Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Master of Engineering Science (MESc)



Meet Alan Kalbfleisch, MESc candidate in Mechanical and Materials Engineering

“Talk to as many professors as possible. Just because a school or program is highly ranked, it does not mean that all of the professors are great. A good professor will help guide you through your research, and work with you to ensure your success.”

Supervisor: Dr. Kamran Siddiqui

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
I came to Western because of Professor Siddiqui. I met him at a conference the summer before my final year at Queen’s. He was very passionate about his work in renewable technology and was more focused on practical research than other professors. Our ideas about engineering and the environment aligned perfectly.

Describe your research in 100 words or less.
I am researching ways to manipulate two-phase flow to increase mass and heat transfer rates in vertical tubular absorbers. I use technology such as high speed cameras and thermal cameras to characterize flow regimes and measure changes in heat transfer rates. The results of my research will be used to develop an absorber unit for a small-scale solar heat absorption refrigeration system.

What is it about your grad program that enables you to thrive and be successful?
I like the open schedule of graduate school. Sometimes I like working late into the night or on weekends. Sometimes I like to get in a run during the afternoon if the weather is nice. As long as I get my work done, it doesn’t matter when I work.

Graduate school has also allowed me to pursue my own interests outside of my research. During my Master’s degree, I invented and patented a coffee brewing process. I am working with Propel Entrepreneurship to commercialize my invention. There is no job I could have taken after my undergraduate degree that would allow me to pursue a project like this.

What is your “dream” career?
Renewable energy technology developer

Have you worked as a TA or RA?
Being a TA helped with my public speaking ability. It also allowed me to practice teaching technical concepts and learn how to be clear and concise when explaining my own research.

Do you engage in volunteer activities?
I volunteer for events and organize initiatives for Engineers Without Borders (EWB). This past fall, I organized the Run to End Poverty charity race which raised over $10,000 for the Western EWB chapter.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Joanna Blom (jblom@uwo.ca)
Graduate Coordinator

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Western University
Spencer Engineering Building Rm 3002
London, Ontario N6A 5B9

t. 519 850-2939
f. 519-661-3020

The Mechanical Engineering profession covers a very wide spectrum from nano-scale to industrial-scale and includes engines, robots, bio-mechanical and environmentally “green” systems.

The thesis-based Graduate Research Program leading to Master of Engineering Science (MESc) degree, provides cutting edge research opportunities to students using state-of-the-art experimental or computational research facilities under the close supervision of a faculty member(s). The Department has research strengths in diverse areas addressing present day challenges, as well as developing technologies for the future.

Program Length

  • 6 Terms

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • Four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university; Students with a similar degree from another discipline may be admitted on a case by case basis, with approval from the Associate Chair (Graduate Research Programs).
  • Minimum 78% (North American equivalent) from the last 2 years of full-time study, or the last 20 courses.
  • Acceptance by a faculty member to serve as the thesis supervisor.

Additional Requirements

  • Other factors such as publication record and/or industrial experience may also be beneficial.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 86, with no individual score below 20 for the internet based version; 213 for the standard electronic version; or 550 for the paper and pencil version, although some programs require a higher minimum score. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
  • The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic) of the British Council. The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9, with no individual score below 6. The IELTS is offered in 6 test centres in the US and 3 in Canada.
    • <;i>The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60. The CAEL Assessment is offered in several countries throughout the world as well as Canada.
  • Western English Language Centre Western's English Language Centre allows academically eligible students interested in pursuing a graduate degree at Western the opportunity to receive a conditional offer of admission to graduate studies without successful completion of an English language proficiency test. The condition is that the student must, in lieu of such a test, successfully complete Western English Language Centre's program. For more information, please visit http://englishlanguage.uwo.ca/.
  • Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.

Application Deadline

Domestic Applicants:

  • July 1 - Fall Term
  • November 1 - Winter Term
  • March 1 - Summer Term

International Applicants:

  • February 1 - Fall Term
  • June 1 - Winter Term
  • October 1 - Summer Term

Applications are processed on a rolling basis. We do not process an application until it is complete and all required documents are received. Therefore we cannot guarantee consideration for the term requested if documentation is received after the deadline date. In such a case, the application will be considered for the next available term..

Fields of Research

  • Automation Technologies and Systems
  • Biomechanics
  • Materials and Solid Mechanics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Micro and Nano Systems
  • Thermofluids