Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering

Engineering students reflect on journey at UWindsor Iron Pin Ceremony

More than 230 fourth-year students recited the UWindsor Engineering Oath on Friday, Dec. 16, during the Faculty of Engineering’s Iron Pin Ceremony. More than 230 fourth-year students recited the University of Windsor Engineering Oath during the Faculty of Engineering’s Iron Pin Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 16, 2026. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

More than 230 engineering students pledged their commitment to integrity, respect and positive impact as they complete their final year of studies and prepare for the professional world.

First recipient honoured through new Dr. Dan Watt Scholarship

Dr. Dan Watt presenting scholarship in Materials Engineering to recipient, graduate student Amirmasoud KhodadadibehtashDr. Dan Watt presenting the inaugural Dr. Daniel Frank Watt Scholarship in Materials Engineering to recipient, graduate student Amirmasoud Khodadadibehtash, at the University of Windsor on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (MIKE WILKINS/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

Described as one of the “founding figures” of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Windsor, Dr. Dan Watt is continuing his legacy through a scholarship for materials engineers pursuing research.

The inaugural Dr. Daniel Frank Watt Scholarship in Materials Engineering was awarded Dec. 17 to its first recipient, graduate student Amirmasoud Khodadadibehtash, during a celebration attended by Watt, his wife Linda Menard-Watt, faculty members and friends and family.

Third-year student turns steel and code into real robots

Luca Mastroianni seated at work tableLuca Mastroianni is a third-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Windsor and a participant in the Outstanding Scholars program. Through this placement, undergraduates gain paid research experience and work closely with faculty on innovative research initiatives. (Submitted by LUCA MASTROIANNI/University of Windsor)

By Victor Romao 

Luca Mastroianni has always loved building things. 

From welding and woodworking projects in high school to designing automated systems in university, his hands-on approach to problem-solving has shaped his academic journey. 

From University lab to high-tech greenhouses

Dr. Rupp Carriveau, Kayes Reza, and Chris DelGreco at Under Sun Acres Kayes Reza, Dr. Rupp Carriveau and Under Sun Acres owner Chris DelGreco at Under Sun Acres in Leamington, Ont. (NAOMI PELKEY/The University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

From the University of Windsor’s Turbulence and Energy Lab to the greenhouse industry, a recent graduate is putting research into practice, tackling efficiency and sustainability challenges.

Kayes Reza (MASc ‘24) joined the team at Under Sun Acres, a Leamington greenhouse operation that uses advanced technology for sustainable solutions, as a cogeneration and heating system operator just weeks after graduation.

Engineering student wins Three Minute Thesis by addressing flaws in 3D printing

Photo of Dora Strelkovam smilingDora Strelkova took top honours in the UWindsor Three Minute Thesis competition with her presentation “You wouldn’t want a pie filled with holes, so why should we accept 3D printed parts with them?”

A mechanical engineering graduate student took first place in the annual Three Minute Thesis competition with research that pokes holes in three-dimensional printing technology by exploring the flaws left in printed parts.

Dora Strelkova impressed the judges with her presentation, titled “You wouldn’t want a pie filled with holes, so why should we accept 3D printed parts with them?” Her thesis project, which she has been working on for the past two semesters, began as a new hobby she developed during pandemic lockdowns.

From Lab to Line: UWindsor’s 3D Breakthroughs

Dr. Jill Urbanic sitting in her labDr. Jill Urbanic, professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering and co-founder of CAMufacturing Solutions, sits in her lab at the University of Windsor, where she leads cutting-edge research in additive and hybrid manufacturing technologies. Her work is driving global advances in Industry 4.0, creating pathways from research to commercialization, and preparing the next generation of manufacturing innovators. (MIKE WILKINS/The University of Windsor)

Synergies between research and manufacturing industry leading to commercial impact for University of Windsor and its partners

CAMufacturing Solutions, Inc. is a Windsor-based company created from fundamental engineering research at the University of Windsor (UWindsor). Providing specialized software to program, simulate and interact with manufacturing systems, it has evolved into a firm with global reach; its software is today used in more than 47 countries.

Securing the road ahead: SHIELD research centre leads in automotive cybersecurity

Shiva Nejati and Kunj Dhonde working on circuitryDoctoral students Shiva Nejati and Kunj Dhonde are part of a UWindsor research team working to make the vehicles of tomorrow safe from cyber attack.

At the University of Windsor, two teams — red and blue — are locked in a strategic battle, working toward the same goal: safeguarding the future of automotive cybersecurity.

These teams, operating from the Automotive Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, better known as SHIELD, are focused on opposing areas of security solutions for the auto sector.

With an eye on the future, SHIELD, the only centre of its kind in North America, has the goal of ensuring vehicles of tomorrow are safe and secure.