Mechanical Engineering Stories
I Am VMI: Michael Ferrara ’26
Newly commissioned into the United States Air Force, Michael Ferrara ’26, a mechanical engineering major from Ringoes, New Jersey, credits the Institute for success as a cadet and in the future because it taught him how to build strong connections, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and manage his time in a demanding environment.
Bott Designs Retractable Boat Anchor
Connor Bott ’26, a mechanical engineering major at Virginia Military Institute, has designed a modern adaptation for an ancient devise with his honors senior thesis project, “Design and Analysis of an Electromechanical Marine Wreck Anchor.”
Gilman Scholarship Available for Studies Abroad
Col. Jeff Kendrick, director of the Office of Global Education at Virginia Military Institute, announced the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is currently accepting applications
Cadets to Study in Taiwan
Two Virginia Military Institute cadets, Josiah Farrell ’28 and Anderson Robles-Rodriguez ’28 have been awarded Gilman Scholarships for study abroad this summer. Both will participate in the Taiwan Huayu BEST Program and study Mandarin Chinese at the National Chengchi University in Taipei.
Behind the Balance: Matthew Picard ’27 — Keydet Men’s Swim and Dive
Matthew Picard ’27 vowed he would never attend a military college. One of his teammates in high school ended up going to Virginia Military Institute and he was encouraged to investigate it.
Summer Transition Program Helps Matriculants Ease In
They say nothing can prepare you for the Rat Line, but there are ways to ease into the rigors of Virginia Military Institute. One option is for incoming rats to participate in the Summer Transition Program (STP). You’re able to get a class under your belt while familiarizing yourself with post.
Cadets Experience Nuclear Technology Applications
In addition to course work, VMI’s nuclear concentration within the mechanical engineering degree includes two field trips — a fall trip to Dominion Energy’s North Anna nuclear power station in Louisa County, Virginia and a spring trip to Framatome, a nuclear industry supplier in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Behind the Balance: Drew Menges ’25 — Keydet Soccer
When Drew Menges ’25 found Virginia Military Institute, it was nearly kismet. By attending VMI, he’d also be able to play soccer for the school while still having the opportunity to pursue serving his country.
Good Morning Rome! Cadet’s Study Abroad Experience Turns Into Radio Broadcast
Louis Wiltenmuth ’25, a mechanical engineering major, wanted to get ahead in classes this past summer, while also gaining some cultural experience. What started as a study abroad experience in Rome, turned into him becoming the cadet in charge of the program.
When in Rome: Excursions for Engineering Summer Study Abroad
A field trip to the NATO Defense College and test driving a prototype electric three-wheel vehicle? All in a week’s work for cadets participating in the VMI Engineering Summer Study Abroad program in Rome.
VMI Holds Engineering-Centered Networking and Internship Fair
Virginia Military Institute’s Spring 2023 Engineering Networking & Internship Fair — an engineering-centered event — was held in Preston Library Feb. 14, 2023.
Cadets in Technical Writing and Statics Courses Collaborate on Design for Humanity Projects
Through ongoing interviews and discussions, cadets in ERH 314 learned about and translated mechanical designs developed by the mechanical engineering cadets for open-source reports accessible to engineering departments at other colleges and universities.
Cadets Harness Skills and Academics for Competition
A team of 26 mechanical engineering cadets bring their skills to the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) vehicle design competition at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Expert Discusses Essential Role for Nuclear Energy
Maria Korsnick, president and CEO of Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) in Washington, D.C., recently visited the Department of Mechanical Engineering and underscored the essential role for nuclear energy.