Two members of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science, UC Foundation Associate Professor Trevor Elliott and Associate Professor Reetesh Ranjan, have earned national recognition from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)—the world’s largest aerospace technical society.
Launch point: Rocket Mocs aim high in NASA competition
The Rocket Mocs have plans to ascend to new heights. The team, comprised of junior and senior mechanical engineering students in the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, has been accepted into the 2025 Student Launch Challenge—an annual competition sponsored by NASA—for the seventh consecutive year.
Mechanical engineering graduate solving problems on the football field
UTC nickelback Reuben Lowery III is one of two Mocs named to the prestigious Senior Bowl Watchlist, but he is better known off the football field for his academics, including a 3.78 GPA and a degree in engineering.
Tiny helmet, big hope: Engineering compassion for a Chihuahua in need
When the call came from the Humane Educational Society seeking assistance for a puppy requiring special care, UTC mechanical engineering faculty member Trevor Elliott and recent graduate Connor Mackey were “all in.” Niblet, a 2.5-pound Chihuahua puppy, had arrived at the shelter with a soft spot on the top of his head—about one and a half centimeters in diameter—indicating that his skull had not fully fused.
UTC engineering prof wins prestigious NSF CAREER award
While Dr. Hamdy Ibrahim’s career is considered to be in its early stages today, the National Science Foundation has just cast a big vote of confidence in its future. Ibrahim, a UTC assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is the recipient of a CAREER award from the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program.
Rocket Mocs preparing for NASA competition
For the fifth consecutive year, the Rocket Mocs have qualified for the NASA United Student Launch Initiative (USLI) Challenge. The team has to build a rocket that can reach an altitude of at least 4,000 feet—but no higher than 6,000 feet—for their competition launch.
Rocket Mocs make NASA competition for sixth straight year
The Rocket Mocs team has earned NASA recognition as one of the best in the country for a fifth consecutive year. The team is again competing in the NASA Student Launch Challenge, a nine-month-long competition in which student teams from across the U.S. design, build, test and launch high-powered rockets carrying scientific or engineering payloads.
Rocket Mocs member recovers from burns while team recovers from setback to enter NASA competition
Dottie McSpadden knew her arm was burned, but it didn’t feel that bad. At least not at first. A couple of hours later, though, she’d changed her mind. “Oh, it was a nine out of 10,” she said. “I have not felt pain like that.”
Rocket Mocs preparing for another liftoff
In early October, the Rocket Mocs—comprised of students in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science—learned of their acceptance into the 2023 Student Launch Challenge.
Exceptional engineering educator
Trevor Elliott chosen for Society of Automotive Engineers’ Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award.