critical for many aspects of mechanical engineering, and spans a broad spectrum. Design helps give form to a better world and help solve problems we face. Engineers design machine components, mechanical devices, new materials, large systems, and even manufacturing or service processes. Underlying these activities lies a fundamental knowledge of the traditional areas of fluids, thermal, solids, and dynamics, but also a host of cross-cutting skills. As design often refers to the act of creating new things, engineering designers must master ideation, drawing, analysis, concept selection, prototyping, and testing. Today, almost all engineering companies view design as a primary mission focus to ensure innovation and competitiveness.

At Cornell, we offer courses that are aimed at design competencies, with a focus on product design (consumer, medical, and innovative) and the design and improvement of mechanical systems (machines, tools, and vehicles). Students in our product design program take courses in design methods, microcontrollers, 3d printing and prototyping and analysis coupled with other courses in entrepreneurship, management, and programming. These students usually go on to work for design and product firms like Apple, Shark Ninja, and OXO. Many students have also gone to create their own companies (check out Timur Ozekcin at Cylera).

Students who choose a more core-focused mechanical engineering design track take courses in dynamics, materials, analysis, heat transfer, and manufacturing, bolstering these skills with courses in management, risk, and leadership. These students often go on to work in the aerospace, space, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.

A Design Sample Schedule

There is no required program of courses. (The following is a possible model.)

Fall

  • MAE 5340 Innovative Product Design (3 cr)
  • MAE 5250 Computer Aided Manufacture (1cr)
  • MAE 5270 Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (1 cr)
  • MAE 5940 Professional Development for MEng in MAE (1 cr)
  • MAE 5700 Finite Element Analysis (4 cr)
  • DEA 6510 Human Factors and Inclusive Design (3 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr)

Spring

  • MAE 5210 3D Printing Parts that Don’t Break: From Processing to Performance (4 cr)
  • MAE 5260 Design for Manufacture and Assembly (1 cr)
  • MAE 5210 Dimensional Tolerancing in Mechanical Design (1 cr)
  • NBA 5070 Entrepreneurship for Scientists and Engineers (3 cr)
  • ENMGT 5920 Product Management (3 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr) 

Other Possible Courses

There are hundreds of courses to choose from. Your specific goals will determine the courses you take.

Sample of Possible Courses

Studies in Design Thinking, Architectural Robotics, Generative Design Studio, Human Factors and Inclusive Design, The Ambient Environment, Applied Ergonomic Methods, Advanced Microcontroller Design, Mechatronics, Integrated Micro Sensors and Actuators, Mechanics of Composite Structures, Design for Manufacture and Assembly, Advanced Product Design, Advanced Product Design, Applied Dynamics: Robotics, Vehicles, Machines and Biomechanics, Engineering Vibrations, Enterprise Engineering Colloquium, Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals & Processes, Intro to Design and Innovation, The Business Idea Factory

Past projects have included:

  • Design of a Novel Pedicle Screw
  • Design and development of a modular, autonomy-assisted helium
  • Mechanical Design for CCAT-p Wall Climbing Robot
  • Consumer Product Design
  • Designing Smart Garment for accurate VR body reconstruction
  • Vectorized Thrust Modules for Underwater Robotics
  • Leaf-inspired Rain-energy harvesting device
  • Human-Robot Collaborative Design Tangible User Interface
  • 0th Response: Saving Lives via Drones

Partial List of Companies that have Hired our M.Eng. Graduates

  • Bumblebee Spaces
  • Sportsfield Specialties
  • SharkNinja
  • Watson Furniture
  • Zoox
  • FormFactor
  • Apple
  • Zebra Technologies
  • littleBits
  • Huawei
  • ASML
  • MIDI Product Development
  • Google
  • Carbon3D
  • Moog
  • Sensata
  • OXO

Energy

Mechanical engineers are involved in the entire energy process: from its creation, transportation, and use, to alternatives and its conservation.  Mechanical engineers in Sibley School’s MEng Energy focus have multiple opportunities to build skills in all these areas and go to work in companies focused on renewables and more traditional fields, building new and better ways to use fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Creating ways of generating clean energy and increasing sustainability is a core mission at Cornell. The Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, founded in 2010, has transformed the University’s work in energy and sustainability, attracting top-notched faculty, projects and funding. From lake source cooling to solar farms, to a massive geothermal test well Cornell is leading the way by putting its research into action.  The MAE department’s area of specialty areas is in clean energy technologies, energy storage, the efficiency of buildings, vehicles, and propulsion systems.   These resources provide plenty of opportunity for course instruction and projects 

Courses

There are no required courses in the M.Eng. Program. Each student develops a Program of Study with the Director that fits their individual needs. The courses listed below are ones that provide knowledge and practice for those wishing to pursue careers in simulation or analysis.

