Hypothesize, Analyze, Model and Execute

March 23, 2025

By Ngaatendwe Manyika, MEAM '27 

Arduino programming with DC motors and Rocket Launcher project with 3D printed parts.

What is Mechanical Engineering? I would define it as the discipline which allows you to visualize and create projects from start to finish. This is a combination of mathematics, physics, programming, material science, fabrication, 3D modelling, imagination and grit. The introduction courses from freshman to sophomore year teach concepts that re-calibrate the way you view the world. From static bridge analysis in MEAM 2110 to the actual design and fabrication of an 8ft long bridge in MEAM 2470… it is evident that MEAM puts its theory into practice. 

Hypothesize, design, model, execute and iterate. These are the five horsemen of Mechanics, a degree rooted in design and fabrication. I have fumbled more times than I can count, but I think that is the whole point (or at least that is what I tell myself)! There is much more teamwork than one would expect, since designing and modifying in isolation can present a plethora of problems. Teammates test you, push you to be better, and expect your very best! This sounds scary but actually you will always rise to the occasion and even if you fall, you fall to your level of support. Lucky for you MEAM is a very encouraging community, the second floor of Towne building is overflowing with support should you ever need it.

MEAM opens so many doors! I had the privilege of working in a nanofabrication lab as a mechanochemistry research assistant with the Drndic Group. The Drndic group, run by Dr. Marija Drndić, is one of many research labs based at Penn that have access to the Singh Center for Nanotechnology.

Check out the MEAM department for more information and the MEAM classes too!