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School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering
School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering mission is to advance knowledge, enable applications, and train future high-tech leaders through research and education in the technical fields of sensing, actuation, intelligent systems, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, power and energy.
About Us
The School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) was founded to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s high-tech industries.
Mechatronics, as a multi-disciplinary subject combining three technical fields of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, will provide the critical link between the cyber and physical worlds through the advancement of sensing, actuation, and intelligence technologies.
The highly integrated mechatronic systems engineering approach creates smart, innovative and sustainable technology solutions.
WHY CHOOSE MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY?
Our School
- Supports balanced learning and personal and professional growth through small class sizes for better interaction and to support individual learning objectives and flexible program schedules.
- Combines the powerful elements of machines, electronics, machine learning, and software to develop "intelligent" electromechanical devices and integrated systems.
- Designs for the real world. Our Mechatronics program gives students a solid foundation in mechanical, computer and electrical engineering with a focus on developing technologies that solve society’s most pressing challenges.
- Trains in vital hands-on technical skills that provide significant advantages in today’s job market. Students design and build mechatronic systems from year one in mechatronics-specific lab-based courses. The program cumulates in a two-term challenging team-based engineering capstone project.
- Connects directly with future employers who recognize the value of their cross-discipline skills through paid practical experience in our mandatory co-op program for undergraduates or industry-partnered research projects and internships for graduate students. It’s why our graduates have an almost 100% job placement record.
- Balances technical skills with business acumen through dual degree programs for undergraduates and certificate programs in innovation for graduate students.
- Launch a start up with SFU’s strong entrepreneurship ecosystem and world-leading experts. MSE alumni, graduate students, and faculty have all launched successful startup companies.
Our Community
Our world-class faculty members, graduate students, and postdocs perform cutting-edge research in the following areas:
- Sensing, actuation, and intelligent systems
- Advanced manufacturing and system integration
- Biomechatronic and healthcare
- Energy and power
MSE faculty and graduate students lead the institution in research funding and publication rates. MSE has NSERC, CIHR, and Vanier scholars amongst its graduate students and Health Research BC, NSERC, CIHR postdoctoral fellows.
Faculty and student successes are one of the reasons that SFU has been recognized by Maclean’s magazine as Canada’s No. 1 comprehensive university many times since 2008.
What is MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Breakthrough technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics, Industry 4.0, and the internet of things (IoT), are profoundly changing the way we live, think, and work. Our physical world is quickly transitioning into a cyber world. Mechatronics, as a multi-disciplinary subject combining three technical fields of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, will provide the critical link between the cyber and physical worlds through the advancement of sensing, actuation, and intelligence technologies.
The highly integrated mechatronic systems engineering approach creates smart, innovative and sustainable technology solutions, such as drones, robots, autonomous vehicles, sensors for space exploration, smart healthcare devices, smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, fuel cell systems, thermal and electrical micro-grids, and agri-tech.
But it’s not all about robots and code. It's about shaping societies, transitioning to a more sustainable world and improving everyday life through the use and creation of technology. We are trying to develop technology for social good.
Our School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering boasts top employment rates and competitive salaries for graduates.
#1
In CANADA FOR INNOVATION
World University Rankings 2023
93%
of our recent graduates have secured employment
BC Baccalaureate Graduates Survey 2022
$72,000
median salary
BC Baccalaureate Graduates Survey 2022
FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Mechatronics Engineers are employed in almost all industry sectors: robotics and automation, manufacturing, automotive, aeronautics, power and energy, clean tech, chemical, telecommunications, agri-tech, medical and healthcare. Our graduates are particularly favored in the growing tech industries that look for engineers who understand and can work across multiple disciplines. Former students are working in Canada, USA and Worldwide, including in FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google) companies, developing start-ups, established multi-nationals, government and pursuing graduate education.
Mechatronics graduates may choose to pursue an MASc or Ph.D. (research-focused) or M.Eng. (industry-focused) in Mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, or computing engineering. Several graduates of MSE have obtained faculty positions around the world and established their own research groups.
More information
Our mission
SFU’s School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering mission is to advance knowledge, enable applications, and train future high-tech leaders through research and education in the technical fields of sensing, actuation, intelligent systems, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, power and energy. We value creativity, innovation, teamwork, equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide the critical link between the cyber and physical worlds in an increasingly cyber-physical society and engage the industry and community through research and education.
Our History
2024
- Lab manager Taha Al-Khudairi received the 2023 SFU Staff Achievement Award - Innovation.
- Dr. Woo Soo Kim receives the 2023 Dean of Graduate Studies Award for Graduate Leadership.
2023
- Agritech Concentration in the BASc program launched.
- School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering takes great pride in our robust partnership with Siemens, and launched the training facility for instructors, delivering the globally recognized Level 3 Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification program (SMSCP).
- Grand Opening of the new Smart Manufacturing Hub that will help revolutionize traditional manufacturing processes, providing a space for innovation and collaboration with industry and training for the next generation of its workforce.
- MSE PhD student, Shadi Momtahen, receives the Young Research Investigator Award for research and innovation at the BC Cancer Research and Invention Engagement.
- 10th anniversary of MSE.
- Dr. John Shen receives the 2023 IEEE Power Electronics Society’s Technical Achievement Award for his contributions to the Integration and Miniaturization of Switching Power Converters.
2022
- Dr. John Shen commenced his role as School Director for the next 5-year term starting January 2022.
- Professional Master’s Program in Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 launched.
- MSE Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) founded with Mr. Randy Smyth serving as its first chair.
- Dr. Ed Park and SFU WearTech Lab receives $1.8M funding support from Pacific Economic Development Canada.
- Mechatronics alumnus, Sumreen Rattan, receives the Globe and Mail's 2022 Changemaker Award which honors the top 50 entrepreneurs, academics and executives in Canada who are creating and inspiring change.
