Mission & Vision

Mission

The Mission of the Field of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics is to create and disseminate knowledge in mechanics and applied mathematics, which are cornerstones of all present and emerging engineering disciplines, encompassing structures from nano to celestial scales. The Field has a commitment to teaching courses in the above areas and to mentoring the next generation of engineers, scientists and teachers.

Values

• We cherish fundamental research - an approach focused on the essence of the problem, while embracing (even reveling in) modern science and mathematics, seeking deep, permanent results, often applicable to entire classes of problems.
• We strive for excellence in the teaching of mechanics and applied mathematics.
• We value cross-disciplinary research in collaboration with investigators from a broad spectrum of fields.
• We relish the opportunity for life-long learning and technical renewal.
• We believe in diversity - in people and programs.
• We strive for the highest standard of ethical behavior in all of our professional activities.
• We support and encourage our students, staff and faculty in a friendly, tolerant atmosphere.

Vision

We envision that our field will continue to grow as an intellectually stimulating environment that attracts scientists and engineers who have a knack for interdisciplinary research. We hope that the field will play a central role in the engineering college in bridging fundamental sciences and engineering, including cutting-edge research in biology and small-scale mechanics. We believe that the versatility demonstrated by our existing faculty and our commitment to basic science will help to recruit creative individuals in the future who will push the frontiers of engineering.