Two new mechanical engineering classes designed to help students better prepare for job opportunities upon graduation are making their debut in winter and spring quarters. Advanced metallurgy began in winter quarter, which complements the current materials engineering class and the material science minor. The sustainable buildings and HVAC systems class, an elective open to seniors, will be offered for the first time in spring quarter.

Advanced metallurgy was developed by Assistant Professor Eduardo Vitral, PhD, whose background is in material science and mechanics. One of the objectives of creating the class is to give students the background in metallurgy so they can access jobs in the industry. Additionally, for students interested in pursuing graduate school and working in materials, the class will provide the background they would not otherwise have.

“Here in the Midwest, there is as a serious need for people with background in metallurgy,” Vitral said. “There used to be many metallurgical engineering programs in the United States in the 1950s and 60s, but most of these dedicated programs transitioned into materials science. Now with many metallurgical engineers retiring, there are very few replacements with their expertise. So, a student who graduates in mechanical engineering with metallurgy knowledge would be a great candidate for those positions.” 

Vitral notes that companies such as Steel Dynamics and Harrison Steel Castings expressed interest in recruiting Rose-Hulman students with metallurgy backgrounds. Additionally, Harrison Steel is currently supporting the RHIT Cast in Steel team in which a team of five students is challenged with casting a historical weapon. This year’s competition is to cast a horseman’s axe inspired by a weapon carried by Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland. Vitral and Associate Professor Matt Riley, PhD, are advising the student team tasked to design and cast the axe. The Cast in Steel performance testing competition will take place in the spring.

The sustainable buildings and HVAC systems course was developed by Assistant Professor Saba Zakeri Shahvari, PhD. One component of the class is having guest lecturers from the industry talk about current projects in the HVAC realm, said Shahvari. Students will also work hands-on with HVAC systems and schedule on and (possibly) off-campus tours so students can be exposed to the components of different HVAC equipment such as industrial chillers, air handling units, and boilers.

In connection with the class, Shahvari plans to start an American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRE) student chapter on the Rose campus. She hopes students will get involved, make connections in industry and secure jobs after graduation.