How can a MechE look good for green engineering?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jaden44
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Engineering Green
AI Thread Summary
A mechanical engineering (MechE) student interested in green engineering should focus on renewable energy sectors like solar, wind, and geothermal. Gaining hands-on experience through research opportunities, clubs, or co-ops related to energy can enhance employability. While a minor may not significantly impact job prospects, taking electives that align with personal interests is beneficial. Engaging with professors early for research opportunities is encouraged, as many students start working in labs during their freshman or sophomore years. Ultimately, choosing between a physics or chemistry focus should align with personal strengths and interests, as both can be valuable in the field of alternative energy.
jaden44
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
im currently a freshman majoring in ME, and in the future want to
work with (dont know specifically what yet) renewable energy, designing
more efficient energy-harvesting systems, etc. but, i know there are
tons of kids in my generation aspiring to do the same. is there a
specific minor that you know of that can set me apart, or anything
i should be doing extra-curricularly (if that's a word) to make me a
more desirable ME in this field?
at first i thought environmental engineering was for me, but my
advisor told me that that was more dealing with water and air
treatment, waste management, etc.
any thoughts or ideas?
thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is a lot of work for MEs trying to make current systems such as engines, refrigerators, heat pumps more efficient or even developing new systems. There is also a lot for MEs in solar, wind, geothermal... MEs can do a lot of different things so with a good ME degree it shouldn't be hard to find something you like. As far as things that will look good I guess it depends on what you want to do. If you are interested in grad school/research then start finding professors at your school who do research in these areas and try to work with them. If you are more interested in getting a job after undergrad then research is still great for the hands on experience but there are also probably some clubs at your school related to the environment that you could look into, or you could start your own club, or do a co-op with a company that works on energy.
 
RandomGuy88 said:
There is a lot of work for MEs trying to make current systems such as engines, refrigerators, heat pumps more efficient or even developing new systems. There is also a lot for MEs in solar, wind, geothermal... MEs can do a lot of different things so with a good ME degree it shouldn't be hard to find something you like. As far as things that will look good I guess it depends on what you want to do. If you are interested in grad school/research then start finding professors at your school who do research in these areas and try to work with them. If you are more interested in getting a job after undergrad then research is still great for the hands on experience but there are also probably some clubs at your school related to the environment that you could look into, or you could start your own club, or do a co-op with a company that works on energy.

im definitey more into solar, wind, geothermal, etc... hopefully there are mechE jobs that require me being out in the field more often than not with these types of jobs? designing is fun too, though.
i feel a little out of place asking a prof to do research with them as only a freshman or sophomore undergrad, but yeah i think there is a solar car team or something, so ill look into that, thanks.
would it be helpful to have a minor in anything particular, or at least have a strong focus in a certain science (ie a mechE with a strong chemistry background)?
thanks
 
I think being able to say you have a minor in something really doesn't matter much (at least that is what I have heard) but of course it would be a good idea to take electives in something that interests you. You should probably talk to professors about exactly what you want. And I know freshmen who started working in a professors lab before. Right now a friend of mine who is a bio-engineer has a freshman shadowing her in the lab to learn how everything works and eventually have her own project. So don't hesitate to talk to professors, the worst that can happen is they say no.
 
It's never too early to start seeking out research/work experience, even if you expect to be rejected. If you know of a prof that is doing work that interests you, it probably won't hurt to let them know.

Also, one summer opportunity you might consider applying to next year (applications are closed for this summer) is the SULI program. I mention it because I've taken part (and am returning for a second summer) and it offers a lot of opportunities to work in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Check out some of the labs and see if it sounds like something you'd want to do:
http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/SciEd/erulf/choose.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
alright, i think i'll approach one of my professors, thanks.
doesn't look like the SULI program has anything near where i live (maine).
my next question is what would look better for a job in alternative energy - a more physical or chemical background? next semester, i can choose between chem 12 and phys 12 (second level) to be on track for a BSME. which route should i go with, or is it just personal choice? i think i may enjoy physics more, but chemistry seems to be coming easier for me - i understand it better. any suggestions?
thanks
 
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?
Back
Top