Mechanical Engineering-- GW vs Stevens Institute of Technology

anayak
Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:31:27 +0000

Hi indecision,

It seems we have a lot of the same interests. I am currently a 4/5 (co-op) Mechanical Engineering major at Stevens with a concentration in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering. Based on the classes that I have taken and the comments that you have made this seems just the right track for you. What this track combines is the background of design knowledge, the study of machine design and dynamics, and general manufacturing practices that make up the core of mechanical engineering with the study of the motion of the body, the bones of the body, medical device design, and biological processes from biomedical engineering. I chose this track because, like you, I am very interested in getting into the field of designing and manufacturing prosthetics, primarily artificial joints. I’ve actually gotten to exercise this passion working for two term with Stryker Orthopaedics, designing artificial knees and shoulder joints. I will be going back to this company this summer. I have also worked for a term at Replication Medical, designing artificial spinal implant systems. Given my experience at these companies I can truly verify that the classes that Stevens offers really do prepare you for the job, not to mention our excellent Co-Op Program that gave me the connections to get those jobs.

As for Student Life, Stevens has a very vibrant campus. I have been here for 4 years already and I am still having a blast. I am involved in Varsity Athletics, Greek life, and a multitude of other student organizations on campus. Our Student Government and entertainment work hard to make sure that there is always something going on on campus. Actually, next week is our spring festival called Boken, which I highly recommend you check out. Also, I really do not see much evidence to call Stevens a “suitcase school”. I do not go home that often, a point which my parents will constantly remind me of, and almost everyone I know follows suit so the campus is typically very active on the weekends. The weekend is actually when the majority of our entertainment events such as trips to Broadway shows, musical acts on campus, or intramural athletics happen. Not to mention, we have an amazing Greek Life system that I have had the privilege of being a part of.

I hope this information helps you make your decision. I highly encourage that you visit both GW and Stevens to help you make your decision. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

-Amith