Lee College of Engineering

Since 2012, the somewhat unusual research pairing of a geologist and mechanical engineer at UNC Charlotte has led to some important scientific results, recently earning the duo recognition with a top award for interdisciplinary research and publication.

Robert Johnson came to UNC Charlotte in 1994 as department chair for Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science in the William States Lee College of Engineering, after 17 years on the faculty at the University of Illinois. He assumed the deanship in 2000, succeeding Robert Snyder, who retired after 23 years at the helm of the college.

Before he graduated from UNC Charlotte with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Eric Duncan ’20 was working for Germain Racing, a NASCAR team based in Lexington, North Carolina.

An engineering design firm made up of UNC Charlotte students and alumni has its roots in the Lee College of Engineering.

UNC Charlotte announces new leadership for three academic areas—business, engineering, and urban research and community engagement—pivotal to the University’s mission to serve the greater Charlotte region and beyond.

Patrick Bounds and Marc Duemmler, Mechanical Engineering students in the Lee College of Engineering, recently were awarded National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships.

Sukumar Kamalasadan, Duke Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is the principal investigator for a federally funded project to advance solar energy’s role in strengthening the resilience of the U.S. electricity grid.

The robust job market experienced nationally in major job centers, such as Charlotte and Raleigh, has led individuals to pursue online degrees at a higher rate than face-to-face enrollment, as this allows students to more easily attend college while working. Between 2012 and 2016, graduate enrollment in exclusively online programs increased by approximately 28 percent while online undergraduate enrollment increased by 9.5 percent, according to EAB.

UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have received a $300,000 competitive award from the U.S. Department of Energy for a joint, two-year project to consider developing a centralized energy grid to effectively support critical services in the case of power outages. 

Chris McDaniel has a message for all UNC Charlotte students interested in becoming an engineer. He wants them to join Engage ME!, where they will get the mentoring and support to thrive in their future career.