"Mechatronics Degree Program Growing at UT Chattanooga

Mechatronics, an interdisciplinary field combining robotics with electrical and mechanical engineering, is an in-demand field for engineers and a burgeoning program at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

by Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn. / April 1, 2021

(TNS) — Kalen Berry began his collegiate training at Tennessee Technology University studying to become an electrical engineer, but after an internship with Logan Aluminum, the Knoxville native also got interested in mechanical engineering and working with computers to make machines and robots do more tasks.

Berry's diverse engineering interests came together in the study of mechatronics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which began offering as a bachelor's in applied science degree two years ago.

"When I heard about what was going on at UTC, I jumped at the chance to come here and it was a great opportunity to use all of the engineering skills and fields I was interested in and it was great to be able to do that in much more personalized program," said Berry, who graduated as one of the first UTC graduates of the mechatronics engineering program last December.

In July, the 25-year-old Chattanooga engineer will join Thermo Fisher Scientific where he hopes to advance into engineering and managements jobs in the growing field of robots, artificial intelligence and other machine-based disciplines.

"Mechatronics is really key to the new applied technologies we're seeing in manufacturing, medicine, the automotive industry and many other businesses and there are a lot of exciting opportunities," said Berry, who likens the field to a swiss army knife capable of many diverse uses. "I was able at UTC to work on two published academic articles and also start a student mechatronics club while at UTC. I think there is a huge potential for more growth here and to do it in an environment where you are regarded as much more than just another number or another student."

As demand for mechatronics talent continues to grow, UTC's engineering school became only the second four-year degree program in Tennessee to offer a mechatronic engineering specialty. Ahad Nasab, head of the Department of Engineering Management and Technology, brought the program to UTC after creating the state's first four-year program in mechatronics engineering at Middle Tennessee State University, starting in 2013..."

Read the full article at its source: https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/Mechatronics-Degree-Program-Growing-at-UT-Chattanooga.html?utm_term=READ%20MORE&utm_campaign=Mechatronics%20Degree%20Program%20Growing%20at%20UT%20Chattanooga&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email