Across the nation, there are stories of uncertainty in higher education including declining enrollments, shrinking budgets, and hiring freezes. Yet here at the Tickle College of Engineering, our story is quite different. We have never been in a better position.
While others are slowing down, we are charging ahead—investing in people, programs, and partnerships that will define the future of engineering in Tennessee and beyond.
Our enrollments, student quality, student success, research programs, and corporate partnerships are thriving. We are at the epicenter of a new nuclear renaissance with one of the top (and first) nuclear engineering programs in the country. Building on the region’s tremendous history, the state’s strategic support, our world-class workforce, and key partners such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12, there are new announcements and investments in the region almost every week.
The demand for all our college programs has never been higher (applications to our undergraduate programs are up 95% since fall of 2021), the demand for our engineers has never been higher (corporate attendance at our job fairs will be up 82% compared to 2021 this year), and we are meeting the moment.
The missions of our university as a land grant that serves the needs of the state, and as an R1 level enterprise built to pursue research that transforms lives and the welfare of our nation are fully aligned, positioning us for more bold growth.
One of the strongest examples of this impact is our $5 million award from the Office of Naval Research to develop next-generation military steel. As part of a multi-institution project, our researchers are advancing new steel compositions, welding technologies, and wire-arc additive manufacturing techniques that will significantly strengthen U.S. naval capabilities. This project reinforces both national security and domestic manufacturing capacity—demonstrating the real-world value of TCE innovation.
We are also pushing the boundaries of biomedical sensing technologies. Faculty in EECS are developing a handheld biosensor capable of detecting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) biomarkers from a single drop of blood. Built on UT-patented AiCAP technology, this low-cost, minimally invasive tool has the potential to diagnose PTSD in minutes instead of months. Its applications extend far beyond mental health—offering a platform that could one day detect traumatic brain injuries, sepsis, cancer, and other critical conditions.
Our impact continues to grow even further through transformative external partnerships. An enhanced collaboration with the Y-12 National Security Complex will deliver expanded research and educational opportunities for our students and faculty. Through the new National Security Prototype Center, our community will gain access to cutting-edge facilities and projects that support national security through materials and manufacturing innovation. This partnership not only strengthens our research portfolio but also deepens our contributions to the state’s workforce and national security infrastructure.
This year also marked an important milestone in our academic evolution: the launch of the Department of Applied Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. These new departments expand our academic offerings and position us to meet growing industry demand. Their creation reflects our commitment to educating engineers who are prepared to lead in rapidly evolving fields and contribute to Tennessee’s economic growth.
As VFLs, we should all be proud of what we are building together, and I believe we are just getting started. The momentum is real, the transformation is underway, and I am excited to be a part of something special.
I remain honored to serve this extraordinary community and to represent the Tickle College of Engineering as we help lead Tennessee—and the nation—into the next era of innovation and discovery.
Matthew Mench
Dean and Wayne T. Davis Chair
Tickle College of Engineering
Follow me on Instagram @deanengtce