Summer 2024
Dear colleagues, alumni, supporters, and friends,
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida has had a remarkable past few months filled with notable achievements and contributions across various fronts.
The student capstone project demonstrated the department’s commitment to real-world problem-solving, as engineering students collaborated with peers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Civil-Military Innovation Institute to rapidly address challenges faced by soldiers. This initiative exemplified the practical training and impactful outcomes that students receive through the department’s programs.
Dr. Douglas Spearot’s receipt of the prestigious Herbert Wertheim Doctoral Dissertation Advisor/Mentoring Award underscores the faculty’s excellence in academic guidance and mentorship. With over 19 years of advising experience, Dr. Spearot’s achievement reflects the high standards of mentorship within the department.
On the research front we continue to expand our overall portfolio while making significant breakthroughs. Dr. Yong Huang’s development of the vapor-induced phase-separation 3D printing (VIPS-3D) method promises more affordable and eco-friendlier 3D printing capabilities, showcasing the department’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies.
The department’s involvement in NASA’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission, particularly through the Charge Management Device work led by Dr. John W. Conklin, highlights the department’s pivotal role in groundbreaking astrophysics research and its contributions to NASA’s critical missions.
The strength of the department is the people that make up the MAE family. This quarter, we highlight one of the distinguished alumni, Steven Botwinik, and highlight the impact that he has made with Lockheed Martin. The department also bids farewell to esteemed staff and faculty members like Sonya Clements, Nagaraj Arakere, and Bhavani Sankar. Their service underscores the dedication and caliber of individuals who have contributed significantly to the department’s success over the years.
Later this summer, we will unveil the new undergraduate laboratory spaces that provide next generation hands-on educational experiences in the thermal systems laboratory, aeronautics experience in the undergraduate wind tunnel laboratory, power conversion and engines laboratory, control systems laboratory, mechanics of materials laboratory, and our state-of-art additive manufacturing laboratory. Your donations are essential to enable us to continue the transformation of MAE, and we thank you for your support.
In summary, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has demonstrated another year of incredible growth and excellence in education, research, and impactful collaborations, solidifying its position as a leader in innovation and problem-solving within the field. These achievements reflect positively on the department’s commitment to advancing engineering knowledge and making tangible contributions to society and industry.
Sincerely,
Warren Dixon, PhD
Dean’s Leadership Professor and Department Chair
