Mechanical Engineering
Senior Design and Student Fellowships


Montana Tech mechanical engineers imagine, build, and refine the machines that move the world— from small devices to spacecraft. Rooted in hands-on learning and powered by close faculty mentorship, our students apply math, science, and physics to solve modern and emerging challenges across industry.

Our curriculum begins with strong foundations in science, physics, and mathematics and culminates in a year-long Senior Design capstone where students develop, deliver, and showcase real solutions. Along the way, learners explore advanced thermodynamics, vibrations, nanotechnology, welding, product development, impact dynamics, aerospace, machine design, HVAC, and control systems—plus engineering economics and project management to prepare for leadership. Students can tailor their pathway by choosing one of four focus areas and working closely with industry partners and alumni.

 

As we mark Montana Tech’s 125th anniversary, we’re investing in the experiences that define a Digger engineer: building, testing, iterating, and leading. 

This DayOne, Mechanical Engineering is raising funds for our Mechanical Engineering Departmental Fund, which allows us to invest in:

Senior Design

Senior Design mirrors professional practice with deadlines, deliverables, budgets, and client interaction. Projects are product- and need-focused through student clubs and private industry partnerships. Students “apply” to projects much like a job, are selected by faculty advisors/mentors, and gain exposure to real careers—while sponsors meet and mentor potential future hires.

Student Fellowships

Competitive fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students provide recognition, reduce financial barriers, and open doors to additional education, research, and work experiences. Fellowships help our students lean into ambitious projects that set them apart after graduation.

DayOne Matching Opportunity

Thanks to Jack ’73 and Leah McCarthy, each gift to the Mechanical Engineering Department Fund for Senior Design and Fellowships will be matched 1:1 up to $2,000. 

Your support directly fuels design materials, prototyping, testing, conference travel, and fellowship awards—amplifying student success today while honoring 125 years of excellence at Montana Tech.



Thank you for your support and please help us spread the word! Share this project on social media, by email and tell your friends! 


2
Match
Mechanical Engineering Match
During DayOne, thanks to Nick '92 and Kari '94 Olds, each gift to the Mechanical Engineering Department Fund for Senior Design and Fellowships will be matched 1:1 up to $2,000.
2
Match
Student Donor Match
Montana Tech student donor gifts will be matched 1:1 for each dollar given from a match pool of $5,000 thanks to a generous gift from Jack and Leah McCarthy. That means your gift of $50 actually has the impact of $100. To take advantage of this matching opportunity make sure to select STUDENT from the How are you affiliated with Montana Tech question on the giving form. Answers will be monitored for validity. Matching opportunity is available from noon September 9th, 2026 to noon September 11th, 2026 or sooner if the $5,000 match has been met.
$5,000
Faculty Staff Participation Match Challenge
$5,000 will be unlocked at the time 50 Montana Tech faculty/staff members have participated in DayOne 2026. Upon completion of the entire DayOne Giving event $100 will be applied to the project or projects to which the original gift was made for each of those donors.
50 Donor Goal
Starts in
Leaderboard
Departmental Challenge Leaderboard
Montana Tech Departments are competing head-to-head for a chance to earn extra money towards their department by bringing in the most donors to their project. The top ten finishers split the pot valued at up to $20,000.
Department (20)
2
Match
First Time Donor Match
First-time donor gifts will be matched 1:1 for each dollar given from a match pool of $5,000. That means your gift of $50 actually has the impact of $100. To take advantage of this matching opportunity if it is your first time giving to Montana Tech make sure to answer yes to being a first-time donor on the giving form. Answers will be monitored for validity. Matching opportunity will be available from noon September 9th, 2026 through noon September 11th, 2026 or sooner if the $5,000 match has been met.
2
Match
Jacob Simpson Memorial Math Annual Scholarship Match
During DayOne, thanks to Jack '73 and Leah McCarthy, each gift to the Jacob Simpson Memorial Math Annual Scholarship will be matched 1:1 up to $1,000.
$3,000
Anderson Board Legacy Participation Challenge
We are aiming for 800! During DayOne thanks to a generous match to the Montana Tech Foundation Board Legacy Fund by Foundation legacy board member and alum Sundra Anderson, every time we pass a 100 donor total all the way up to 700 we will add $3,000 to the overall DayOne total and if we hit 800 it will unlock an additional $4,000 for a total of $25,000.
100 Gift Goal
Starts in
Leaderboard
Montana Tech Industrial Advisory Board Challenge
The academic program that receives gifts from the greatest number of donors will earn an additional $2,000, thanks to a generous matching gift from Nick '92 and Kari '94 Olds. IAB members: When making your own gift, please make sure to mark IAB member as a Montana Tech affiliation.
Montana Tech Industrial Advisory Board Challenge (17)
Share on social with #RollDiggs!
Mechanical Engineering Donor Map
Rank State Gifts
1 NONE 0
1 AA 0
1 AE 0
Don't forget to share!

Questions? See our FAQ.

Or you can contact us at spanisko@mtech.edu.