Aerospace News

Russell Mailen (left) and Vrishank Rahgav (right)

Two aerospace engineering faculty honored as Outstanding Graduate Mentors
4/28/25 2:15 PM

Russell Mailen, associate professor, and Vrishank Rahgav, associate professor, both in aerospace engineering were recognized as Outstanding Graduate Mentors
two people pose for a photo

Two students receive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships
4/24/25 12:45 PM

Two Auburn students have won National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships (GRFP) for graduate study.
Ayden Kemp, a senior in aerospace engineering and an honors student, swept the 2025 Sigma Gamma Tau (SGT) Undergraduate Awards, winning the South Central regional and the Harry H. Hilton national award.

Aerospace engineering senior sweeps 2025 Sigma Gamma Tau awards
4/22/25 11:00 AM

Ayden Kemp, a senior in aerospace engineering and an honors student, swept the 2025 Sigma Gamma Tau (SGT) Undergraduate Awards, winning the South Central regional and the Harry H. Hilton national award.

From left to right, Katherine Clemmons, Ayden Kemp, Chris Raj and Kai Gutjahr pose for a photo when finishing second in Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Capstone Design Showcase in April. Dean Hendrix, associate dean for undergraduate studies and program assessment, is to the far right.

Aerospace engineering students named finalist at NASA RASC-AL Competition
4/16/25 11:00 AM

A team of Auburn aerospace engineers was named a finalist at the 2025 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems – Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) competition among 13 teams from other institutions.
Auburn University Provost Vini Nathan announced the names of faculty awarded promotion, tenure or both for 2025.

Eight engineering faculty members named to 2025 promotion, tenure
4/15/25 8:00 AM

Auburn University Provost Vini Nathan announced the names of faculty awarded promotion and tenure for 2025.

Graduate Engineering Research Showcase winner Tori Phillips, left, with Maria Auad, the college's associate dean for graduate studies and faculty development.

Chemical engineering student wins Graduate Engineering Research Showcase
4/8/25 10:25 AM

More than 150 students participated in the 12th Graduate Engineering Research Showcase, held April 3 in the Brown-Kopel Center.

Auburn Engineering’s graduate programs were ranked No. 6 overall in the Southeastern Conference and, once again, No. 1 in the state.

Graduate programs earn high marks in recent U.S. News rankings
4/8/25 7:46 AM

U.S. News and World Report, which ranks graduate programs nationally each spring, designated Auburn Engineering No. 33 among public institutions when its annual list was released Tuesday, April 8.

To compete, students were given 40 minutes to plan, sketch and build a contraption that would, hopefully, protect the egg inside once it’s dropped from a stadium ramp.

Elementary school students learn basics of prototyping through egg drop
4/2/25 9:35 AM

More than 50 kindergartners through fifth-graders recently descended upon Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium for this year’s egg Drop event, hosted by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
The Auburn University Rocketry Association visited Children's of Alabama in Birmingham for the third consecutive year to spend time with patients an afternoon of heartwarming smiles and lifelong memories.

Auburn rocketry club brings hands-on fun to young patients
4/1/25 10:30 AM

Returning to Children's of Alabama in Birmingham for the third consecutive year, the Auburn University Rocketry Association (AURA) arrived in their signature orange, blue and white floral-patterned shirts for a more interactive event with patients at the hospital.
Ari Goldman, aerospace engineering doctoral student (left) and David Scarbrough, associate professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering (right) stand in front of the MARLEN engine, the third generation of subscale RDREs.

Aerospace engineering doctoral student works to advance RDREs
3/24/25 2:20 PM

An aerospace engineering doctoral student is focused on improving wave dynamics in rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs), a compact and high-efficiency propulsion system that could reduce the size, weight and cost of future launch vehicles in space.
Mary Ferguson

#GINNing Podcast: There's Something About Mary
3/17/25 11:00 AM

A word of advice to the Louisiana State University: Make your campus a little more walk-able, or continue losing out to the best student-centered — and pedestrian-centered — engineering education experience in America, like you did with aerospace engineering undergraduate researcher extraordinaire Mary Ferguson.

man looking down at engine

Auburn engineering student uses Makerspace to design, test jet engine
2/18/25 1:25 PM

Brandon Barnett, a senior in aerospace engineering, used his skills and classroom knowledge to build a functional jet engine in the Makerspace on campus.
Lake Marian in New Zealand

New Engineering Global Programs opportunity takes students to New Zealand
2/17/25 9:00 AM

A new study abroad program through Engineering Global Programs will take Auburn Engineering students to the South Pacific, immersing them in the environmental landscapes of New Zealand.
Members of the The Auburn University Rocketry Association (AURA) talk with NASA Astronaut Jessica Wittner at an airshow in Pensacola, Florida.

