Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) offers a rigorous and immersive research experience designed to cultivate future leaders in academia, industry, and government. Administered by the Graduate Group in MEAM, the program provides a tailored curriculum that supports individual interests and promotes deep exploration of complex engineering challenges. Students work closely with faculty advisors and a dedicated thesis committee to shape a personalized path of study, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on research.
Ph.D. Students
Primary Faculty
Graduate Group Members
The Ph.D. requirements include the completion of a minimum of 10 course units of graduate level work beyond the undergraduate program with a grade-point average of at least 3.0, satisfactory performance in the Ph.D.-related exams, presentation of a departmental seminar, completion of the teaching practicum, and the submission and successful defense of an original and significant dissertation.
Two core mathematics courses listed below:
* Students should check their preparedness for ENM 5200 by reviewing the syllabus before registering for the course. If this material is unfamiliar, the student should take ENM 5100 prior to taking ENM 520
Three core MEAM courses chosen from the list of six courses below:
This course offers hands-on training in teaching and communication. Students work closely with a faculty member and engage in activities such as leading recitations, giving demo lectures, supervising labs, and developing instructional materials. Select sessions are supervised, with feedback provided.
End of First Year
The Ph.D. Qualifying Exam is a key milestone that tests your readiness to conduct independent research. In your second semester, you’ll complete a faculty-mentored independent study and present your findings to a committee in a written report and oral exam. Passing the exam advances you officially into Ph.D. candidacy.
Second Year
All Ph.D. students complete three semesters of teaching practicum (MEAM 8950) to build essential teaching, communication, and leadership skills. Under faculty guidance, you’ll engage in activities like leading recitations, supporting labs, and attending teaching workshops.
Third Year
By the end of your second year, you'll form a Dissertation Committee to guide your research through to completion. This committee includes your advisor, a reader, and a chair, plus optional members from related disciplines. It serves as your core support team for feedback, accountability, and expertise throughout the Ph.D. journey.
Fourth Year
By the end of your third year, you’ll write and present a formal dissertation proposal outlining your research plan. This proposal must be approved by your Dissertation Committee and submitted at least two weeks before your presentation. It marks a major step in defining the scope and direction of your doctoral work.
Summer Before Graduation
Before defending your dissertation, you’ll present a departmental seminar on your research. This seminar gives you valuable experience presenting technical work and responding to questions from a broad audience. It also builds community by sharing research-in-progress and sparking new ideas across the department.
Fifth/Sixth Year
The final milestone of the Ph.D. is the dissertation defense—a formal oral examination of your completed research. You’ll present your dissertation to your Committee, respond to their questions, and demonstrate your expertise in your field. Successfully defending your dissertation marks the official completion of your doctoral journey.
MEGA builds a strong, supportive community for MEAM graduate students. Run by students, for students, MEGA hosts social events, academic seminars, and networking opportunities that help you connect with peers, faculty, and the broader Penn community.
Learn More
MEAM graduate students are deeply engaged in the Philadelphia community through outreach and educational events. Many lab groups participate in activities like Philly Materials Day, where they share their research with the public and inspire the next generation of engineers.
Two Ph.D. students have earned STLE scholarships for cutting-edge tribology research. Their work on self-healing tribocoatings and nanoparticle-enhanced greases is advancing next-generation lubrication and wear protection technologies.
Campbell defended his doctoral dissertation, “Elastomeric Strain Limitation for Design of Soft Pneumatic Actuators” under the guidance of Mark Yim, Asa Whitney Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
At this year’s Graduate Awards Ceremony, six MEAM graduate students were celebrated for their contributions to the Penn Engineering community through service, teaching, and academics.
