Two MAE Alumni inducted into the National Academy of Engineering
MAE alumni Juan Santiago and Scott Smith were inducted into the National Academy of Engineering – one of the highest professional accolades an engineer can receive – for their substantial contributions to academia, industry, and the world. Juan Santiago Juan G. Santiago, Ph.D., is the Charles Lee Powell Foundation professor and the vice chair of the…
2026 MAE Awards Celebration
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering gathered students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends for its annual Awards Celebration in April, an evening dedicated to celebrating achievement, service, and the MAE community. The banquet represents months of coordination and teamwork across the department and beyond. Teams and individuals throughout the MAE community worked together to highlight…
From steam engines to solar solutions: Meet UF distinguished engineering alumnus Anil Rajvanshi
As a boy in India, Anil Rajvanshi often found himself at the train station intently observing locomotives and dreaming. “I just would stand in front of this huge steam engine and be mesmerized,” recalled Rajvanshi, Ph.D. “I thought that the best thing in the world would be an engine driver. And then I found this guy…
Inventing the Future of Flight: Chuck Jackson’s Journey from UF to GE Aerospace
Chuck Jackson has dedicated his career at GE Aerospace to advancing technological programs in the commercial aviation industry. Jackson graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1995. Soon after Chuck continued his schooling at the University of Cincinnati where he received his master’s degree and then went on to…
John Sullivan: From Gator Engineer to Aerospace Leader and Mentor
John Sullivan, chair of the External Advisory Board, has devoted his career to advancing aerospace engineering. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, Sullivan began working at Pratt & Whitney as an analytical engineer. During his time there, he developed expertise in subsonic, transonic and supersonic aerodynamics while also gaining practical skills such…
MAE Momentum 2025: Showcasing Innovation and Impact in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Proudly annoucing the release of MAE’s third annual magazine publication! We invite you to explore this edition of MAEmomentum, our most expansive yet, packed with stories showcasing the incredible work of our MAE community—students, student groups, faculty, staff, alumni, and development partners. These pages reflect the impact and ingenuity of our community as we continue to advance the…
Friction, Focus and Forward Motion
Triple Gator, trailblazer and PECASE recipient. Alison Dunn makes UF MAE proud with her curiosity, mentorship, and innovation. Scroll through this exclusive MAE Momentum feature, to see how she’s shaping engineering, one surface at a time. Engineering For The Body: Biomedical research that bridges surfaces, sensation, and human-centered design. Alison Dunn Ph.D. makes surfaces behave. It’s…
From MAE to Mission-Ready: Rebecca Boxerman’s Career of Service and Innovation
Rebecca Boxerman, master of mechanical engineering and proud UF MAE alum, is soaring to new heights. From her early days as a driven student at the University of Florida to her leadership role within the Navy’s cutting-edge technology programs, Boxerman’s career reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and dedicated mentorship. With a passion…
Message From The Chair – Summer 2025
As we welcome summer, I’m proud to reflect on another extraordinary season at MAE. This edition of our newsletter showcases the incredible breadth and depth of work happening across our department—from space biomanufacturing and award-winning research to student-driven innovation and alumni distinction. Each story speaks to the excellence that defines us. Our faculty continue to lead…
Perseverance Beyond the Stars: Josh Ehrlich’s Journey in Aerospace
For Josh Ehrlich, a University of Florida Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering alumnus, a passion for space has fueled a career with some of the most prestigious names in aerospace, including NASA, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Blue Origin. His journey, from designing space systems to an eight-month Mars analog mission, proves that success isn’t about flawless grades…