AURA prepares competition rocket for success
2/13/25 9:00 AM

The Auburn University Rocketry Association (AURA) aims for new heights this year as it launches into competition season with newly designed rockets.

Samantha Korac

#GINNing Podcast: Korac on the Track
2/6/25 4:00 PM

Auburn Creed? More like Auburn Speed.
Jonathan Pettus has been named executive director of the Auburn University Applied Research Institute. [Credit: UAH]

Pettus named executive director of Applied Research Institute
1/28/25 3:30 PM

Auburn University’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development has hired Jonathan Pettus as executive director of the Auburn University Applied Research Institute (AUARI) in Huntsville, effective February 1.
The new rankings mark five consecutive years in the Top 20 and nine consecutive years in the Top 25.

Auburn Engineering ranks No. 20 among U.S. News online graduate programs
1/21/25 7:30 AM

The new rankings mark five consecutive years in the Top 20 and nine consecutive years in the Top 25.

David Scarborough, an associate professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn University (middle) stands with graduate students Daniel Stubbs (left) and Trevor Crane (right).

Auburn rocket plume research to aid future spacecraft landings
1/15/25 2:30 PM

David Scarborough, an associate professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn University is working to reduce stress of spacecraft landings by studying thruster-induced plume-surface interactions (PSI) to better predict their outcomes.

Ruha Tacey, a 2012 Auburn chemical engineering graduate who has gone viral on social media as a STEM advocating influencer, served as the keynote speaker for this year's MADE@AU event.

Auburn MADE event prepares students for an engineering experience
12/6/24 9:30 AM

Auburn MADE event prepares students for an engineering experience
Cutline: Auburn University’s Advanced Propulsion research team stands near a cryogenic RL10 liquid rocket engine. The team is tasked with developing analytical models for cyclonic flows, constructing computational models and studying the stability of different vortex engines. Pictured from left to right are Roy Hartfield, Daniel Little, Emma Signor, Anthony Marcello and Joe Majdalani.

APRL and Altair acquire $1.25M AFWERX contract to advance rocket engines
11/25/24 8:20 AM

Auburn’s Advanced Propulsion Research Lab is teaming up with Research in Flight to improve the performance of cyclonic vortex engines that are being developed for use by the U.S. Air Force and commercial space companies such as Sierra Space.

Joe Majdalani, the Hugh and Loeda Francis Chair of Excellence in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, receives a commemorative plaque as part of his induction as an AIAA Fellow on May 14 in Washington, D.C.

Aerospace engineering professor named AIAA Fellow
11/22/24 8:30 AM

Joseph C. (“Joe”) Majdalani, the Hugh and Loeda Francis Chair of Excellence in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn University, was named an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow.

Auburn Engineering has now increased its annual new research awards and contracts by more than 300% since 2018, when the college brought in $29 million.

Auburn Engineering secures record $117.7 million in FY24 research funding
11/11/24 7:00 AM

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering has set a college record for new research awards and contracts for a fiscal year, closing FY24 with $117.7 million.
JD McFarlan, ’84, mechanical engineering (left) and Mark Miller, ’84 and ’85 aerospace engineering (right).

Auburn alumni shine at AIAA Gala
11/6/24 9:00 AM

Two alumni from Auburn Engineering were recognized earlier this year by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Ben Bauldree

#GINNing Podcast: Boom
10/18/24 12:00 PM

Word to your moms — Ben Bauldree came to drop bombs. Check out an explosive interview with the Auburn aerospace engineering alumnus and pickle pro on the latest episode of the best podcast in higher education.

Auburn Makersfest 2024 is offering $2,000 in prize money to any Auburn student who has developed a product, written a song, or composed a poem – anything that was created – during a competition meant to stimulate creative thinking.

Auburn Makersfest submissions due Oct. 18
10/8/24 3:00 PM

Auburn Makersfest 2024 is offering $2,000 in prize money to any Auburn student who has developed a product, written a song, or composed a poem – anything that was created – during a competition meant to stimulate creative thinking.
Justin Littlefield, a senior in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, has been awarded the 2024 Astronaut Scholarship Foundation award.  

Senior aerospace engineering student awarded the Astronaut Scholarship
9/25/24 2:30 PM

Justin Littlefield, a senior in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, has been awarded the 2024 Astronaut Scholarship Foundation award.  

Auburn Engineering’s Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) office will host Aerospace Industry Day on Oct. 1 and Biotechnology Industry Day on Oct. 16. Both will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at the Brown-Kopel Center Grand Hall.

