The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering was established in 1891 and has grown over its 130-year history to become the second-largest department in the university, with over 1,000 students pursuing mechanical engineering degrees. A new degree program in Aerospace Engineering was started in 2022.
NACE Summer 2023
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers programs of study leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering. Graduate students will have the opportunity to work closely with internationally recognized faculty members on research at the leading edge of technology
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We are proud to offer the only undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering in the state of Kentucky! Mechanical engineers apply their expertise to the design, development and mass production of everything from rocket propulsion systems to appliances.
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With over 30 full-time faculty members dedicated to teaching and research, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering supports research in numerous relevant fields. We advance aerospace research and often work with NASA on research methods for its future missions. Mechanical and aerospace engineering is a diverse discipline, and our robust faculty is engaged in every aspect of it.
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Gifts to the Mechanical Engineering Enhancement Fund can supplement existing operating budgets or provide revenue that can be directed toward emerging needs and opportunities such as scholarships, faculty support, facility enhancement and unrestricted support for departments. This valuable support allows the college to be flexible and responsive and demonstrate the truth that there is power in numbers.
The Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing pioneers new manufacturing standards that respect the planet’s resources.
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Our Institute of Research for Technological Development (IR4TD) explores fire research, painting technology research, lean manufacturing systems and more.
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On Sept. 12, the University of Kentucky will induct 20 alumni into the 2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni, including five Pigman College of Engineering alumni. The alumni will be honored for their meaningful contributions to the Commonwealth, nation and the world.
The article below is featured in the Summer 2025 edition of Kentucky Alumni magazine. ****
Alexandre Martin, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky, has been awarded the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal — one of the highest honors given to individuals outside the agency.
What once started as a mission to test an aircraft on Mars has turned into research using drones at the University of Kentucky that now helps engineers predict tornadoes.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky are teaming up with researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) to develop cutting-edge simulations of heart disease progression. The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded UK and MSU a four-year, $1.2 million collaborative grant titled “SCH: Machine‑Learning Enhanced Computational Models of Cardiac Pathophysiology.”
The Pigman College of Engineering is proudly announces the establishment of the Clifford Cremers and Eric Cremers Chair in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. This endowment is made possible through a generous gift from mechanical engineering alumnus, Eric Cremers ’84 and his wife Laura, in honor of Eric’s late father, Clifford Cremers.
In partnership with NASA’s National Space Grant College & Fellowship Program, the Kentucky Space Grant Consortium provides opportunities in aerospace-related research and education for Kentucky colleges, universities, community colleges, non-profits, and industry affiliates. More information available at NASA Kentucky Space Grant.
Dr. Alexandre Martin, Director
Phone: 859-218-NASA (218-6272)E-mail: nasa@uky.edu
Associate Director:Jacob Owen 859-323-4542
Visit the NASA KY website
