RESEARCH
Bringing innovation
to life with
world-class research
Mechanical engineers are tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, from advancing clean energy technologies to improving health, transportation, and environmental sustainability. As the world continues to evolve, mechanical engineering plays a vital role in creating innovative solutions that enhance the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings.
At Colorado State University, our research spans diverse areas, including energy systems, robotics, aerospace, and health. Through cutting-edge materials, intelligent design, and advanced testing, we aim to develop technologies that drive progress, improve efficiency, and promote a sustainable future.
Research expenditures in FY25
Our department is home to a number of research centers and institutes, coordinating efforts for our broad research areas.
Students enhance their education in our hands-on laboratories equipped with the modern tools and equipment necessary to thrive in research and industry.
The Powerhouse Energy Campus at Colorado State University is a 100,000-square-foot hub of innovation and sustainability. Once a coal-fired power plant, it’s now a world-renowned research facility where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs tackle energy challenges like engine technology, electric grids, biofuels, and energy access. With a focus on clean energy and collaboration, the Powerhouse is shaping the future of sustainable solutions!
The Engineering Research Center at Colorado State University is a hub for innovation in renewable energy and advanced propulsion systems. Home to the Center for Next Generation Photovoltaics, researchers are pioneering solar technologies to make photovoltaic energy a major global power source. It also houses the Electric Propulsion and Plasma Engineering Laboratory, where groundbreaking work on ion extraction grids, plasma interactions, and aerospace materials is transforming space exploration and terrestrial applications. For students eager to shape the future of energy and engineering, this is where bold ideas come to life!
The Factory at Colorado State University is a 14,000-square-foot hub for advanced manufacturing and materials research, with a rich history dating back to its origins as an aircraft production facility in 1958. Over the years, it has evolved from agricultural and motorsport engineering into a cutting-edge space for groundbreaking research in composite materials, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. For students eager to tackle real-world challenges and redefine the future of engineering, The Factory offers an exciting and dynamic environment to turn ideas into reality!
The Orthopaedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory at Colorado State University is where science and innovation come together to transform patient care! This multidisciplinary research facility uses cutting-edge experimental and computational methods to study orthopaedic tissues in their healthy, diseased, and treated states. By blending basic science with groundbreaking translational research, the lab is driving advancements that directly impact medical practices and improve lives. Led by Department Head Christian Puttlitz, it’s the perfect place for students passionate about combining engineering, medicine, and research to make a real difference in the future of healthcare!
The Engineering Building at Colorado State University is the ultimate hands-on hub for future engineers! Packed with state-of-the-art teaching labs, it’s where students bring ideas to life. From crafting prototypes in the Engineering Manufacturing Education Center (EMEC) to exploring cutting-edge technology in the 3-D printing Idea2Product Lab and diving into robotics in the mechatronics lab, this building is all about turning concepts into creations. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, innovate, and gain real-world experience, the Engineering Building is where your journey begins!
The Chemistry Building at Colorado State University isn’t just for chemistry—it’s also home to groundbreaking mechanical engineering research that’s shaping the future of materials science! Inside, you’ll find the Ceramics Laboratory, where students and researchers push the boundaries of innovation by exploring advanced ceramic materials for cutting-edge applications like energy, aerospace, and medicine. Whether you’re designing materials for extreme environments or creating solutions for real-world challenges, the Chemistry Building is where mechanical engineering meets creativity, discovery, and endless possibilities. If you’re ready to work with advanced materials and make a global impact, this is the place to be!
Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University is about using our knowledge of materials, energy, and health to solve society’s global engineering challenges.
Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University is about using our knowledge of materials, energy, and health to solve society’s global engineering challenges.
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Programs and Information
Programs and Information
Faculty and Staff
Labs and Researchers