Mechanical Engineering Department

Contact Information

Dr. Pierre Larochelle
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Civil Mechanical Building Room 129
(605) 394-2401
E-mail: Pierre.Larochelle@sdsmt.edu
Web: http://www.sdsmt.edu/me

Faculty

Professors Abata, Kouris, Larochelle, and Muci-Kuchler; Associate Professors Ash, Birrenkott, Romkes, Shahbazi, and Xing; Assistant Professors Bruno, Diwakar, Fekrmandi, Lande, and Thalakkottor; Lecturers Lalley, McKeon and Rederth; and Instructor Knudson. Professors Emeritus Buck, Dolan, Gnirk, Kalanovic, Kjerengtroen, Krause, and Langerman.

Staff

Program Assistant 1 Moore, Secretary Brzozowski, Laboratory Coordinator Lalley, and Machinist (Equipment Technician) Tseptsura

Mechanical Engineering (ME)

The Department of Mechanical Engineering’s mission is to prepare our graduates for leadership roles by:

offering a quality education to foster a distinctive curriculum accentuating design and project-based learning;
committing to individual development, while emphasizing the values of teamwork in a culturally diverse and multidisciplinary environment; and
encouraging undergraduate and graduate research to nurture creative solutions to complex engineering problems.

The undergraduate mechanical engineering program offers a premier project-based engineering design curriculum and provides our graduates with a superior educational experience through teaching and learning, research and development, and service & social responsibility.

Mechanical engineering (ME) is a very broad field that provides opportunities for interesting and challenging work in every phase of modern technology. The curriculum in the mechanical engineering department is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles of engineering and science within the major areas of mechanical engineering:

manufacturing
mechanical systems
thermal & fluid sciences and energy

Beyond this foundation, the curriculum also develops:

the various aspects of engineering design, including design theory and teamwork,
an effective integration of computer and software technologies,
communication and presentation skills, and
improved understanding of engineering theory through experiential project-based learning experiences that are integrated throughout the curriculum.

In their senior year, students select four elective courses that best reflect their interests and career objectives. Students may select courses from one or more of the following general areas:

manufacturing (e.g., design, development, and manufacture of diverse products and equipment)
thermal & fluid sciences/energy (e.g., fuels & combustion and gas dynamics)
mechanical systems/design (e.g., robotics, controls, design of machines and systems)

Where do I find more information on Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota Mines?

Visit our webpage to learn more about mechanical engineering at South Dakota Mines. You will learn more about industries in which you can be employed, ME laboratories, and co-op, internship, and research opportunities while you pursue your degree.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science degree program in mechanical engineering at South Dakota Mines is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. Information on program objectives and student learning outcomes can be found on our Accreditation and Assessment webpage.