- Dr. Gary Wang named SFU Distinguished professor.
- Dr. Carolyn Sparrey receives the 2022 Convening & Collaborating Award from Michael Smith Health Research B.C.
- Dr. Woo Soo Kim named Scientific Director of B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI).
- The inaugural Mechatronics Day convened as a community-wide event, uniting alumni, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty members, and staff.
2021
- Dr. Majid Bahrami receives $1.6M NSERC CREATE Grant.
- IUVOX co-founded by MSE graduates.
- Dr. Behraad Bahreyni receives the an Canadian Space Agency (CSA) grant for a lunar exploration research project.
- Drs. Majid Bahrami and Erik Kjeang receives the Innovate BC award through its Ignite Program. The program is designed to encourage industry-driven academic research in natural resources and applied sciences in B.C.
- MSE Alumni and co-founders of Moment Energy, Sumreen Rattan, Gurmesh Sidhu, Gabriel Soares and Edward Chiang win the 2021 National Impact Investor Challenge Award to further develop their electric vehicle (EV) battery products.
- Dr. Ed Park named Scientific Co-Director of SFU’s WearTechs Lab.
Previous years
2020
- Dr. Woo Soo Kim appointed as the interim School Director.
- The MSE program receives CEAB accreditation for the next 6 years, extending until June 30, 2026.
- Moment Energy, a clean-tech startup company, co-founded by MSE graduates.
- Dr. Woo Soo Kim and his students provides COVID-19 frontline workers 2,000 medical mask extenders using 3D printing technology.
- MSE student, Raaj Chatterjee, receives Simon Fraser University’s most prestigious undergraduate medal, the Gordon M. Shrum Gold Medal. It is bestowed on the graduating student whose high scholastic standing and extracurricular activities demonstrate outstanding qualities of character and unselfish devotion to the university.
- Dr. Ed Park and his team receives the 2020 B.C. Innovation Council (BCIC) Ignite Awards. Professor Park and his industry partner, Human in Motion Robotics Inc., research and develop Exomotion, a wearable lower-limb exoskeleton that is designed to help individuals with limited mobility to walk again.
- Professors Behraad Bahreyni, Carolyn Sparrey, Patrick Palmer and Ed Park receives award from Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders fund.
2019
- Dr. Ed Park appointed as the interim School Director.
- Drs. Golnaraghi and Bahrami elected Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
- $1.2M clear aerospace technology research facility established.
- Dr. Carolyn Sparrey named new interim Scientific Director of SFU’s ImageTech Lab.
2018
- Dr. Ahmad Rad appointed as the interim School Director.
- Annual MSE co-op placement reaches 357.
- Zennea Technologies and Intuitive AI co-founded by MSE graduates.
- Dr. Woo Soo Kim is selected as a Brain Pool Fellow by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea.
- MSE student Raaj Chatterjee receives the SFU President’s Award for Leadership in Sustainability.
- Dr. Faranak Farzan receives the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fundto develop a new eBrain Centre to help diagnose and treat youth mental health and addiction.
- Dr. Siamak Arzanpour receives ta Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) award to support his innovations that benefit patients with reduced mobility or that are at risk of developing eye diseases.
- Dr. Majid Bahrami receives an Innovate BC awardfor developing next-generation passive cooling solutions to improve the efficiency of battery chargers of light electric vehicles (LEV).
- MSE Alumnus, Hassan Murad, named by Forbes as one of five entrepreneurs on the rise in artificial intelligence. Murad and his company, Intuitive Inc., have developed an AI-powered system for sorting waste and recycling at large commercial centres, airports, and universities.
2017
- Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program (SMSCP) launched in partnership with Siemens Canada MSE graduate and tech e@SFU program alumnus, Abdurakhman Smazov, is selected for prestigious Next 36 program.
- Dr Farid Golnaraghi and team of researchers create new diagnostic tool for detecting breast cancer.
- Professor Faranak Farzan named the inaugural Chair in Technology Innovations for Youth Addiction Recovery and Mental Healthwith the support from Simon Fraser University, the John Volken Academy, the City of Surrey and the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society.
- Professor Farid Golnaraghi’s team develops Shield-X, a micro-engineered membrane that can be applied to a helmet to minimize head injuries and prevent concussions.
2016
- The MSE program receives CEAB accreditation for next 3 years until June 30, 2020.
- Dr. Woo Soo Kim receives the Hanwha Advanced Materials’ New Faculty Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions in the advanced material field.
2015
- First Professional Master’s Program (PMP) launched.
- Technology Entrepreneurship (Tech-e) launched.
- MSE student Gursher Sidhu, is named to the 2015 cohort of The Next 36, a national initiative aimed at transforming Canada’s most promising post-secondary students into leading entrepreneurs.
- Dr Gary Wang wins the 2014 SFU Excellence in Teaching Award for being an inspirational and innovative instructor.
- Dr. Majid Bahrami receives a 2016 Canada Clean50 Award in the research and development category.
2014
- Dr. Majid Bahrami named Canada Research Chair in Alternative Energy Conversion Systems.
- First annual Mechatronic Systems Engineering Career Expo, organized by MSE Student Society (MSESS).
2013
- School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) officially established.
- Annual enrollment of 586 undergraduate and 100 graduate students.
- Dr. Farid Golnaraghi commenced his role as the Founding School Director.
2011
- Graduation of the first undergraduate cohort.
- Official accreditation by Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
- $4.3M Automotive Partnership research program launched.
2008
- Enrollment of the first graduate cohort (Master and PhD).
2007
- Mechatronics System Engineering (MSE) BASc Program launched with Dr. Farid Golnaraghi as the founding program director.
- First undergraduate cohort of 85 students.