Dr. Andrew Mech's specialties include thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermal systems, applications of renewable energy systems and utility power production. His industrial experience Cinergy, Ralph Henneman and Associates, and the U.S. Army. Dr. Mech is known for his legendary use of puns and humor to encourage students to overcome obstacles, and has taught courses in renewable energy, utility power generation and turbomachinery to provide students with skills to make a difference in the world. He also co-taught a new appropriate technologies course, which challenged students to design pumping systems to deliver water to less developed areas. Dr. Mech wrote the lyrics to the second verse of Rose-Hulman's Alma Mater, has showcased his singing skills at several campus events, and been awarded honorary alumni status by the Alumni Association.
Academic Degrees
- PhD, University of Illinois, 1986
- MS, University of Illinois, Mechanical Engineering, 1982
- MS, University of Illinois, Mathematics, 1975
- BS, Indiana State University, 1973
Awards & Honors
- Centennial Award, American Society of Engineering Education, 1994
- Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award, Society of Automotive Engineers, 1990
- Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, University of Illinois, 1986
Publications & Presentations
- Marincel-Payne, M., Padgett, W. T. and Mech, A. R., “Insights Gained from the First Teaching of a Multidisciplinary Appropriate Technology Course,” American Society of Engineering Education Conference, 2016
Research Experiences
- Power production, traditional and renewable
- Application for developing countries
- System simulation
Teaching Interests
- Thermal fluids
- Renewable energy
- Turbomachinery
- Utility power