Research Overview
> More information on our Research Labs
> Download the Faculty Research Interests 2010-2011 (PDF)
The College of Engineering’s mission as an integral part of a major land grant University is to provide the necessary teaching, research and outreach for the state to prosper and grow. Our purpose is to expand the boundaries of knowledge, advance and create new information and technology, develop the skills, abilities and understanding of our students, transfer technology to industry, positively impact the Nevada economy and strive to provide quality, intellectual courses and programs which advance engineering and computer science as disciplines and professions. The college works closely with the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) to accomplish our mission to positively impact the Nevada economy.
The College of Engineering has developed a nationally recognized research and outreach program over the past twenty-five years. Our College is listed in U.S. News and World Report as one of the best graduate schools in the nation. In the 2011 edition, the College of Engineering was ranked 136 overall. The University of Nevada, Reno also ranks in the top 5% of the 4,000 four-year colleges and universities. We had 3 of our individual engineering programs rank this year as well: Civil Engineering Department ranked 65; Environmental Engineering ranked 62; and Mechanical Engineering ranked 123.
Our faculty are involved in research projects for local industry, the Nevada Department of Transportation, the California Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. Our research and outreach grants and contracts exceeded $15 million in fiscal year 2010 and is expected to exceed $25 million in fiscal year 2011. In the 2010 academic year, we graduated 181 BS degree students, 61 MS degree students and 12 Ph.D. students. Many of our graduates seek employment with local companies. The college also has an active internship program where students are placed with companies for part-time employment during the academic year and summer.
The various departments within the college hold regular seminars and invite local engineers and computer scientists to participate. Many of our faculty consult with companies to share their expertise. The college is also willing to offer evening graduate classes for professional engineers. The T2 Center offers numerous training courses for NDOT and companies involved in road construction.
The College of Engineering has a number of research laboratories which are available for collaboration with industrial engineers and computer scientists on industrial projects needing specialized laboratory equipment and facilities.