Investing in our students today paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. We invite you to play a pivotal role in shaping the future by supporting our Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student groups. Our student groups are led by talented, passionate individuals seeking co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities. Our student groups and competition teams are pursuing their interests and are committed to gaining valuable skills that will set them apart. From academic pursuits to community service initiatives and competition teams, these students are eager to make their mark and create positive change.
Our student organizations are described below, each with its unique vision and goals. Along with the descriptions is a QR code/weblink that you can scan/click to donate. Your donation has the power to transform these aspirations into reality. With your support, students can access the resources, such as state-of-the-art equipment to compete and win at the highest levels, guest lectures from industry leaders, research opportunities, and community engagement programs. These experiences will not only enhance their academic journey but also prepare them to become the leaders and innovators of the future.
Investing in these student groups is an investment in our society’s future leaders and change-makers. Thank you for considering supporting these driven and talented students. We can empower them to reach their full potential and create a lasting impact.
The University of Florida’s AIAA chapter is a dynamic force in aerospace education. They actively participate in the AIAA Southeast Regional Student Conference by pairing members with faculty, guiding student researchers through the writing process, and preparing authors to present to industry. The student conference results in a research papers with your name on it and connections across campus and industry. The team regularly hosts industry speakers, mentorship programs, and workshops, providing members with cutting-edge insights into the aerospace sector. By fostering a strong network and collaborative environment, AIAA empowers its members to excel in their aerospace pursuits.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
The University of Florida’s ASME chapter is a dynamic student organization that makes an impactful contribution to the academic and professional growth of mechanical engineering students. Through a variety of events such as information sessions, technical workshops, and networking opportunities, ASME helps students strengthen their skills and build meaningful connections. The organization also supports four student led design teams: IAM3D, BioDesign, VEX Robotics, and SDC. These teams give members the chance to work on real engineering challenges in collaborative and interdisciplinary settings. With nearly one hundred years of history on campus, ASME remains a space where students learn, lead, and engage with a vibrant engineering community.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
BioDesign
BioDesign is the first and only exoskeleton design team at the University of Florida. They are one of ASME’s student design teams, tasked with designing and building a lower-body exoskeleton suit for entry-level rescue workers. Members gain hands-on experience in biomechanics, mechanical and electrical engineering, and project management. BioDesign’s primary goal is to compete in the Applied Collegiate Exoskeleton (ACE) Competition for the first time in team history. Beyond the core project, BioDesign offers professional development and hands-on technical workshops for its members and the broader UF community.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
The Design/Build/Fly team at the University of Florida is dedicated to designing and constructing radio-controlled aircraft. The student-led organization competes annually in the AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition—either in Wichita, Kansas or Tucson, Arizona—where the team is tasked to create a clean-sheet aircraft capable of performing well in set missions. Throughout the competition process, DBF offers students experiences in airplane innovation and production. With meetings five days a week, team members are presented with opportunities to develop valuable skills in areas such as aerodynamics, aerospace structures, design engineering, hands-on manufacturing, and technical writing. Specifically, members learn computer aided design, airfoil analysis, applications of composites, and industry standard practices and design goals, among other topics. Moreover, DBF promotes leadership opportunities and cultivates an environment of teamwork motivated towards success.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
Florida Rocket Lab is the University of Florida’s liquid propulsion design team, currently focused on designing, building, and testing the university’s first liquid-fueled rocket. This vehicle will be powered by our 550 lb thrust Sparrow V1 engine, which has been fired successfully and reliably. In parallel, the team is continuing engine development with the regeneratively cooled Sparrow V2 engine among various other design projects.
