The Daytona Beach Department of Mechanical Engineering prepares students to solve complex challenges in energy, mobility, health and automation. As one of the broadest and most dynamic engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering offers opportunities in nearly every industry — from aerospace and automotive to biomedical systems and robotics.
The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to advance the field through academic-industry partnerships, innovative faculty, student-driven research and focused skill development in areas of global importance such as high-performance vehicles, biomechanical systems, energy systems and robotics.
From Concept to Creation
Students gain a strong foundation in all fundamental areas of mechanical engineering while specializing in high-performance vehicles, biomedical systems, energy systems or robots and autonomous systems. Our programs emphasize teamwork, creativity and hands-on learning, with every student completing a required co-op or internship to gain real-world experience before graduation.
The department supports more than 15 student competition teams and project-based learning groups, including the NASA Lunabotics Challenge, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, EcoCAR EV Challenge, RoboBoat, RoboSub and more.
Research, Discovery and Global Impact
Graduate programs further develop this foundation through advanced study and research, culminating in graduate degrees. Students work with faculty on projects that address global challenges in sustainable energy, biomechanics, robotics and intelligent systems, gaining the knowledge and experience to drive innovation across industries worldwide.
Degrees and Programs
Study how motion, energy and materials shape the design of machines and structures. You’ll apply theory to projects that improve aircraft, spacecraft and advanced technologies used across the aerospace industry.
The College of Engineering is a leader in research innovation,
advancing knowledge that shapes the aerospace industry and beyond. Our
faculty and students pursue basic, applied and translational research
that transforms ideas into real-world solutions.
With a focus on mentored undergraduate and graduate research,
interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships, we cultivate
an environment of creativity and impact — preparing engineers who shape
the future through innovation and ingenuity.
College Labs
College Labs
Housed in the Lehman Center and M Building, our labs support hands-on learning in energy, vehicles, robotics and biomedical systems through advanced design and testing spaces.
Faculty and students explore robotics, energy, biomechanics and intelligent systems, advancing technologies that shape a more sustainable and connected world.
My goal is to have a career with a high social impact, improving the health and safety of others. Whether in the energy sector, aircraft instrumentation or in water systems, the opportunities I’ve had at Embry‑Riddle have greatly shaped my career plans."
Justin Fratto (’27), B.S. Mechanical Engineering
The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle is to contribute to the field of mechanical engineering through academic-industry partnerships, innovative faculty and student-driven research, and focused development of student skills in areas of significant global interest, such as high-performance vehicles, bio-mechanical systems, energy systems and robotics.
Projects and Competitions
Our students test their skills at competitions and enjoy project-based learning clubs and organizations that enhance the classroom experience. We are among the most competitive Mechanical Engineering Departments in the nation, participating in more than 15 student design competitions that are associated with our tracks of study, including:
Maritime RobotX Challenge
NASA Lunabotics Competition
Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition
RoboBoat
RoboSub
Student Unmanned Aerial Systems
U.S. Department of Energy Solar District Cup
ASHRAE Student Design Competition
Formula SAE
Baja SAE
EcoCAR EV Challenge
World Congress of Biomechanics
Biomedical Engineering Society Design Contest
ASME Student Design Competitions
NASA Microgravity
The Mechanical Engineering Department also works heavily with the Embry-Riddle Office of Undergraduate Research to provide research experiences for undergraduate students. Students may join existing projects or submit proposals on topics of their choice.
The department also hosts professional society chapters, including , , and .
The Co-op/Internship program provides students with practical experience that reinforces the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom. The Co-op/Internship program aids in bridging the gap between student life and the world of work. This program combines students' academic and career interests with work experience in business, industry, government or service organizations. Key elements of the Co-op/Internship program experience are:
Engineering work assignments in areas related to mechanical engineering
Supervision and evaluation of performance by engineers
Completion of learning objectives designed to relate mechanical engineering studies to the work world
Benefits to Students
Provides engineering work experience that is relevant to mechanical engineering and a student’s career goals
Helps to define career goals so that more realistic engineering job choices can be made
Establishes valuable professional contacts and broadens engineering job opportunities after graduation
May provide income to help with college expenses
Increases self-confidence and interpersonal skills
Enhances motivation and classroom participation by relating academics to the work world
Offers the potential to earn one college credit for every 100 hours worked, to a maximum of six credit hours per semester for undergraduate students. Graduate students can earn one credit hour for each 200 hours worked, up to a maximum of three credit hours.
