About MBE

Who We Are

The Mechanical Engineering program prepares students for the rewards and challenges of careers in research, design, and manufacturing of a wide array of mechanical components and systems.

The curriculum was carefully developed with input from engineering professionals to provide a sound foundation in basic engineering while enabling students to specialize in diverse topics such as machine design, product development, thermal systems, robotics, vibrations and controls. Design is a central theme throughout the curriculum. Graduates are well prepared to enter the workplace or to further their education in graduate schools.

Through student run organizations and projects, affiliations are maintained with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

The MBE faculty/staff are:

Mechanical Engineering Program Mission:

The Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering Department provides an enriching student experience with accessible, high quality, nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare students for productive careers, graduate study, research, and lifelong learning. Multidisciplinary research and innovative technology development are pursued to advance the knowledge and practice of Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering.

Mechanical Engineering Program Vision:

The Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering Department seeks to deliver recognized degree programs where students learn and practice state of the art engineering and research methods dealing with issues of concern locally, nationally, and globally. The department’s focus on energy, systems engineering, environmental stewardship, and biomechanics will provide the context for vibrant student experiences.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

To attain these goals, we strive to achieve the following specific and measurable outcomes in our students while they are studying with us. Throughout the students’ course of study the faculty and their designees will assess the extent to which students are meeting these expected outcomes.

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration for public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Industry Advisory Board

The Advisory Board for the Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering department provides an important connection to the activities, innovations, and issues present in industry. With input from Board members, the department evaluates curriculum and works to stay relevant to the needs our students will face as they enter the work force.

IAB Members are volunteers and work to guide program administration in developing programs and opportunities for our future engineers. If you are interested in being a part of the IAB, contact our department chair, Dr. Todd Otanicar, at toddotanicar@boisestate.edu.

Meet our IAB Members

Accreditation

The bachelor’s program offered by the Department of Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, Telephone: (410) 347-7700.

Current undergraduate program enrollment:  447
Undergraduate degrees awarded in 2019/2020:  93

Go to ABET

NASA Compliance

With these objective in mind, we are pleased to provide the following publications hyperlinked below for electronic accessibility:

Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity in NASA Assisted Programs: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Related Laws. This brochure lays out NASA’s obligations under the civil rights laws pertaining to federally assisted programs and activities. It provides program beneficiaries with information on how to file a discrimination complaint directly with NASA, should they wish to do so.  The brochure also has a companion poster, Equal Opportunity in NASA Assisted Programs, which provides similar information.

Title IX and STEM: Promising Practices. This publication provides a host of promising practices for creating greater gender diversity and more inclusive STEM program environments. The practices are culled from NASA’s many Title IX compliance reviews of educational institution grant recipients.

Title IX and STEM: A Guide for Conducting Title IX Self-Evaluations. This publication, the second in our Title IX and STEM series, provides detailed guidance and instructions for conducting Title IX self-evaluations in conformity with Title IX requirements, to help STEM programs in their gender equity efforts. The fillable version allows for the self-evaluation to be completed electronically.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provides informational materials on civil rights compliance and equal opportunity in programs receiving NASA grants and other federal financial assistance with the intent of offering beneficiaries of NASA funded programs, such as students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), greater awareness on their rights under civil rights laws such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.

Mailing Address

Department of Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering
Boise State University
1910 University Drive, MS-2085
Boise, ID 83725-2085
(208) 426-4078 phone
(208) 392-1589 fax
MBE@boisestate.edu

Department Office

Charles P. Ruch Engineering Building
1375 University Drive, Suite 201

Advising Office

College of Engineering Academic Advising Office
1375 University Drive, Suite 101

View map to Ruch Building

Engineering Tutoring Center

Grant Avenue Annex
1015 Grant Avenue, First Floor

View map to Grant Avenue Annex

Engineering Innovation Studio

Harry Morrison Civil Engineering Building
1019 S. Euclid Avenue, First Floor

View map to the Morrison Civil Engineering Building

Department Chair

Todd Otanicar, Ph.D., P.E.
Chair and Professor
Director, CAES Energy Efficiency Research Institute
toddotanicar@boisestate.edu

Department Office Support

Kristina Martin, Department Manager
kristinamartin@boisestate.edu
(208) 426-5653

Ashley Holden, Graduate Program/Travel
ashleyholden@boisestate.edu
(208) 426-4095

Justin Larson, Personnel/Outreach
jlarson@boisestate.edu
(208) 426-4078

Student Worker, Procurement
MBEPurchasing@boisestate.edu
(208) 426-4087

Advising Contacts

Undergraduate Advising

Lynn Olson – Pre-Mechanical Engineering Advisor
Ruch Engineering Building, Room 101
(208) 426-2686
lynnolson1@boisestate.edu

Lynn Catlin – MBE Advising Coordinator
Grant Avenue Annex
1015 Grant Avenue, Room 104
(208) 426-4088
AdviseME@boisestate.edu

Graduate Program Coordinator

Trevor Lujan, Ph.D.
Ruch Engineering Building, Room 235
(208) 426-2857
trevorlujan@boisestate.edu

Faculty and Staff Directory

Looking for a particular faculty or staff member?

Go to the Directory