A Sample Curriculum

There is no required program of courses, this is just a possible model

Fall 

  • MAE 5020 Wind Power (3 cr)
  • MAE 5700 Finite Element Analysis (4 cr)
  • MAE 5459 Energy Seminar (1 cr)
  • MAE 5xxx Intro to Nuclear Science and Engineering (3 cr)
  • CHEME 6660 Analysis of Sustainable Energy Systems (2 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr)

Spring

  • MAE 5010 Future Energy Systems (3 cr)
  • MAE 5130 Mechanics of Composite Structures (3 cr)
  • CHEME 6662 Solar Energy Module (1 cr)
  • NBA 5410 Project Management (1.5 cr)
  • CEE 5970 Risk Analysis and Management (3 cr)
  • MAE 5469 Energy Seminar (1 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr)

Sample of Other Possible Courses

There are hundreds of courses to choose from, this is just a short list to give you an idea of what is available.  The courses you take will be based on your specific goals.

Introduction to Controlled Fusion, Future Energy Systems, Applied Solid State Physics of Renewable Energy, Energy Economics, Energy Value Chain, Module, Energy Engineering, Bioenergy and Biofuels Module, Hydrokinetic and Aerodynamic Energy Module, Transportation Energy Systems Module, Fossil Fuels Module, Nuclear Energy Module, Electric Power Systems Module, Tools for Analyzing Energy and Society, Energy Life Cycle Assessment Module, Strategies for Sustainability, Combustion Processes

Past projects have included:

  • Methodology for Selecting Future Solar Farm
  • Geothermal Heat Pump Energy Efficiency Applications
  • Novel Li-ion Batteries
  • Woodsmoke
  • Estimating the power system impacts of New York’s offshore wind energy target using the Weather Research and Forecasting model
  • Vertical Axis Wind Turbines for Urban Power Generation
  • Strategic Analysis of Utility-Scale Solar and Offshore Wind
  • A Comparison of the Burning Characteristics of RD5-87 Research Fuel and Commercial Gasoline
  • A solar powered and IoT enabled air quality sensing system.
  • Co-Located Pumped Storage Hydropower and Reverse Osmosis System Optimization
  • CFD Analysis of Vehicle Induced Turbulence and Roadside Barriers and Air Quality
  • IoT Network for NY State
  • Smart City Sensing Network
  • Solar Powered Rain Water Harvesting in Puerto Rico
  • Renewable Energy for Pelitud PR
  • Woodsmoke

Partial List of Companies that have Hired our M.Eng. Graduates

  • Tishman Construction
  • Fermi National Accelerator Lab
  • ULC Technologies
  • Sandia National Laboratories
  • SepiSolar
  • Extraction Oil & Gas
  • SOM
  • EnerNOC Inc.
  • Elara Engineering
  • Vivint Solar
  • LP Amina
  • Brooklyn public library
  • Pepco
  • Gilbane
  • Schlumberger
  • Frank Lill and Son
  • Shell
  • Ballinger 
  • Arup
  • BuroHappold
  • Energy and Resource Solutions (ERS)
  • ExxonMobil
  • BMPC
  • Techno Engineering Services
  • Dominion Engineering, Inc.
  • Boreas Renewables

Engineered Materials

The engineered materials focus is designed for students interested in the use, manufacturing and analysis of advanced materials. Students in the program go into a variety of fields, from aerospace, to energy and the design of devices. The program consists of courses in solid mechanics, computational analysis and materials.

Cornell is known for its work in computational mechanics and advanced materials analysis. From modeling, simulation, experimental characterization and synthesis to advance the state-of-the-art in materials design and discovery for engineering applications. Research ranges across length scales from nano to macroscopic and material classes that include metals, semiconductors, and polymers as well as biomaterials and biological tissues.

