Startup Spotlight – Standard Mechanics Turns Research into Reality

What if the work you did in grad school could evolve into a nationally recognized company by the time you graduate? That’s exactly what happened for Trey Leonard, a Mississippi State University mechanical engineering Ph.D. student who transformed his experience at the Innovation, Design, and Engineering Education Laboratory (IDEELab) into a thriving startup: Standard Mechanics.

The Birth of Standard Mechanics

Trey’s journey began inside the walls of IDEELab, where he honed his expertise in high-strain rate materials testing, digital image correlation, and mechanical system design. Working closely with IDEELab faculty, he identified a critical industry gap: affordable, high-quality mechanical testing for materials and components used in everything from consumer electronics to automotive parts.

Instead of waiting for someone else to fill it, Trey decided to build a solution.

From Campus to Company

With support from MSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach (E-Center), Trey developed a full-service business plan for a materials testing lab offering:

• Dynamic mechanical analysis

• Fracture and fatigue testing

• Digital imaging services for strain mapping

• Custom hardware development for specialized clients

In 2022, Standard Mechanics launched—and quickly earned a reputation for excellence.

Recognition and Results

Within a year, Metals & Mining Review named Standard Mechanics one of the Top 10 Metal Testing Service Companies in the U.S. (2023). That recognition came not only from the startup’s advanced capabilities but also its agile structure, competitive pricing, and results-driven ethos.

Their client base now spans:

• Aerospace suppliers

• Medical device companies

• Automotive and robotics firms

Standard Mechanics has proven that small-scale, student-driven innovation can compete with national labs.

The IDEELab Connection

IDEELab’s mission has always been to equip students with real-world, hands-on experience that goes beyond textbook learning. Trey’s story is a perfect example of that vision in action.

By combining:

• Research skills

• Entrepreneurial mentorship from MSU

• Advanced prototyping and analysis tools from IDEELab

…Trey built a business that is not only financially successful but technically respected across multiple industries.

Conclusion

Standard Mechanics represents more than just a startup—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when universities empower students to innovate, build, and lead. From a single grad student’s vision to a company with nationwide recognition, it’s clear: the next generation of engineering leaders is being forged inside IDEELab.

🌐 Visit Standard Mechanics📰 Read more about the MSU E-Center