Mechanical Engineering

Kurt Bassett, Department Head
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Crothers Engineering Hall 216
605-688-5426
E-mail: kurt.bassett@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/me

Faculty
Professor Bassett, Head; Professors Delfanian, Duan, Hu; Professor Emeritus Moutsoglou; Assistant Professors Du, Gent, Michna; Lecturers Letcher, Twedt; Instructor Versteeg.

Department Overview
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a minor in Sustainable Energy Systems. The department is focused on developing students’ problem-solving talents, built upon a solid understanding of the scientific and mathematical principles that guide engineers. The faculty members are dedicated to providing a challenging and effective learning environment. They continue to build upon their considerable expertise through engineering research and practice.

Throughout the curriculum, classroom theory is extended and applied with learning activities in well-equipped laboratories. Team-oriented design courses prepare students to apply engineering principles to the solution of real-world problems. Most students participate in at least one internship or cooperative work experience during a summer or semester away from campus. Opportunities are also available for students to participate in research projects guided by faculty members working with state-of-the-art engineering equipment.

Department Mission
The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, in support of the mission of the College of Engineering, is to provide a highly respected, rigorous, and practical professional education for Mechanical Engineering students oriented toward applied problem solving; to conduct meaningful research which broadens the base of engineering and scientific knowledge with a regional emphasis; and to provide technical assistance to existing and emerging businesses, industry and government.

Programs

Facilities
In addition to the instructional laboratories, the department houses the following research laboratories:

• Biofuels Laboratory
• Materials Evaluation and Testing Laboratory
• Simulation-Based Engineering and Analysis Laboratory

Student Engagement Opportunities
The department provides opportunities for student engagement through engineering design projects, participation in research, and participation in student organizations. The following student branches of professional societies are active in the department:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
• Society of Automotive Engineers
• Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering Honor Society)

In addition, mechanical engineering students are active in the following engineering organizations:

• Society of Women Engineers
• Engineers Without Borders
• Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society)
• Alpha Omega Epsilon (Engineering Sorority)
• Sigma Phi Delta (Engineering Fraternity)