Our program has strong ties to Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) and Cornell NanoScale Science & Technology Facility (CNF).

Courses

There are no required courses in the M.Eng. Program. Each student develops a Program of Study with the Director that fits their individual needs. The courses listed below are ones that provide knowledge and practice for those wishing to pursue careers in engineered materials.

Sample Curriculum

There is no required program of courses, this is just a possible model

Fall 

  • MAE 5700 Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical and Aerospace Design (4 cr.)
  • MAE 6110 Foundations of Solid Mechanics (4 cr.)
  • MAE 5250 Computer Aided Manufacture (1 cr.)
  • MAE 5270 Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (1 cr.)
  • MAE 5940 Professional Development for MEng in MAE (1 cr.)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (4 cr.)

Spring

  • MAE 5xxx Mechanics of Composite Structures (3 cr.)
  • MAE 5670 Polymer Mechanics (3 cr.)
  • MAE 5120 3D Printing Parts that Don’t Break (4 cr.)
  • MAE 5210 Dimensional Tolerancing in Mechanical Design (1 cr.)
  • MAE 5260 Design for Manufacture and Assembly (1 cr.)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr.)

Sample of Other Possible Courses

There are hundreds of courses to choose from, this is just a short list to give you an idea of what is available.  The courses you take will be based on your specific goals.

Dimensional Tolerancing in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Properties for Materials Process and Design, Mechanical Properties of Materials: From Nanodevices to Superstructures, Intermediate Dynamics and Vibrations, Thermo of Cond Systems, Intermediate Fluid Dynamics with CFD, Mechanical Properties of Thin Films, Materials Science Colloquium, Methods of Applied Mathematics I, Interface & Surface Phenomena, Advanced Composite Materials, Mat For Ener Production, Storage & Conversion, Structural Materials for Sustainable Energy, Mechanical Prop of Thin Films, Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals & Processes

Past projects have included:

  • Design and Verification of High Throughput Cell Stiffness Tester
  • High Strain Composites
  • FoamSat: Electrically Insulating, thermally conductive FoamStructure
  • Structural Analysis and Optimization of Launch Vehicle Components
  • Structural Analysis of a 3U+ Cube Satellite. 
  • Designing Smart Garment for accurate VR body reconstruction
  • Soft Robot Surfaces and Plants
  • Low Density Microstructures with enhanced fatigue life
  • Computational Design of Metamaterials
  • 3d printing of metallic floss flakes
  • Smarticles: an updated granular robotics platform

Partial List of Companies that have Hired our M.Eng. Graduates

  • Alcoa
  • Digital Alloys, Inc. Analog Devices
  • Digital Alloys, Inc.
  • Applied Materials
  • Carbon3D
  • Electric Boat
  • General Dynamics Electric Boat
  • Intel

Robotics

In MAE’s M.Eng. program, we create programs that fit your needs. Every student has a program that is crafted around their own individual goals.

MAE’s Robotics focus consists of coursework in controls, dynamics and structures, state-of-the-art human-robot interaction, microcontrollers, and any variety of subtopics to get you started in your career. Robotics at Cornell lives at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and computer science. Problems being solved involve space travel, building design, human-robot interaction, and controls. Projects in robotics integrate all these disciplines.

An M.Eng. in Robotics prepares you for entry into this challenging and fast-growing field. Students in our program go on to build space mining robots at Honeybee Robotics, autonomous security robots at Knightscope, autonomous drones for industry at ExynAero, surgical robots at Stryker, and smart living spaces at Ori Living.

Courses

There are no required courses in the M.Eng. Program. Each student develops a Program of Study with the Director that fits their individual needs. The courses listed below are ones that provide knowledge and practice for those wishing to pursue careers in robotics.

Sample Curriculum

There is no required program of courses, this is just a possible model.

Fall

  • MAE 5730 Intermediate Dynamics (3 cr)
  • MAE 5780 Feedback Control Systems (3 cr)
  • DEA 6210 Architectural Robotics (3 cr)
  • NBA 5150 Leadership Theory and Practice (3 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr)

Spring

  • MAE 5180 Autonomous Mobile Robots (4 cr)
  • MAE 6710 Human-Robot Interaction (3 cr)
  • MAE 6780 Multivariable Control Theory (4 cr)
  • MAE 7999 Mechanical Engineering Colloquium (1 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr) 

Sample of Other Possible Courses

There are hundreds of courses to choose from, this is just a short list to give you an idea of what is available.  The courses you take will be based on your specific goals.

