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The Engineering and Design Department offers four undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing Engineering, and Polymer Materials Engineering. Our department has a strong commitment to teaching and scholarship that develops industry-ready graduates through a combination of creative problem-solving, analytical skills development, and experiential learning.
Ross Engineering Technology Building room 204
Summer hours of operation
Monday and Friday closed, working remotely
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10-2
You can also reach us anytime at 360-650-3380 or by email at ENGD@wwu.edu.
Meet Ermias Hagos, Manufacturing Engineering alum
Ermias Hagos graduated from Western in June with a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering. Born in Eritrea and raised in Seattle, Ermias found his way to WWU in 2019. Like many new students, when he arrived on campus, he wasn't sure what the end result would be from his years of study in Bellingham, but he found a field of study and future career and made the most of his time at Western outside the classroom. Filling the role of Black Student Union president in 2021-2022, being a standout student in his major, and starting his own podcast titled The Black Experience, Hagos has been a mentor and inspiration to other black students at Western.
Check out the conversation between Ermias and BSU president Tehkia Jones.
Number of Enrolled Students
525
2023-2024
Number of Graduates
80
2023-2024
Funded Research Projects
16
2018-2022
Department Research Funding
$2,034,521
2018-2022
Faculty Spotlight
Nicole Hoekstra
2024 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award, Western Washington University
Nicole Hoekstra is a professor in the Polymer Materials Engineering Program and will be retiring this June after 26 years in the Engineering and Design Department. She started her career at WWU after finishing graduate school and working in industry as a process and design engineer. Since her arrival she has served many roles, and mentoring undergraduate students has been the most rewarding.
Even though Nicole received this award, there is a whole team in the Engineering and Design Department that contributes to the student experience, from their first term to graduation and beyond. Nicole’s favorite mentoring activities include teaching capstone senior project classes, advising industry-sponsored research projects that align with students’ career goals, organizing lab tours that showcase research and class projects, coordinating industry tours, hosting guest lectures by alums, and assisting graduates who are interviewing and negotiating offers.
To read more about Nicole's retirement plans and her legacy at WWU, click here.
Student Spotlight
Kyana Grayer
Presidential Scholar, College of Science and Engineering
Kyana Grayer’s significant academic accomplishments complement her engagement in community service and her work to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
A manufacturing engineering major with a minor in mathematics, Grayer has exceptional analytical skills that have enabled her to collaborate on significant research with faculty and industry partners.
Associate Professor of Engineering and Design Sura Al-Qudah writes that Grayer is “a model student and an inspiring figure in the Engineering and Design community.” And Grayer’s involvement in the community is immense.
She supports her fellow students’ academic success as a math tutor. She also served as president of the Society of Women Engineers, which under her leadership saw a significant increase in engagement among STEM students outside of Engineering and Design, contributing to a more connected and collaborative academic environment.
Grayer also served as a lead member of the Formula SAE team, most recently as Breaks, Pedals and Steering Lead, mentoring fellow students in designing and building these essential systems. She also worked to foster a culture of respect and understanding among team members.
“Her leadership, empathy, and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion have had a lasting impact on the community,” Al-Qudah writes, “shaping a more inclusive and supportive academic and social environment.”
Faculty Spotlight
Arūnas Ošlapas
Upcoming retirement
Professor Ošlapas has been an integral part of our academic community for 33 years, serving as the ID program director from 1991 to 2014. During this time, he played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s curriculum, ensuring its relevance and rigor. Remarkably, for a significant portion of these years, he was the sole full-time faculty member for the ID department. His dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on our institution."
Beyond the classroom, Professor Ošlapas’ commitment extends to service projects that transcend borders. His sabbatical leaves were not mere breaks; they were opportunities for extensive and immersive service. As a Fullbright scholar, he actively participated in projects in Nepal, Mexico, and Lithuania, contributing his expertise and compassion to communities in need. His global perspective enriches our institution and inspires both students and colleagues.
Professor Ošlapas embodies the spirit of excellence, dedication, and service that defines a true educator. His legacy will continue to resonate through the generations of students he has influenced.
To read more about Professor Ošlapas's retirement and impact on students, click here.