General News

This academic year, one of the world’s leaders in metal additive manufacturing, Oerlikon AM donated an industry-grade metal additive manufacturing machine to William States Lee College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, demonstrating its continued commitment to research and discovery. 

Beginning Fall 2025, first-year students of the William States Lee College of Engineering will be the first to experience the new “common first year” curriculum. 

This May, UNC Charlotte is putting the pedal down. And the racing world is taking notice. Because at Charlotte, racing innovation isn’t just studied — it’s built hands-on every day.

Engineering research in manufacturing is increasingly central to American industry. The United States contributes 16% of global manufacturing output, second only to China, and is faced with a changing international trade ecosystem. To help maintain its leadership position in the world, the manufacturing industry must likewise be increasingly competitive, focusing not only on a large workforce and production volume, but also engineering research that advances the process efficiency and equipment quality.

Kyle VanHorn is fascinated by flight — particularly its associated speed, trajectory and control. So much so that he tailored his UNC Charlotte engineering education toward aeronautics.

“I’m helping improve autonomous vehicle technology so drones can fly more efficiently,” said VanHorn, an Albert Scholar and Honors College student who is graduating in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Hannahlisa Breakfield knows all too well the struggle to find her true purpose. Her time at UNC Charlotte revealed an enthusiasm for systems engineering.

Niner Engineers in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) hit new milestones for the first time in April 2025.

In August 2024, UNC Charlotte became the first public university in the U.S. to establish a Super Fab Lab, a designation by the non-profit Fab Foundation. Since only six facilities worldwide are recognized as Super Fab Labs, Charlotte’s addition has helped the university join an elite group of creative inventors and developers. 

The finer points of professionalism are integral in the Leadership Academy

Hunter Ball, a Martin Scholar and part of the Honors College, is from Bryson City, North Carolina.