Submitted by Lynnane George, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Several talented students from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering recently showcased their groundbreaking research on the international stage. During the week of January 6–10, these future aerospace leaders presented papers at the prestigious American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) SciTech Conference in Orlando, Florida. Accompanying them was Dr. Lynnane George, a faculty member from UCCS, who underscored the significance of this unique opportunity for students to engage with cutting-edge developments in the aerospace industry.
Meet the Student Presenters:
Evan Martin, a junior in Aerospace Engineering, captivated the audience with his presentation, “From Philosophy to Practice: Implementing Ethical Imperatives and Engineering Feasibility for Long-Duration Spaceflight.” Martin’s work explored the integration of ethical decision-making and technical feasibility to address challenges in sustaining human life on long-term space missions.
Josiah Rothwell, a senior in Mechanical Engineering, and Noor Yousuf, a senior Aerospace Engineering student, presented not one but two compelling papers: “Space Elevator Applications: Automated Asteroid Selection and Efficiency Analysis” and “Technical Analysis of a Ceres-Bound Space Elevator for Asteroid Mining.” Their research delved into the futuristic realm of space elevators, offering innovative solutions for asteroid mining and advancing humanity’s reach into deep space.
A Conference Energizing the Future
The AIAA SciTech Conference, themed “Energizing the Future,” brought together global leaders, technical experts, and academic innovators to exchange ideas and foster collaboration. This year’s theme highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and partnerships in driving the aerospace industry forward.
With UCCS students presenting during both the early Monday sessions and the final Friday discussions, their contributions bookended the event, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Their presentations not only showcased technical excellence but also highlighted UCCS’s commitment to fostering the next generation of aerospace pioneers.
A Message from Dr. George
Dr. George brought her dynamic energy to the conference, sharing insights during a Faculty Advisor Engagement Panel alongside esteemed colleagues from Boston University, the University of Dayton, and Georgia Tech. She highlighted her strategies for keeping the UCCS student branch motivated and thriving. Also, at the "Meet the Universities" session, Dr. George connected with prospective students eager to learn about the opportunities UCCS has to offer. However, the true stars of the event were the student presentations, which stole the spotlight. Reflecting on their impressive work, Dr. George stated, “These students are outstanding scholars and researchers at UCCS, and I am confident they will become leaders in the aerospace industry. It’s an incredible privilege to collaborate with such talented students and professionals.”
Students Share Their Experiences
The students themselves were equally enthusiastic about the experience. Josiah Rothwell said, “SciTech and our own UCCS AIAA chapter have given me the chance to build industry connections and learn from both peers and seasoned aerospace engineers. It’s been a valuable experience that has helped me see the field in new ways.” Noor Yousuf agreed. She said, “Attending SciTech was a very unique and fruitful experience as it allowed me to share and receive ideas with industry experts and students alike.”
Elevating UCCS’s Presence
This milestone underscores UCCS’s growing reputation as a hub for aerospace research and innovation. By participating in events like SciTech, UCCS students continue to demonstrate their ability to tackle complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to the future of aerospace engineering. This conference was not just an opportunity to present their research but also a moment to represent the excellence and potential of UCCS on an international platform.
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