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Robotics & Mechatronics Engineering

Our immersive, interdisciplinary, and hands-on curriculum prepares students for careers in the exciting and fast growing field of mechatronics.

A Randolph College engineering student assembles a robotic arm in a lab session.

What is Robotics and Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is an emerging interdisciplinary engineering field that includes mechanics, electronics, computing, and systems.

In fact, the word mechatronics is a combination of mechanical and electronics

Robotics is a subset of mechatronics focusing on applied systems to design, build, and operate smart machines. 

Why Study Robotics and Mechatronics at Randolph?

The interdisciplinary nature of the program gives majors a solid foundation in engineering, computer science, physics, and mathematics.  

The liberal arts emphasis of Randolph College will teach majors to think critically, reason logically, and communicate effectively, preparing them for leadership roles in the field.

Hands-on experience with actual robots begins on day one.  While large universities boast massive labs, most of their undergraduates will never set foot in them.  Randolph professors work closely with students to create hands-on and research experiences that fits their vision.

Every major industry including telecommunications, agriculture, transportation, biotechnology, automobile, national security, and renewable energy relies heavily on mechatronics.

Randolph graduates will enter the field prepared not only to excel in their first job, but to advance toward management and future-proof their skills through continual learning.

Degrees offered

starting in 2024-2025

Bachelor of Science Degree in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

Minor in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

FANUC Robotics Certification

Courses & Curriculum

Related Programs

The Randolph Experience

Faculty Mentorship

Physics and engineering professor Peter Sheldon works with a student on a project.

From your first day on campus, you will work closely with your faculty advisor to identify and shape your academic interests and vision into your own personal Randolph Plan.

Together, you will create an experience that allows you to develop your skills, challenge yourself, explore your interests and achieve your goals.

This includes both curricular and co-curricular experiences.

A Community of Scholars

Small Classes

Randolph classes are full of engagement and interaction. Students get the full attention of their professors and develop camaraderie with their classmates.

The Honor Code

Randolph students live by our Honor Code and act with the highest integrity in both academic and social life.

Intercultural Competence

All Randolph students learn global citizenship with the capability to accurately understand and adapt to cultural differences and find commonality.

Unique Opportunities

An emphasis on “learning by doing” is one reason Randolph students graduate with skills that prepare them for life and work.

Section Title

Randolphus te praeparat ad quam vivam faciendam. Randolphus te ad vitam praeparat.

In Ranulphi Collegio intellegimus viam inter qua incipis et qua finias non semper recta esse. Quam ob rem tibi instrumenta proposita tua inveniendi et consequendi donamus.

Hic, artes liberales habebis educationem diuturnam ingenii sui rigorem celeberrimam in ambitu discendi dynamicam, quae nova visione mandatur. Nostra emphasis globalia te faciet civem informatum mundi, pretiosum communitati vestrae et professioni vestrae.

Small Classes

Randolph classes are full of engagement and interaction. Students get the full attention of their professors and develop camaraderie with their classmates.

The Honor Code

Randolph students live by our Honor Code and act with the highest integrity in both academic and social life.

Research

Randolph College students conduct advanced research projects in their majors with help from the. Center for Student Research. They present their findings at the annual Symposium of Artists and Scholars.

Study Abroad

Opportunities for study elsewhere, such as in the Washington Semester Programs at the American University in Washington, D.C., as well as study-abroad programs, are available.

Intercultural Competence

All Randolph students learn global citizenship with the capability to accurately understand and adapt to cultural differences and find commonality.

Internships

Randolph students put classroom learning into practice by participating in internships.

With help from the Career Development Center, political science majors have experienced government at work during internships in the congressional offices, federal and state offices, political campaigns, advocacy groups, social service agencies, and more. ing with social service agencies.

Recent internships include the Department of Veterans Affairs, Moms Demand Action, CASA, U.S. State Department, SAWAU.S. House of Representatives, and more.