CDCR to host Aerospace and Biotechnology Industry Days in October
9/25/24 10:00 AM

Auburn Engineering’s Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) office will host Aerospace Industry Day on Oct. 1 and Biotechnology Industry Day on Oct. 16. Both will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at the Brown-Kopel Center Grand Hall.

Auburn Engineering’s undergraduate program also ranked fourth among the 13 public institutions in the Southeastern Conference and — again — No. 1 in the state.

Auburn Engineering undergraduate programs ranked No. 30 nationally
9/24/24 7:20 AM

Auburn Engineering’s undergraduate program also ranked fourth among the 13 public institutions in the Southeastern Conference and — again — No. 1 in the state.

The 2024 Auburn Alumni Engineering Council award winners included Distinguished Auburn Engineers Maury Gaston, ’82 mechanical engineering; Chris Kramer, ’94 civil engineering; Shirley Boulware, ’91 chemical engineering; Art Slotkin, ’68 aerospace engineering; Outstanding Young Auburn Engineer Jordan Watkins, ’12 civil engineering; and Superior Service Sushil Bhavnani, professor emeritus.

Auburn Alumni Engineering Council honors 6 with college’s highest awards
9/17/24 12:00 AM

Five outstanding engineering alumni and one longtime faculty member of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering were honored by the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council during a ceremony Friday, Sept. 13, for their distinguished professional careers. These alumni include four who were recognized as Distinguished Auburn Engineers, one as an Outstanding Young Auburn Engineer and a mechanical engineering professor emeritus for Superior Service. The council also honored alumnus Charles Gavin, ’59 textile engineering, who will receive an honorary doctorate of science at the December commencement ceremonies.
Phoebe Judkins, a student in civil and environmental engineering, talks with employers during a career fair hosted by the College of Engineering’s Career Development and Corporate Relations office in October 2023.

CDCR to host engineering career fair in September
9/16/24 10:00 AM

The Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) office will host an annual engineering career fair Sept. 23 and 26 in Brown-Kopel Grand Hall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Daniel Little, a doctoral student in aerospace engineering, (middle) was named Graduate Student of the Year by AIAA Greater Huntsville Section. He stands next to Joe Majdalani (left), the Hugh and Loeda Francis Chair of Excellence in aerospace engineering at Auburn and Andrew Keys (right), Section vice chair.

Auburn Engineering students awarded at AIAA Greater Huntsville Section
9/5/24 9:00 AM

A pair of Auburn Engineering students were recently honored by the AIAA Greater Huntsville Section for their academic achievements in aerospace engineering.
From left: Sathya Aakur, Brendon Allen, Davide Guzzetti and Tin Nguyen.

Four engineering faculty members named Ginn Faculty Achievement Fellows
9/3/24 9:00 AM

The Ginn Faculty Achievement Fellowship recognizes and rewards junior faculty who receive prestigious young investigator awards, including the National Science Foundation CAREER, Department of Defense, Department of Energy or National Institute of Health Young Investigator awards.
Dean Hendrix assumes the position of associate dean for undergraduate studies and program assessment effective Aug. 1.

Hendrix named associate dean for undergrad studies and program assessment
7/17/24 12:40 PM

Dean Hendrix has been named associate dean for undergraduate studies and program assessment for Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, according to an announcement by Mario Eden, dean of engineering.
Matthew Hooks, a master's student in the Department of Aerospace Engineering poses for a photo outside of Shelby Hall on Auburn's campus.

Aerospace engineering student earns Department of Defense fellowship
7/11/24 12:00 PM

Matthew Hooks, a master's student in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, was recently awarded a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship sponsored by the Department of Defense (DOD).
Emma Signor, an aerospace engineering graduate, holds the Mark Spencer Creative Mentorship Award earned at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering annual spring awards ceremony in April 2024. Signor plans to return to Auburn in the fall of 2024 to obtain a master's degree in aerospace engineering.

Aerospace Engineering graduate earns multiple top honors
6/21/24 10:00 AM

In 2020, Emma Signor was making one of the most important decisions of her young life about where to attend college. She knew little about Auburn University besides the men's basketball team's thrilling trip to the Final Four the previous year and its renowned aerospace engineering department, known for its cutting-edge research and distinguished faculty.
Outgoing president of Auburn University’s Design, Build, Fly team, Meagan Blosser, puts the final touches on her team’s plane before flying its first mission at the AIAA Design, Build, Fly competition in Wichita, Kansas in April.