Can be used to meet professional development and/or technical elective requirements, subject to departmental policies
Eligibility for ME Undergraduate Students
Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher
Have completed 30 university or college credit hours; if a transfer student, have completed at least 12 credit hours at Embry‑Riddle in addition to meeting other requirements
Remain in good academic standing throughout their participation in the Co-op/Internship program
Eligibility for ME Graduate Students
Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Recent ME Student Co-op Employers
GE Aerospace
Northrop Grumman
Ford Motor Company
Pratt & Whitney
Trane Technologies
Sparton Corporation
Lockheed Martin
Boston Whaler
Pratt & Miller
Steam Solutions
Honeywell Aerospace
Argonne National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
IRES: USA-Brazil Collaboration on Fundamental Research Preparing Students to Solve Thermal Management Challenges in Electrified Aircraft
Highlights
NSF-funded opportunity in São José dos Campos, Brazil, hosted by Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA)
10-week summer research experience at ITA
Collaborative projects in passive and active thermal management
Cultural exchange and site visits to Embraer and Eve Air Mobility
Provided housing and a competitive stipend
Open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students
About the Program
This International Research Experience for Students (IRES) program enables a unique collaboration between Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Over three years, selected students will engage in joint research tackling challenges in electrified aircraft through advanced thermal management strategies.
The program focuses on training the next generation of engineers in high-impact topics like phase-change materials and transcritical CO₂ systems, combining numerical and experimental approaches in an international setting.
Research Areas
Thrust 1: Passive Thermal Management
Focus on solid-to-liquid phase-change materials (PCMs)
Applications in motors and electronics for electric aircraft
Flow visualization experiments and GPU-accelerated modeling
Thrust 2: Active Cooling
Study of transcritical CO₂ (tCO₂) systems for heat removal
Includes compact refrigeration systems and heat exchanger design
Hands-on experience with high-fidelity simulations and experimental rigs
Application Info
Eligibility
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Undergraduate or graduate student in a STEM field
Available for 10 weeks between May and August
Able to commit 10-20 hours/week during spring for pre-departure prep
Application Platform: Apply via the .
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2025
Program Timeline
Fall
Recruitment and selection
Initial cohort introductions
Portuguese language club and pre-departure meetings
Spring
Research planning and virtual mentor meetings
Travel and housing logistics
Summer
10-week onsite research at ITA
Weekly check-ins with faculty and mentors
Site visits and cultural activities
Fall (Post-Return)
Data analysis
Conference preparation
Final publications and presentations
Partners
ITA is the premier aerospace-focused engineering institution of Brazil, operating under the Brazilian Air Force as part of the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) in São José dos Campos. As a leading center for education and applied research, ITA plays a critical role in advancing the scientific and technological capabilities of Brazil’s aerospace, defense and energy sectors.
The university has approximately 2,300 students and maintains a diverse academic community composed of civilian and military faculty, researchers and students. Its facilities are located within the DCTA campus, alongside several other key aerospace R&D entities, including the research divisions of Embraer and the Brazilian Space Agency.
ITA’s mission centers on leveraging engineering and scientific innovation to promote Brazil’s national technological development. This includes research in thermal sciences, propulsion systems, energy systems and advanced manufacturing. The institution is closely integrated with Brazil’s industrial ecosystem, engaging in collaborative research with leading companies such as Embraer and Eve Air Mobility.
Student Experience
Conduct research in cutting-edge labs at ITA
Gain experience in international collaboration
Network with Brazilian graduate students and faculty
Visit leading aerospace companies
Develop language, cultural and professional skills
Professional Development
Virtual collaboration with Brazilian mentors before departure
Team-building and cross-cultural problem solving
Conference attendance and publication support
Attendance at the 2026 International Heat Transfer Conference in Rio
Disclaimer
This website is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2505458. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
My goal is to have a career with a high social impact, improving the health and safety of others. Whether in the energy sector, aircraft instrumentation or in water systems, the opportunities I’ve had at Embry‑Riddle have greatly shaped my career plans." Justin Fratto (’27), B.S. Mechanical Engineering