What CSUS major department, professor, and courses are linked to the profession.

CSUS has a mechanical engineering department, so the link is pretty self explanatory.

As far as professors are concerned in the department, there are many. I'll list the ones who research interests that pertain to my field.

Dr. Bandy, Rabindranath: Ph.D., Metallurgical Science
University of Manitoba
Corrosion, Fracture Mechanics, Metallurgy material science, Biomaterials

Dr. Bergquam, James B.: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Heat Transfer, Solar energy, HVAC

Dr. Eke, Estelle M.: Ph.D., Aero/Astronautics
Rice University, Houston, TX
Controls, Optimization, Modeling of Dynamic Systems

Dr. Granda, Jose. J: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Davis, CA
Computer-Aided Design, System Dynamics, Finite-Element Analysis

Harralson, Joseph: M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Loyola Mary mount, L.A., CA
Internal Combustion Engines, Machine Design Using FEA

Dr. Kumagai, Akihiko: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Mechanism Design, Intelligent Controls for Manufacturing

Dr. Marbach, Timothy: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Thermodynamics, Combustion and Energy System

Dr. Noren, Dan: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Davis, CA

Advanced Power Systems, Thermo-Economic Simulation, Energy Storage Technology


Courses offered:

ME175 - Computer Applications in Mechanical Engineering

ME171 - Computer Modeling and Design of Dynamic Systems

ME126 - Heat Transfer

ME143 - Vehicle Design

ME182 - Introduction to Composite Materials

ME155 - Gas Dynamics

ME153 - Thermodynamics of Combustion Engines

ME173 - Applications of Finite Element Analysis

What do I already know about the profession?

I've spent the past five years working for automotive racing team involved in one of the highest levels of sports car racing competition. While I have done little to no engineering myself, I have been exposed to the process. There are a few things that I have gathered from my experience. One, the time commitment for a track side engineer is immense. You're at least working over 300 days out of the year. Races happen during the weekend, so more often than not, you can go weeks without a day off. Two, the pressure to perform is extremely high. If you can't get the car to perform the way the driver wants, your usually looking for a job in short order. Three, the design process is lengthy and time consuming. The following year's car is usually under development before the current car has even stepped foot on the race track for the beginning of the season. Four, without communication between the design and development (track side) engineers, getting the car to cooperate for the driver can be extremely time consuming and frustrating. Five, planning is key. Having a plan of action for test days and time leading up to a race is essential for putting the car on pace to win.

There are many more things to list, but they are on a much smaller scope of what engineers do in the field.

How is my major linked to my profession.

Well, in the racing world, they're merely called engineers. At school, the major is mechanical engineering. The direct connection goes beyond just the name though. Many, many things automotive (at least for the time being) are mechanical. Engines, suspensions, interior components, HVAC, etc... all fall under that 'mechanical' umbrella.

In the next ten years things are going to change drastically though. The need for 'green' vehicles will eventually phase out the internal combustion engine. Racing is already being effected by shift to the need for electrical engineers in engine development. Fortunately, automobiles in racing will always need suspension systems and a chassis.