Gator Robotics is the University of Florida combat robotics team. We build robots that fight in the 1lb, 3lb, 12lb, and 30lb weight class which then compete at small scale events in Florida as well a national level league called Norwalk Havoc Robot League. Students get the opportunity to design and build their own 1lb bot or work on a larger more collaborative weight class such as the 30lb (pictured). We are a well recognized team at the local and national level for our style of out of the box, elegant, and compact robots. Our design competition encourages students to build highly robust and well developed designs that get to be tested against other schools and professional engineers.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
Gator TPED is a unique student organization at the University of Florida dedicated to the art and science of theme park engineering. This multidisciplinary team tackles complex design projects, blending engineering principles with creative vision to conceptualize innovative ride systems and immersive experiences. Members gain hands-on experience by building models and presenting their designs, fostering both technical expertise and effective communication skills. TPED prepares aspiring engineers to contribute to the exciting and ever-evolving world of theme park development.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
Gator VEX
Gator VEX is the University of Florida’s premier competitive robotics team, designing and building four custom robots each season to compete in the VEX U division of the RECF Robotics Competition. The team combines mechanical engineering, strategic programming, and advanced manufacturing techniques such as waterjet machining and additive manufacturing. Every year, our teams qualify for and competed at the VEX World Championship in Dallas, Texas, against teams from all around the world. The competitive and teamwork-oriented nature of our team helps our members develop technical and interpersonal skills that ensure their future success, whether in academics or industry.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
The Graduate Student Council (GSC) serves as the voice for graduate students within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida. This dedicated group of students works tirelessly to represent the interests and address the concerns of their fellow graduate students. The GSC organizes academic and social events, facilitates communication between students and faculty, and advocates for policies that enhance the graduate student experience. They play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and thriving academic community for all graduate students.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
IAM3D
IAM3D is a hands-on engineering design team at the University of Florida that empowers students to explore 3D modeling, 3D printing, and engineering design. Founded in 2017, the team works on a variety of personal and collaborative projects, ranging from autonomous robots to FPV racing drones. IAM3D provides students of all experience levels mentorship, resources, and funding to help members bring their ideas to life. All engineering disciplines are welcome which allows for a very broad range of skills and expertise outside of the curriculum. Members are also given the chance to showcase their work at national competitions like ASME E-Fest, gaining valuable experience in design, manufacturing, and teamwork. Weekly meetings include project planning, technical workshops, and peer collaboration, creating a supportive environment for growth. More than anything, the goal of IAM3D UF is to be a launchpad for future engineers.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
Pi Tau Sigma is the prestigious International Mechanical Engineering Honor Society, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and commitment to the field. The University of Florida chapter fosters a community of excellence, providing members with opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and community service. Pi Tau Sigma hosts networking events, workshops, and social gatherings, connecting high-achieving mechanical engineering students and promoting collaboration.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
At Gator Motorsports, the opportunity to design, manufacture, and build an electric Formula-style racecar is more than just an extracurricular pursuit, it is a passion. Each June, Gator Motorsports competes against 100 teams from all over the world in the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) design competition in Michigan. This competition assesses the team’s ability to not only engineer and produce a reliable, high-performance vehicle, but also its ability to organize and manage a team to develop a feasible product for market. Our program provides students with the technical, teamwork, and project management skills required to transition seamlessly into careers in industry.
The Solar Gators are a team of University of Florida students dedicated to innovation in sustainable transportation. They design, build, and race solar-powered vehicles, showcasing the potential of renewable energy and engineering ingenuity. This interdisciplinary team tackles complex challenges in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science. The Solar Gators compete in solar vehicle challenges, pushing the limits of performance and efficiency.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
The Space Systems Design Club (SSDC) at the University of Florida is a dedicated team of students committed to aerospace, mechanical, and electrical engineering through innovative design of space-simulating satellites. They compete in the International CanSat Competition, where teams from all over the world design, build, and launch small satellite prototypes that simulate unique and realistic missions. This is an interdisciplinary design team that has to overcome different challenges relevant in many different engineering fields. SSDC is for students interested in engineering of any discipline and with a love for space.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
STEAM Team
STEAM Team is a design team in the Society of Women Engineers that incorporates art in engineering. Our goal is to bridge the gap between STEM and the visual arts by designing and building unique installations that incorporate engineering principles. We strive to provide a teamwork-oriented environment and a creative outlet for our members that also contributes to their development as engineers. Together, we learn drilling, woodworking, Arduino programming, circuit design, soldering, art principles and processes, thumbnailing, sketching, and painting. For the past four years, we have worked with the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention to design and build installations that match their summer exhibit themes.
Please Note: On the gift page, navigate to the Gift Options area on the right hand side and select the “I would like to provide additional information about this gift” option. This will open a field for text to list the name of the group you are supporting.
Swamp Launch Rocket Team is the home for students at the University of Florida with a passion for rocketry and a desire to achieve greatness. Each year, Swamp Launch pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in rocketry by designing, building, and innovating on multiple rockets and payloads to compete in two rocketry competitions. In April, Swamp Launch competes in the NASA University Student Launch Initiative in Huntsville, Alabama, home of the Marshall Space Flight Center. In June, Swamp Launch competes in the ESRA International Rocket Engineering Competition in Midland, Texas. Both competitions and the team as a whole foster the teamwork and technical skills to ensure our student’s success in their future careers in industry.