Special Interdisciplinary Curriculum

From your first year through your senior year, you will have opportunities to take courses as part of our honors curriculum.

During your first session of classes, you will take an honors section of Randolph’s first-year seminar, Life More Abundant, with other members of your cohort of honors scholars.

After the first-year seminar, you will take additional courses from across the curriculum that will deepen your learning experience and make meaningful interdisciplinary connections.

Enhanced Faculty Mentorship

You will work closely with faculty advisors and the honors program director to plan a Randolph experience that meets your needs and will help you achieve your goals.

This includes both curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Research

Participation in real world research and creative work is one of the hallmarks of a Randolph College education.

The Center for Student Research helps students at Randolph College engage in meaningful research that enhances their education and their preparation for careers, graduate studies, and other opportunities after college.

They will even help you secure funding.

Randolph’s Innovative Student Experience (RISE) awards up to $2,000 to support research, creative works, and other scholarly activities to students, who may apply at any time to use a grant for projects beginning in their second year.

Randolph College student makes adjustments to a part on a robotic arm.

Summer Research Program

A Randolph College student makes an adjustment to his solar powered car during an outdoor lab session

Spend the summer working closely with a professor and focused on a specific aspect of comparative thought.

Randolph’s intensive eight-week Summer Research Program enables students to work with professors on a research of their own design; live in a residence hall on campus, participate in on-campus summer events, attend special seminars with guest speakers; and share the progress and results of their research.

Learn more about the Summer Research Program.

Internships

Randolph students put classroom learning into practice by participating in internships.

Internships at companies in the mechatronics field help to provide not only a firsthand experience of engineering practice, but in many instances lead to full-time jobs upon graduation.

The Career Development Center works closely with industry representatives to provide listings of engineering jobs and internships that connect students to exciting work experiences.

Randolph College engineering students build a robotic arm in a lab session.

Symposium of Artists and Scholars

Modeled after a traditional academic conference, the SAS brings together students of all disciplines to share the results and highlights of the best work being produced at the College –  oral presentations, readings of creative works, performances, exhibitions of student artwork, and poster presentations.

The symposium provides students with valuable experience in public speaking to large audiences and making one-on-one professional presentations experts and decision makers.

Learn more about the Symposium of Artists and Scholars.

Society of Physics Students

The College has an active chapter of the Society for Physics Students, dedicated to celebrating the fun side of science and promoting STEM through community service.

Consistently recognized as one of the most outstanding chapters in the nation by the national organization, recent activities include

  • creating imaginative wheelchair halloween costumes for local children,
  • building a human-sized hamster wheel and a giant Newton’s cradle,
  • organizing the SCIFEST science festival for local schoolchildren, and
  • attending conferences of the American Physical Society. 

Community Service : SCIFEST

Every year the Society of Physics Students organizes and hosts SciFest, a 3-day science and learning festival for local schoolchildren.

Randolph student and faculty volunteers lead activities, exhibits, labs, and talks designed to get young girls and boys interested in and excited about science, technology, engineering, and  math (STEM).  

In addition to science activites for both elementary and preschool students, guests enjoy national guest speakers, a Pi Day fun run, women in science panel,  poetry jam, LEGO league, drones and robots, petting zoo, and more.

The free event draws thousands of children and families to campus every year. 

Photo Flip

Randolphus Collegium discipulos praeparat ad mundum criticum et creativo confligendum, honeste vivendum et operandum, vitam abundanter experiendam.