Robotic Manipulation, Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems, Finite Element Analysis, Integrated Micro Sensors an Actuators: Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds, Vibrations, Robot Learning, Spacecraft Technology and Systems Architecture, Intro to Robotic Mobile Manipulation, Introduction to Computer Vision, and Computer Vision

Past projects have included:

  • Design a Conversation Companion Robot-Kip
  • Blossom
  • Robotic Arm Redesign
  • Comprehend Robotic Environment
  • Bat Robot
  • Robotic Third Arm
  • Creativity Robotics Project
  • CCAT Wall Climbing Robot
  • Human Robot Collaborative Design Tangible User Interface
  • Hardware accelerated Mobile Robot
  • Design of a Mobile Robot
  • Vectorized Thrust Modules for Underwater Robotics
  • An Under-actuated Robotic Gripper with Distal Axis Freedom
  • Design of Innovative Modular Robotics Platform

Partial List of Companies that have Hired our M.Eng. Graduates

  • Otherlab
  • Heraeus Electro-Nite
  • ULC Robotics
  • Honeybee Robotics
  • Absolute Robot, Inc
  • Axis New England
  • Ori Living Inc.
  • Stocked Robotics
  • Knightscope, Inc.
  • CACI
  • Fanuc America
  • Nimble Robotics
  • Organic Robotics Corporation
  • Exyn Technologies
  • Auris
  • Bumblebee Spaces
  • Turbofil

Simulation and Analysis

Simulation and Analysis are vital skills in the engineering field. Computational tools help engineers create better prototypes, predict and analyze failure and perform complex analysis of systems. At the Sibley School, the use of simulation and analysis tools transcends simply learning to use a piece of software.  Our faculty engage in research into complex structural and fluids problems that provide a wealth of real-world problems for students to be involved with.

The Sibley School is also the home of the Swanson Laboratory for Advanced Simulation. The Swanson Lab provides computational resources, software and instruction to students doing simulation studies. Software packages include ANSYS, Autodesk Inventor, CES, COMSOL, MATLAB and SOLIDWORKS.

Courses

There are no required courses in the MEng Program. Each student develops a Program of Study with the Director that fits their individual needs. The courses listed below are ones that provide knowledge and practice for those wishing to pursue careers in simulation or analysis.

Full descriptions of these courses can be found at the Cornell Registrars Course Description Page.

Fall 

  • MAE 5700 Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical and Aerospace Design (4 cr.)
  • MAE 5730 Intermediate Dynamics (3 cr.)
  • MAE 5940 Professional Development for MEng in MAE (1 cr.)
  • NBA 5150 Leadership Theory and Practice (3 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (4 cr.)

Spring

  • MAE 5230 Intermediate Fluid Dynamics w/ CFD (4 cr.)
  • MAE 5770 Engineering Vibrations (3 cr.)
  • MAE 5210 Dimensional Tolerancing in Mechanical Design (1 cr.)
  • MAE 5260 Design for Manufacture and Assembly (1 cr.)
  • MAE 5135 Mechanics of Composite Structures (3 cr.)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr.)

Additional Courses

Computational Combustion, Finite Element Analysis w/Applications, Data Science Numerics, Intro to Database Systems, Machine Learning Data Science, Matrix Computations, Applied Modeling in Renewable Energy, Structural Materials for Sustainable Energy, Advanced Heat Transfer, Applications of Fluid Dynamics, Applied Heat Transfer, Multiphase Flow Dynamics, Turbulence and Turbulent Flows, Advanced Composite Materials, Mechanical Prop of Thin Films, Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos, Probability, Statistics and Data Analysis, Advanced Dynamics, Nonlinear Vibrations

Past projects have included:

