Research
The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) has a vibrant research environment motivated by our dedicated faculty. Our research programs are funded by many government agencies. In addition to the government, working with academia and industry is part of our focus. We have established large-scale collaborations with government agencies and industry including Rogers Corporation and Dow Chemical, Army Research Laboratory, and Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.
Research activities at the department can be classified by research areas and by research centers. The department is focused within twelve disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and trans-disciplinary research themes strengthened by the wide range of MIE faculty expertise. Department faculty are leveraging Northeastern’s global network and Institutes to build strong research partnerships, these include the Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security – Burlington, MA, Roux Institute – Portland, MA, Institute for Experiential Robotics, Network Science Institute, Institute for Experiential AI, and Global Resilience Institute. The department also leads two research centers, including the Center for High Rate Nanomanufacturing and the Healthcare Systems Engineering Institute, both federally funded.
View faculty profiles to learn about their research, including work being conducted in their laboratories. Also, view our Annual Reports.
Recent News
Improving the Strength and Toughness of Soft Materials
MIE Assistant Professor Ruobing Bai, in collaboration with Michigan State University, is leading a $705,664 NSF grant for the “Mechanics of End-Linked Polymer Networks With Strain-Induced Crystallization Regulated by Topological Defects.” The research will facilitate emerging applications such as soft robotics, medical devices, and wearable electronics.
Spring 2025 AJC Merit Research Scholars
Several engineering and science students mentored by COE faculty are recipients of Northeastern’s AJC Merit Research Scholarship, which will fund a co-op in the laboratory of a Northeastern University STEM faculty member.
Patent for High-Speed Nanoprinting Technology
University Distinguished and MIE William Lincoln Smith Professor Ahmed Busnaina was awarded a patent for “Fast fluidic assembly method for nanoscale and microscale printing.”
Alam Gives Industrial Engineering/Operations Research Conference Keynote Speech
MIE Associate Professor Muhammad Noor E Alam delivered a keynote speech, “How Industrial Engineers Can Solve Critical Healthcare Problems: A Case Study Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Crisis,” at the 7th IEOM Bangladesh International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management.