Outcomes

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Wanda WildCat ’12, biology major
Mascot and Icon, Randolph College, Lyncbburg, Virginia

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Opportunities

Faculty

Peter Sheldon

Professor of Physics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division Head

Read More... Peter Sheldon

Siavash Sattar

Assistant Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

Read More... Siavash Sattar

Jonathan Skelton

Assistant Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

Read More... Jonathan Skelton

Teresa Angell
Cello Instructor

Leigh Berkeley
Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor

J. Mark Campbell
Trumpet Instructor

Kevin Chiarizzio
Trombone and Low Brass Instructor

Jacob Dishman
Staff Accompanist

Christopher Fosnaugh
Percussion and Drumset Instructor

Kyle Greaney
Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor

Hermina Hendricks
Senior Lecturer in Music

Alycia Hugo
Flute Instructor

Hope Maddox
Costume Shop Supervisor

Nora Moore
Voice Instructor

Kathryn Munson
Adjunct Instructor of Dance

Bill Parrish
Oboe Instructor

Kay Rooney
Violin and Viola Instructor

Rafael Scarfullery
Guitar Instructor

Curtis Smith
Piano and Organ Instructor; College Organist

Current Season

Wildcat Weekend Arts Showcase
September 17, 2022

Fall Music Showcase
October 6, 2022

The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus
by Christopher Marlowe
October 26-30, 2022

Candlelight Concert
December 8, 2022

Performing Arts Cabaret
February 23-25, 2023

Winter Music Showcase
March 4, 2023

A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L’Engle
Adapted by Morgan Gould
May 5-7, 2023

Spring Concert
May 6, 2023

Only at Randolph

Randolph students can take advantage of unique programs which give them a more enriching education than can be found anywhere else.

TAKE2

Two courses per half-mester means you get to focus in and dig deep into your coursework while still having time for the rest of the college experience. Two classes. Seven weeks. Repeat.

Learn More
The Liberal Arts Advantage

Randolph graduates learn to think critically, solve problems and work well with others. They are prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.

Learn More
The Randolph Plan

Randolph students work with faculty mentors to explore a broad range of disciplines as they chart their academic path.

Learn More
Money for Your Research

The Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) program provides every student a $2,000 grant to fund research, creative work, experiential learning or other scholarly pursuits.

Learn More

Department News

Randolph holds ribbon cutting for new robotics lab

A robotic arm performed the ribbon-cutting honors during a special ceremony.

Read More

Randolph announces three new undergraduate programs

Cybersecurity, cognitive science, and mechanical engineering will launch next fall.

Read More

New faculty Q&A: Jonathan Skelton

Jonathan Skelton has worked in many fields—science and engineering among them—but teaching is his real passion.

Read More

New faculty Q&A: Siavash Sattar

Robotics and mechatronics engineering professor Siavash Sattar arrived at Randolph ready to help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in what he calls a dynamic discipline. 

Read More

Randolph receives Go Virginia funding for new major

When Randolph’s new robotics and mechatronics engineering program launches this coming semester, it will play an important role in Virginia’s economic growth.

Read More

Randolph holds ribbon cutting for new robotics lab

A robotic arm performed the ribbon-cutting honors during a special ceremony.

Read More

Randolph announces three new undergraduate programs

Cybersecurity, cognitive science, and mechanical engineering will launch next fall.

Read More

New faculty Q&A: Jonathan Skelton

Jonathan Skelton has worked in many fields—science and engineering among them—but teaching is his real passion.

Read More

New faculty Q&A: Siavash Sattar

Robotics and mechatronics engineering professor Siavash Sattar arrived at Randolph ready to help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in what he calls a dynamic discipline. 

Read More

Randolph receives Go Virginia funding for new major

When Randolph’s new robotics and mechatronics engineering program launches this coming semester, it will play an important role in Virginia’s economic growth.

Read More
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Peter Sheldon

Professor of Physics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division Head

Credentials:BA, Amherst College
MA, University of Massachusetts
PhD, University of Massachusetts
Associated Departments:Physics, Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
Office:Martin 316
Phone:4349478488
Email:psheldon@storesoo.com
Website:http://www.randolphscience.org

News Headlines

Peter Sheldon is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Physics & Engineering, the Chair of the Physics & Engineering Department, and the Director of the SUPER Program at Randolph College. He has a PhD and an MS in Physics from the University of Massachusetts, and has a BA in Physics and a BA in Mathematics from Amherst College.

