Like markets merging together to create a global economy, this decade has approached the exciting frontier of joint research. The marriage of Mechanical Engineering to related fields has contributed to a new “Interdisciplinary Era.” In meeting the challenges brought on by this co-operative approach to engineering, the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Missouri has broadened its scope in both education and research while maintaining strengths in the fundamental disciplines: Dynamics & Control, Design & Manufacturing, Materials & Solids and Thermal & Fluid Science Engineering. Such well-established academic traditions in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum as well as nationally renowned research programs are the basis for MAE having become the largest department in the College of Engineering at MU. An equally important aspect contributing to the quality of the MAE department is the aggressive pursuit of funding, by our faculty, to establish nationally recognized research programs. Well-earned support through sizable funding from both federal agencies and industry are valuable resources in the promotion of our graduate research and undergraduate teaching.