People Pages

 

Welcome to ESM, one of the few departments of its kind in the US. Our unique department has a distinguished history. A 2005 review by a blue-ribbon panel concluded that ESM has a "longstanding record of excellence as a key element of the College of Engineering with national visibility." We have almost thirty faculty members who are well known for their commitment to teaching strong fundamentals. They also support a large number of graduate students and conduct outstanding research.

The ESM program is well suited to address the critical need for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education and research. For instance, we have faculty members who have backgrounds in engineering mechanics (the principles on which most areas of mechanical, aerospace, ocean, civil, materials, and perhaps even chemical and mining, engineering are based on) and engineering science (applied mathematicians and physicists). Some also have interests in aspects of electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and the life sciences.

Engineering science is nomenclature that characterizes a program like ours which focuses on imparting and using fundamental interdisciplinary skills that address engineering problems. We have collected superb scientists (physicists, chemists and the like), applied mathematicians, and engineers with various backgrounds (mechanical, electrical, chemical, etc.) who lead the ESM educational and research programs. The National Academy of Engineering has issued a document that states that the nation will need exactly these kinds of engineers in 2020.

I invite you to view the faculty and alumni profiles for ESM from the links in our website. You will realize from their stellar accomplishments that the reputation of Virginia Tech and its College of Engineering in many ways is derived from their noteworthy achievements. You'll be able to clearly see by perusing these pages the kinds of scientists and engineers we value and where we think the future lies. I also invite you to listen to a short discussion about our program.

Come join us! You can become part of our undergraduate or graduate programs, or give to ESM. We could make both your journey and eventual destination very worthwhile.

Ishwar K. Puri, Professor & Department Head