A Message From Our Department HEad
Welcome to the Mechanical Engineering Department at MINES. The Department has a well-earned reputation for immersing students in educational experiences that mingle advanced engineering science with practical (and fun!) hands-on learning. We empower graduates with contemporary engineering tools, professional skills, and the entrepreneurial mindset to drive innovation across a range of industries.
Our undergraduate and graduate degree programs are led by world-renowned faculty who bring cutting-edge research, industrial know-how, and business experience to the classroom and the laboratory. In these pages you will learn about of our academic programs, ground-breaking research, and the vibrant community that makes our department so special.
Whether you’re a prospective student, a current ME community member, an alumnus, or a visitor, I’m delighted you’re exploring what our department has to offer.
Anthony Petrella,
Department Head
Anthony Petrella
Department Head and Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Research Divisions
Research in our department is focused in core mechanical engineering applications and in interdisciplinary studies that blend ME with other fields. Explore the wide-ranging expertise of our faculty.
Education
Apply Today
Discover Mechanical Engineering at the School of Mines
"Learn
The Mines BSME program blends rigorous engineering fundamentals with hands-on labs, team projects, and a senior capstone. Students tailor studies with electives, gain real-world experience, and prepare for careers or grad school in diverse fields.
"Learn
Mines’ Mechanical Engineering graduate program combines advanced coursework, cutting-edge research, and close faculty mentorship. Students pursue MS or PhD paths, engage in labs, collaborate on real-world projects, and prepare for leadership in academia or industry.
"Learn
FEA Pro is a 100% online, 12-credit graduate certificate in finite-element analysis for structural and thermal design to prepare engineers for applied simulation roles with industry-leading software.
"Learn
Mines Mechanical Engineering houses numerous advanced labs—from Additive Manufacturing to Shock & Impact, Energy Storage, Computational Biomechanics, Intelligent Robotics, and more—enabling cutting-edge teaching, interdisciplinary research, and hands-on innovation.
"Learn
Join a Mines ME student organization for the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects, competitions, networking, and leadership opportunities in aerospace, automotive, HVAC, robotics, and creative engineering.
"Learn
Mines’ Mechanical Engineering department collaborates with organizations in sectors like aerospace, defense, energy, robotics, and manufacturing, through research projects, facilities, and career services.
Student Highlights
Alaina Clar
Alaina Clar: “The Mines student community has diverse passions, and you can always find an outlet for them.”
Christine Yee
Christine Yee: “If someone is interested in coming to Mines I would tell them that this school is a rewarding and challenging experience.”
Eliseo Esparza
Eliseo Esparza: “I chose Mines because of its competitive academics and for being the top engineering school in Colorado.”
Mechanical Engineering by the numbers
Undergraduate Students
Graduate & PHD Students
2024 average starting salary for BSME graduates
$12.5
Million
awarded research in fiscal year 2023
%
Percentage of Students who Complete Internships
#1
Public University in CO (U.S. News & World Report, 2022)
Contact us
Anthony Petrella
Department Head
Daniel Blood
Associate Department Head
Steven Decaluwe
Ventzislav Karaivanov
Additional Resources and Links
Solidworks (Required ME Software)
