Case School of Engineering

Case School of Engineering. It is the engineering school of Case Western Reserve University, a prominent private research university in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1880 through a gift from philanthropist Leonard Case Jr., it has a long history of innovation and collaboration with regional industry. The school is known for its interdisciplinary approach, strong research enterprise, and integration with other top-tier programs within the university, including the School of Medicine and the Weatherhead School of Management.

History

The school's origins trace to 1880 with the establishment of the Case School of Applied Science, funded by a bequest from Leonard Case Jr., a Cleveland landowner. It initially operated in the Case Building on Public Square before moving to its current University Circle location in 1885. A pivotal moment came in 1967, when it federated with neighboring Western Reserve College to form Case Western Reserve University, creating a stronger comprehensive institution. Throughout the 20th century, it developed deep ties with Cleveland's industrial base, including NASA Glenn Research Center, The Cleveland Clinic, and various manufacturing corporations. This era saw significant growth in research areas like polymer science, biomedical engineering, and advanced materials.

Academics and programs

The school offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees through several academic departments. These include the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering. It emphasizes experiential learning through initiatives like the Sears think[box] innovation center and cooperative education programs with partners like Parker Hannifin and Eaton Corporation. The curriculum is designed to be interdisciplinary, often involving dual-degree programs and research collaborations with the Cleveland Institute of Art and the School of Law.

Research and centers

Research is a central pillar, with major funding from agencies like the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy. The school houses numerous interdisciplinary research centers, such as the Great Lakes Energy Institute, which focuses on sustainable power and smart grid technologies. Other notable facilities include the Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, working closely with University Hospitals, and the Institute for Smart, Secure and Connected Systems. Historically significant research contributions have emerged from its work with NASA on propulsion and materials, and in pioneering fields like biomechanics and polymers.

Campus and facilities

The engineering school is situated within the main campus of Case Western Reserve University in the University Circle cultural district of Cleveland. Key buildings dedicated to engineering include the Glennan Building, the Bingham Building, and the White Building. The crown jewel is Sears think[box], a seven-story, state-of-the-art innovation center and makerspace that provides resources for prototyping and entrepreneurship. The campus also features specialized laboratories like the Cleveland Motion Control Lab and is adjacent to major institutional partners such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Notable alumni and faculty

The school's community includes numerous influential figures in science, industry, and academia. Distinguished alumni include John B. Goodenough, co-inventor of the lithium-ion battery and Nobel laureate; Thomas G. Loughlin, former executive director of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers; and A. Galip Ulsoy, a noted authority on dynamic systems. Prominent faculty have included Hunter Rouse, a pioneer in hydraulics, and Frederick C. Robbins, a Nobel Prize-winning virologist. Other notable graduates are Paul E. Lego, former CEO of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and Delos M. Cosgrove, former CEO and President of the Cleveland Clinic.

Category:Case Western Reserve University Category:Engineering universities and colleges in Ohio Category:Universities and colleges in Cleveland Category:Educational institutions established in 1880