Ready to Launch

Georgia Southern University’s engineering program has become a launching pad for aspiring aerospace engineers, providing them with unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience and contribute to cutting-edge research. Through the prestigious Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant jointly with the Department of Defense, students are immersing themselves in research in the intricate world of propulsion, aerodynamics and controls of aerial vehicles.

“Out of over 200 applicants, 10 of the best and brightest get a paid research opportunity,” said Valentine Soloiu, Ph.D, the Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of Renewable Energy and a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. 

“When I was told that I was selected for the NSF REU program, I was just so ecstatic getting to work with Dr. Soloiu and his team,” said Mariah Fulton, from Evansville, Indiana, a mechanical engineering and German major, at the University of Southern Indiana.

The NSF REU program at Georgia Southern is an intensive initiative that brings together a diverse group of undergraduate students from across the country. With a focus on underrepresented populations and institutions with limited research capabilities, the program seeks to provide these students with an immersive research experience that goes beyond the boundaries of their home institutions.The goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of aerospace engineers with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation in the field.

“Diversity is a priority,” said Soloiu. “For example, this year we have 60% female students in the program.”

“I’m a female and you don’t see people all the time that look like me, and when you’re in a space where you have people that all look different, you learn so much more,” said Kelsie Pitcher, of Champaign, Illinois, a mechanical engineering major at Parkland Community College in Champaign.

The students delve into the fascinating realm of propulsion, aerodynamics, and controls through a series of hands-on projects. They gain practical insights into the design, testing and optimization of aerial vehicles. From exploring novel propulsion systems to studying the intricate dynamics of flight control, the students are at the forefront of cutting-edge research. 

“I’ve never had any opportunity to work with any equipment like this,” said Mikayla Bindon, from Naknek, Alaska, a mechanical engineering major at Calvin University in Michigan. “I have some big goals and this would be a really big stepping stone.”

“I think my favorite part of the lab is the experiments that we do,” said Naja Reeves, from Atlanta, a mechanical engineering major in a joint program between Florida A&M and Florida State University. “We get to learn how to use these machines and then write lab reports so we can understand what we did and why we did it .”

“This lab gives me a lot of opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have,” said Cody Pierce, from Camden County, Georgia, a mechanical engineering major at Georgia Southern. “The state-of-the-art equipment we have is industry grade, so we’re getting hands-on experience that we can transfer into the future.”

The program fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging students to work together in multidisciplinary teams. This approach mirrors the real-world scenarios that aerospace engineers often face, where collaboration and teamwork are crucial for success. By engaging in group projects and problem-solving activities, the students develop strong interpersonal skills and learn how to effectively communicate complex engineering concepts.

One program highlight is the opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals and visit aerospace facilities.These interactions provide invaluable insights into the practical applications of the concepts they study in the classroom and the lab. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the aerospace field and its potential career paths.

“I’m already getting a lot of professional insight from Dr. Soloiu, and I’m getting a lot of insight in our industry visits, for example, the other day we visited Gulfstream,” said Julia Tomus, from Savannah, Georgia, a physics major at Agnes Scott College, transferring to Barnard College in the fall.

“This program opens up a lot of doors and gives me a ton of opportunity and experience I wouldn’t have otherwise,” said Melissa May, from Aberdeen, Washington, a mechanical engineering major at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Throughout the program, students attend lectures, seminars and workshops conducted by renowned experts in the aerospace industry. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including advanced propulsion technologies and aerodynamic principles. By exposing students to the latest advancements and industry best practices, the program ensures they are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the rapidly evolving aerospace landscape.

“Here you find something that is interesting and you learn it, and then you conduct experiments on it,” said Luke Kroger, from Cincinnati, a double major in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering at Georgia Southern. “You’re not just reading about some experiment someone else did.” 

The impact of the REU program on students is profound and far-reaching. Many participants describe it as a transformative experience that solidifies their passion for aerospace engineering and motivates them to pursue advanced degrees or careers in the field. The program provides a platform for students to showcase their research findings through presentations at conferences and publications in prestigious journals. These accomplishments serve as a testament to the quality of education and mentorship they receive at Georgia Southern.

As the NSF REU program continues to thrive at Georgia Southern University, it serves as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring aerospace engineers. By nurturing their talent, providing hands-on research experiences, and fostering a collaborative environment, the program empowers students to become catalysts for innovation in the field. Through their contributions to cutting-edge research, these students are shaping the future of aerospace engineering and inspiring generations to come.

–– Liz Walker

Photos by Jonathan Chick