#GINNing Podcast: DBF's BFF
6/21/24 8:00 AM

Meagan Blosser, outgoing president of Auburn University's Top-20 Design, Build, Fly team, doesn't care how you pronounce her name, because this new Auburn aerospace engineering alumna definitely knows how to... go with the flow.
Auburn Engineering’s graduate programs continued its upward trajectory in the annual rankings among public institutions, climbing 10 spots in the past five years.

Auburn Engineering graduate programs No. 31 among public institutions
6/18/24 7:40 AM

Auburn Engineering’s graduate programs were ranked No. 5 overall in the Southeastern Conference and, again, No. 1 in the state.
photo of Shelby Center on Auburn's campus

Eight innovative projects receive 2024 internal awards
6/11/24 11:00 AM

External NewsEight innovative projects have been named recipients of Auburn University’s internal research and creative works funding awards programs for 2024.

man types on an advanced manufacturing machine

Auburn expands support for advanced manufacturing
6/11/24 9:00 AM

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering will create an Analytical, Innovation and Manufacturing Laboratory to specifically foster workforce development, interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-relevant research and innovation aimed broadly at advanced manufacturing.
Nek Sharan, assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, seeks to understand how 3D geometries vibrate when exposed to fluid flows.

Aerospace engineering assistant professor to study flow-induced vibration
5/30/24 8:30 AM

Nek Sharan, assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, seeks to understand how 3D geometries vibrate when exposed to fluid flows.

David, who joined the Auburn faculty in 2012, has served as an assistant professor, associate professor and was recently promoted to the rank of full professor.

David named associate dean for research
5/29/24 7:45 AM

Allan David has been named associate dean for research for Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, according to an announcement by Dean Mario Eden.
Pictured is the Auburn University Design, Build, Fly team that achieved a top 20 finish at the AIAA Design, Build, Fly competition in Wichita, Kansas, in April.

Auburn DBF team has top 20 finish in AIAA Design Build Fly Competition
5/14/24 8:15 AM

Auburn University’s Design, Build, Fly (DBF) program's goal was to compete in Wichita, Kansas. They succeeded — not only competing — but earning a top 20 international finish and being the top school in the Southeastern Conference. 

Ava Grelli

#GINNing Podcast: The Great Grelli
5/10/24 7:45 AM

With yet another internship locked up at Lockheed Martin, Jersey born aerospace aficionado Ava Grelli is going places — and Boeing places. So, buckle up and get your ears on because this rocket retriever overachiever is racing toward space at a breakneck pace. 
Nek Sharan (left) and Vrishank Raghav (right), both aerospace engineering faculty, pose for a photo outside on Auburn University’s campus.

Aerospace engineering faculty earn DOD project to study rotor performance
5/6/24 10:00 AM

Nek Sharan, an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, and Vrishank Raghav, an associate professor of aerospace engineering are one of the 27 collaborative academic teams awarded research projects through the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) program.
Pictured is the Shelby Center for Engineering Technology on Auburn's campus.

Graduate School honors 28 students from Auburn Engineering
4/30/24 9:45 AM

More than 20 engineering graduate students were recognized at the annual Auburn University Graduate School awards ceremony, Friday, April 26, in the Melton Student Center Ballroom.

More than 220 sixth- through 12th-graders answered these questions – and more — via poster presentations on April 13, and competed for nearly $15,000 in prizes, at the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair at Auburn University.

Auburn Engineering among co-sponsors at STEM state fair
4/29/24 12:00 PM

More than 220 sixth- through 12th-graders answered these questions – and more — via poster presentations on April 13, and competed for nearly $15,000 in prizes, at the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair at Auburn University.

The Auburn Alumni Engineering Council was established in 1965 and is a group of Auburn Engineering alumni who work together to support the vision and goals of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

Auburn Alumni Engineering Council inducts Class of 2029
4/23/24 7:45 AM

The Auburn Alumni Engineering Council inducted seven new members during its annual spring meeting April 19 in the Brown-Kopel Center.
The Space Force flag was recently raised over the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus. Space Development Agency, a unit of Space Force, recently partnered with Auburn University.

Space Development Agency partners with AU Research and Innovation Campus
4/11/24 10:22 AM

Auburn University is making space for the Space Development Agency (SDA). Located just outside Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, the new Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus (AURIC) is set to become a base of technical support operations for the SDA, the sole arm of the United States Space Force operating in the state of Alabama.
Auburn University Provost Vini Nathan recently announced the names of faculty awarded promotion, tenure or both for 2024, including 19 faculty in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

Auburn Engineering faculty named to 2024 promotion, tenure list
4/8/24 1:00 PM

Auburn University Provost Vini Nathan recently announced the names of faculty awarded promotion, tenure or both for 2024, including 19 faculty in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
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