Dr. Sheldon has received nearly $5 million in grants for research and programming, currently holding a $1 million S-STEM grant from the National Science Foundation to run the SUPER program (Step Up to Physics and Engineering at Randolph) which prepares Randolph College students to be the nation’s future scientists.

His research net includes a number of fields: he is by education a low temperature physicist, but has worked in the field of ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and more recently focuses on inertial navigation (the physics of rollercoasters) and science education research. He has more than 30 publications spanning across these fields.

Dr. Sheldon’s passion is bringing science to the public. He has recently held grants from the American Institute for Physics, the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges, and the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation for two major outreach projects. He directs and works with the College’s Society of Physics Students to run the Randolph College Science Festival and the College’s Science Saturdays Program for high school students.

Dr. Sheldon is the past Chief Reader of the Advanced Placement (AP) Physics exam, and is also a board member for the United States Young Physicists Tournaments, Vector Space (Lynchburg’s Makerspace), and the Lynchburg Region’s Technology Council.

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Siavash Sattar

Assistant Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

Credentials:BS, Azad University
MS, Tafresh University
PhD, Old Dominion University
Associated Departments:Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
Office:Presser 002
Phone:434-947-8605
Email:ssattar@storesoo.com

News Headlines

Siavash Sattar has dedicated his career to advancing polymer composites, with a specific focus on developing digital twins for virtual testing to design and predict advanced material performance in cutting-edge automotive and aerospace applications.

His research spans materials engineering, structural mechanics, and manufacturing, with an emphasis on sustainable mobility solutions.

Before joining Randolph College, Siavash served as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he led research on the design and processing of advanced materials and taught courses and labs in Materials Engineering and Manufacturing.

Siavash continues his research in advanced manufacturing and high-performance composites at Randolph College and teaches classes in Solid Design, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing, and Automation Systems.

Recent publications

S Sattar, J Bhagatji, M Saquib, D Pedrazzoli, M Zhang, S Kravchenko, O Kravchenko “Influence of flow-induced polymorphism and fiber morphology on mechanical behavior in long discontinuous glass fiber polyamide composites” Composite Part A, 185-108353, 2024.

M. Saquib, S. Sattar, R. Larson, J. Li, S. Kravchenko, O. Kravchenko “Experimental Validation of Reconstructed Microstructure via Deep Learning in Discontinuous Fiber Platelet Composite” Applied Mechanics Journal, 91(4), 2024.

S. Sattar, D. Pedrazzoli, M. Zhang, S. G. Kravchenko, O. G. Kravchenko “Notched Tensile Strength of Long Discontinuous Glass Fiber Reinforced Nylon Composite” Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 1-16, 2023.

D. Mulqueen, S. Sattar, T. Lee, O. Kravchenko “Mechanical and thermal. properties of carbon fiber epoxy composite with interlaminar graphene at elevated temperature” Composite Part B, 255, 110609, 2023.

S. Sattar, B. Laredo, R. Larson, S. Kravchenko, M. Zhang, O. Kravchenko “Effect of Platelet Length and Stochastic Morphology on Flexural Behavior of Prepreg Platelet Molded Composites” Submitted to SPE Polymer Composites Special Issue, 1-16, 2023.

S. Sattar, B. Laredo, D. Pedrazzoli, M. Zhang, S. G. Kravchenko, O. G.Kravchenko “Mechanical behavior of long discontinuous glass fiber nylon composite produced by in-situ polymerization” Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, Vol. 154, pp. 106779, 2022.

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Jonathan Skelton

Assistant Professor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

Credentials:BS, Longwood University
PhD, University of Virginia
Associated Departments:Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering
Office:Presser 003
Phone:434-947-8606
Email:jskelton@storesoo.com

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