Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor's in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering

Who are my Advisors?

Each student in Engineering is assigned two advisors. One is the Assistant/Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, or ADUS, and they can answer questions about your course sequence, prerequisites for concentration courses, and many course-related questions. They are also knowledgeable about research opportunities at SEAS, career paths after graduation, and campus resources for academic and social interests. They are responsible for meeting with you to lift your advising hold each term and advising you in all things regarding your concentration.

Your other advisor is your faculty advisor. Faculty advisors are members of the faculty who serve as your mentor throughout engineering. They can answer questions about engineering research, topics in engineering, and academic paths throughout the field. They may meet you individually or as a group with other advisees and are here to invest in your growth as an engineer.

An additional member of your advising network is the Director of Undergraduate Studies, or DUS. This is a senior faculty member that oversees the concentration and decides on petitions related to concentration requirements. You are welcome to reach out to the DUS to discuss any aspect of the concentration.

Who is the ADUS for Mechanical Engineering?

Seymur Hasanov, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies, Mechanical Engineering

Email: shasanov@seas.harvard.edu

Who is DUS for Mechanical Engineering?

Prof. Frans Spaepen, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Mechanical Engineering

Email: spaepen@seas.harvard.edu

 
What can you expect of each advisor?

ADUS Responsibilities

  • ADUS will be respectful and give full attention to student during the meeting
  • ADUS will meet with advisee each semester to discuss course selection and lift the advising hold
  • ADUS will provide mentorship in discussing topics including academic, career, and research interests
  • ADUS may connect student with other faculty, contacts such as alumni, colleagues, etc.
  • ADUS may provide further resources to explore concentration further, including participating in undergraduate research, student organizations, etc.
  • ADUS may refer student to college resources for needs including tutoring, mental health needs, etc.

Faculty Advisor Responsibilities

  • Faculty advisor will be respectful and give full attention to student during the meeting
  • Faculty advisor will meet with advisee 1-on-1 or in groups each semester
  • Faculty advisor will provide mentorship in discussing topics including academic, career, and research interests, post-Harvard plans, etc.
  • Faculty advisor may connect student with other faculty, contacts such as alumni, colleagues, etc.
  • Faculty advisor may refer student to ADUS for questions about curriculum, campus resources, and progress towards graduation and to Counseling and Mental Health Services as needed

DUS Responsibilities

  • DUS oversees the concentration and decides on petitions related to concentration requirements
What are your responsibilities are as a student?
  • Be proactive about reaching out to your ADUS and faculty advisor. They are here to help! Though they may be busy, a concise email or dropping by at an office hour can provide you a chance to get to know them and for them to get to know you.
  • Come with questions to meetings. It’s always helpful to have questions prepared, either about the curriculum (for ADUSes), engineering concepts (both ADUSes and faculty advisors), or anything else to discuss during the meeting.