Engineering Science
Available as a major
It’s not just about knowing how to design or build something — it’s critical to know why. Roanoke’s engineering science major combines the pure science and mathematics that go into engineering and the broader skills that come from a liberal arts education. Graduates will be poised for immediate work in the engineering field or graduate school.
Curriculum & Courses
Sample Course Offerings:
ENGS 211: Statics & Materials Testing
ENGS 220: Circuits & Electronics
ENGS 342: Fluid Mechanics
Student Experiences
Rethinking 3D Printing Leads to Student-Professor Research Project
Liam Lambert noticed some inefficiencies with 3D printers – notably, lots of arm movement without printing. He and Dr. Karin Saoub discussed using graph theory to explore more efficient and cost-saving algorithms for 3D printers to utilize. In essence, this is the heart of engineering science – using the findings and knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences in creative ways to refine processes in cost-saving or energy-efficient ways. Lambert, who was one of the valedictorians for the Class of 2019 and a Goldwater Scholar, went on to study aerospace engineering in a doctoral program at Virginia Tech.
Microplastics Research
Microplastics are a pollutant across much of the water on the earth, particularly in the oceans and in water for public consumption. Understanding the structure of various kinds of plastics may hold some key to better understanding the problem of microplastics, including a potential solution.
Nick Ashworth '20 used Raman spectroscopy in Roanoke College’s nanomaterials lab to better classify and differentiate types of plastics bleached into waterways as micro-plastics. He helped work on an innovative approach, combining both engineering and scientific techniques, to help solve the infiltration microplastics into drinking water by using magnetic nanoparticles.
Careers & Outcomes
Alumna Provides Summer Research Opportunities for Students
Dr. Erin Hackett ’00 was a physics major at Roanoke. She went on to earn a masters degree in civil engineering and a Ph.D. in physical oceanography from Johns Hopkins University. As an associate professor of coastal and marine systems science at Coastal Carolina University, she co-directs the Environmental Fluids Laboratory, where her team has been trying to replicate shark swimming to examine the interactions between the body and flow in application to increasing energy efficiency in the design of underwater vehicles. She hosts Roanoke College interns each summer to help with this and other research.
“Roanoke College challenged me to go above and beyond. My professors encouraged me towards research not just during the school year, but also during the summer. Exploring multiple topics of research led me to branch out and study engineering physics in graduate school, where I did simulation research focused on impacts created by buried explosives which has landed me on my current career path.”
Anne Kyner '13, Engineering Research for Naval Surface Warfare Center
Our students go on to great graduate schools!
Faculty
News
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The final interior beam of the center’s new building was put in place July 23.
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Engineering science scholarships, internships, and more are part of a new initiative: TMEIC Scholars.
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The funding will help the college build partnerships with STEM-H innovators and strengthen the skilled workforce pipeline.
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This interactive workshop, the first of a two-part event, is intended to train researchers to better communicate their work with people outside of their field. Folks from all programs are encouraged to attend!
- Date:
- March 27, 2026
- Time:
- 4 - 6 p.m.
- Location:
Antrim Chapel
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Engaged in research? Consider competing in this year's Nutshell Games Competition for a chance to win an Amazon e-gift card.
- Date:
- April 21, 2026
- Time:
- 6 - 7:30 p.m.
- Location:
Antrim Chapel
