Club Spotlight - American Society of Mechanical Engineers

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs. 

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or Elizabeth.vanderneut@scranton.edu.

By: Elizabeth Vander Neut, student correspondent

GET INVOLVED

Club: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Meet: Ethan Distler '26, is a mechanical engineering major from Royersford.

Role in the Club: President 

Connect: @asme_uofs   

Q: Your club is one of many extracurricular opportunities at The University of Scranton. How does American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) stand out?

"ASME as a club ... exists purely to help enrich the (still new) mechanical engineering major. I’m part of the third graduating class of mechanical engineering and the first graduating class with the program officially accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) So, with a program still in its infancy, the officers and I wanted to make some sort of resource that would promote engagement. The electrical engineering major already has such a rich and involved alumni network and relationship with companies and other resources. We asked what was stopping the mechanical engineering major from developing an involved network early on."

Q: Why did you join the club? Why would you recommend someone join?

"Anyone should join if they’re interested in engineering. The beauty of engineering is how diverse it is. It is merely applied physics with an interest in design. Mechanical engineering happens to limit the scope to something mechanical. So, anyone who is interested in learning about how the world operates in terms of manufacturing, infrastructure, etc. should absolutely come to a meeting."

Q: What is the mission of ASME?

"From our constitution, the mission is this: 

1. Support the expansion and visibility of the Mechanical Engineering program with a club that participates in interscholastic competitions, networking opportunities, such as facility tours, and other off-campus activities in addition to on-campus seminars, events, and workshops. 

2. Provide students with the opportunity to engage in seminars with Mechanical Engineering graduates and industry professionals. 

3. Allow Mechanical Engineering students to explore post-graduate opportunities within their discipline, such as workshops, conferences and connections specific to the Mechanical Engineering fields.

4. Promote collaboration amongst Mechanical Engineering students to nurture an ME community essential for the expansion of the Mechanical Engineering department.”

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club?

"Our national organization is ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). They host design competitions and other events all year. Competing in one of these events is definitely going to be something we (the officers) start to look at."

Q: Please share the format of a typical meeting. How can someone interested in these meetings find out more ?

"We’ve been doing meetings every other Tuesday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Mechanical Engineering Suite in Hyland Hall. When you walk into the floor, the building is on your right. We’ve been meeting in the Mechanics of Materials Lab." 

Q: Any upcoming club plans for the fall semester? 

"12/2/2025 Gingerbread weight competition."

Q: Any upcoming club plans for the fall semester? 

"I think that covers all of it! On behalf of the ASME Officers, we’d like to thank you for featuring us. Please stop in any time!"