Overview

MERC’s History

Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) is the research and applied engineering arm of Mercer University, a private university founded in 1833. For over 175 years, Mercer has served Georgia as a highly-respected educational institution. In 1984, the School of Engineering was established at the Macon, Georgia campus, with the charter class beginning studies in 1985.

ribbon cutting photo
Ribbon cutting for new facility on October 16, 1997. (from left) Warner Robins Mayor Donald Walker, County Commission Chairman Sherrill Stafford, State Senator Sonny Perdue, Senator Saxby Chambliss, State Representative Larry Walker, Mercer University President Dr. Kirby Godsey, and MERC Executive Director Dr. David Barwick.

In 1987, MERC was established under the School of Engineering to provide locally available engineering and scientific services, and critical specialized technical skills. Today, MERC functions as a non-profit operating unit of the University, with the Executive Director, Ms. Andi Mitchell, reporting directly to the University Executive Vice President for Administration/Finance, Dr. James S. Netherton.

For over 31 years, MERC has proudly and ably supported its clients with superb engineering and scientific capabilities and resources, to include core competencies such as:

  • Biomechanics and Ergonomics Engineering
  • Comprehensive Weapons System Integrity Program Development and Support
  • Fleet Management and Tracking (Digital Twin/Digital Thread)
  • Energy Monitoring and Management Engineering (ISO 50001)
  • Electronic Warfare and Avionics Engineering
  • Industrial Systems and Logistics Engineering
  • Mechanical/Electrical/Aeronautical Design, Reverse Engineering, Prototyping, and Testing
  • Software and Database Application Engineering
  • Systems and Structures Simulation and Modeling

Currently employing over 200 engineers, scientists, interns, and operations staff, MERC has a very long and varied list of customers including all of the Department of Defense services, other governmental agencies—federal, state, and local—as well as major defense contractors and a multitude of commercial entities.