  • Computational modeling of coronary artery bypass graphs
  • Finite Element Analysis of Resonant Bandgap as a Function of the Geometric Properties of Periodic Lattice Systems
  • Lattice Materials Optimization
  • Polybrick 2.0 Simulation Development
  • RANS vs LES with Steady Laminar Flamelet Model for a Turbulent Diffusion Flame
  • A Numerical Investigation of the Nusselt Number
  • Analysis and Scaling of a 1N Electrolysis Thruster Nozzle to 5N
  • Cornell University Artificial Gravity
  • Finite Element Analysis of Resonant Bandgap as a Function of the Geometric Properties of Periodic Lattice Systems

Partial List of Companies that have Hired our M.Eng. Graduates

  • Pratt and Whitney
  • Raytheon
  • Stryker
  • Harris
  • Cummins
  • ASML
  • Moog
  • Scaled Composites

Spacecraft Engineering

Exploring space, the prospect of traveling beyond the confines of Earth inspires many engineers like no other endeavor. This degree will appeal to those with a passion for spacecraft. Along with the early contributions of Newton, Kepler, Euler, and Hamilton, the past century of practical, predictive, and speculative work in space travel constitutes a body of work that can guide us toward new discoveries.

The spacecraft engineering-focused M.Eng. Degree is all about how to build spacecraft–and why. It is designed to extend an undergraduate aerospace or mechanical engineering degree to allow students to focus on conceiving, designing, implementing, and operating satellites, rockets, and other space systems. At Cornell, faculty research groups in this area are addressing formation flight, space-borne robots, celestial mechanics, space propulsion, space-system architecture, adaptive control, and in-orbit inspection and repair. M.Eng. students at Cornell have participated in the design and construction of four spacecraft (the ICE Cubesat, two CUSat inspection satellites, and the Violet satellite) and the development of high-agility space-borne robotic arms. Programs like these and others are available for M.Eng. research projects.

Courses

There is no required program of courses, this is just a possible model.

Fall

  • MAE 5065 Introduction to Spaceflight Mechanics (3 cr)
  • MAE 6060 Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics, Estimation, and Control (3 cr)
  • MAE 5930 Systems Eng. & Six Sigma for Design and Operation of Reliable Systems (4 cr)
  • MAE 6540 Space Propulsion Physics and Engineering (3 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr)

Spring

  • MAE 5160 Spacecraft Technology and Systems Architecture (4 cr)
  • MAE 6530 Space Exploration Engineering (3 cr)
  • MAE 6940 Professional Development for MEng in MAE (1 cr)
  • NBA 5070 Entrepreneurship for Scientists and Engineers (3 cr)
  • MAE 6900 MEng Project (3 cr)

A Sample of Other Possible Courses

There are hundreds of courses to choose from, this is just a short list to give you an idea of what is available. The courses you take will be based on your specific goals.

GPS: Theory and Design, Intermediate Dynamics and Vibrations, Feedback Control Systems, Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos, Advanced Dynamics, Model-Based Estimation, Multivariable Control Theory, Digital Signal Processing, Digital Feedback Control, Theory of Linear Systems, Autonomous Mobile Robots, Computer Vision, Introduction to Plasma Physics, Introduction to Cosmology, Physics of the Planets, Celestial Mechanics, Remote Sensing Fundamentals, Introduction to Controlled Fusion: Principles and Technology, Future Energy Systems, Adaptive and Learning Systems

Past projects have included:

  • Advanced ChipSats for Dual exploration architecture missions
  • Regolith Thruster Project
  • An Intelligent Spacecraft Configuration Tool for Mission Architecture Space Exploration
  • Artificial Gravity Cubesat
  • Dynamical Studies of Planetary System Orbits
  • Attitude Determiniation and Control for Nano-Satellites
  • Artificial Gravity Cubesat
  • Tethered Cubesat Control Systems
  • CUSat In-orbit Inspection Nanosatellite
  • Hybrid Water Propulsion Design

Partial List of Companies that have Hired our M.Eng. Graduates

  • Moog
  • SpaceX
  • JPL
  • NASA
  • Draper Labs
  • Scaled Composites
  • Lockheed Martin
  • SSL
  • MIT Lincoln Labs
  • Raytheon
  • Blue Origin
  • Stealth Space Company
  • Emergent Space Technologies
  • Sandia
  • Ball Aerospace
  • John’s Hopkins APL
  • Aerojet/Rocketdyne
  • Boeing
  • Planet Labs
  • Northrop Grumman