Community, Culture and Wellness Committee

Mechanical engineers provide solutions for many complex technological challenges. Nevertheless, the education of future mechanical engineers would benefit from opportunities to hone their skills beyond technical topics alone and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The Community, Culture and Wellness (CCW) committee aims to provide professional and personal development resources for our community. The CCW works to achieve these goals by sponsoring activities, funding micro-grants, and providing opportunities for department feedback.

Community Building Events

Upcoming Events

Back to School Bash – August 24th

Past Events

Departmental Tailgate
Back to School Bash 2024 & 2025
Summer Graduate Student Happy Hour
Halloween Costume Contest
Study Buddies Therapy Animals

view all department events

Micro Grant Program

This CCW program seeks to encourage mechanical engineering students to submit proposals for innovative ideas and activities that will contribute to and elevate the department’s commitment to a nourishing and welcoming culture. Eligibility includes student organizations, groups and individuals. Note: activities sponsored by microgrants must be open to all members of the Walker Department community.

Past activities funded through the micro grant program include:

Planter Painting Event (in collaboration with the Graduate Society of Women Engineers)
DIY Vision Boards (in collaboration with Women in Mechanical Engineering)

Interested in hosting an event? We can provide support up to $500. Have and idea but don’t know where to start? Contact yijin.liu@austin.utexas.edu

apply now

Community Feedback

Comments and suggestions about the department can be submitted using the link below. This feedback is confidential.

Take the survey

Wellness Resources

This program provides tips and resources for mental and physical health including monthly wellness tips.

For more resources please check out Healthy Horns (students) and the Employee Assistance Program (faculty and staff).

Wellness Workshops

Past events

What are we thankful for? Graduate student journaling session (November 2025)
Active Listening and Authentic Communication for Graduate Students (September 2025)
Stress Management for Graduate Students and Postdocs (March 2025)
How to Deal with Difficult People for Staff (October 2024)

Current CCW Members

Faculty

Michael Cullinan
Dragan Djurdjanovic
Janet Ellzey
Nick Fey
Sheldon Landsberger
Yijin Liu
Alex Marras
Venkat Subramanian
Yaguo Wang
Michael Webber

Staff

Christina Lambott
Katherine Spiering

Students

Mark Hamalian
Michelle Tedja
Meysam Mohammadi Zerankeshi

Interested in joining the committee? Please email Yaguo Wang. All students, faculty and staff are welcome.