Professional and Honor Societies

Mechanical engineering students are encouraged to participate in the professional and honorary societies affiliated with the Department.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

The Department supports a student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and supports its operation by supplying funding, office and meeting space, occasional faculty speakers, and a faculty advisor (Dr. William P. Hnat, 209 Sackett Hall, 852-6816). The chapter is very active, arranging plant tours and guest lectures. It sponsors intramural sports teams and an annual picnic. The efforts of ASME members have been instrumental in Mechanical Engineering's selection as "Best Department" in five of the past six Speed School Engineers' Day competitions.

The Department supplies funds to help interested students attend national or regional meetings. The Louisville Section of ASME supports the student section by providing supplementary funds, hosting student members at one of its monthly meetings, and sponsoring at least one scholarship for an outstanding student chapter member. The ASME Office is located on the lower level of Sackett Hall (Room 003). Membership applications are located to the right of the office doorway.

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

The Department supports a student chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers. The faculty advisor is Dr. Ellen G. Brehob, 210 Sackett Hall, 852-7825.

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Each year two different SAE student teams design, build, and race cars in national competitions. The Formula SAE team develops an open wheel Indy-type racer capable of top speeds in excess of 100 mph and 0-60 mph times of less than 6.0 seconds! The SAE Baja Buggy team develops an off-road racer. The Mechanical Engineering Department and Speed School Administration provide money and technical facilities in support of this effort. Organizational meetings for both teams are announced early in the academic year.

American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

The Mechanical Engineering student chapter of AIAA was established in 1995. The chapter quickly became inactive due to a lack of student participation.

Pi Tau Sigma

Pi Tau Sigma is the national mechanical engineering honorary society. Nomination for membership is based upon scholarship and occurs in either the junior or senior year.

Tau Beta Pi

The Speed Scientific School has a very active chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society. Nomination for membership is based upon scholarship, and occurs in the junior or senior year.

Additional information on Speed School student organizations may be obtained from the Speed School Student Council Office in Room 105 of the J.B. Speed Building (852-6301).