Luke Brown ’24

Mechanical Engineering Independent Academic Research (CME-AEP)

Although West Point’s Mechanical Engineering (ME) program was ranked #8 by U.S. News and World Report in the 2023–2024 Best Colleges Rankings, the program’s mission is unlike its peers in that it is not exclusively dedicated to academics. ME develops combat leaders who are eager to enhance the Army’s strength and readiness by ensuring cadets get hands-on experience to design solutions for challenges in the military. Then-Cadet Luke Brown ’24 was selected to participate in an independent study for his ME389 class, funded by the Center for Innovation and Engineering. He took advantage of a unique opportunity to apply his scientific knowledge to influence one of his personal passions—the U.S. soldier.

Joined by a team from the Naval Medical Research Center, the mission was clear: to explore the correlation between arm-dominant grip strength and upper-body power. Over the course of three days, they conducted a series of tests with selected Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Brown explains, “Grip strength is very easy to measure. We used a simple grip strength apparatus along with the Vald Force Deck plate system to collect strength-related information. If a correlation exists between grip strength and upper-body power, the data could help leaders assess soldiers’ endurance and sustainability. It could also better predict fatigue or future injuries. It could even impact rifle marksmanship, as there is evidence of a relationship between upper body strength and small-arms accuracy.” At the completion of their testing and analysis, the significance of their research became increasingly apparent. West Point’s academic research programs do not merely enhance a cadet’s academic achievement. The cadets’ independent studies arm our military leaders with more knowledge to better prepare America’s troops for future challenges they will face on the battlefield.

Impacting the Cadet Experience: The Power of Your Support

Private Margin of Excellence support enhances cadet experiences at the Academy, from character to academic, physical to military. These are the additional programs, facilities, and opportunities the West Point Superintendent and other Academy leaders have determined are most important for preparing ethical and agile leaders of character. Thank you for all you do to enhance the cadet experience—an experience that will establish the foundation for the course of their lives.