For first-generation UF student Ivanna Milian, ‘the only option is to succeed’
From her first days in elementary school, Ivanna Milian’s family nurtured her path to becoming a first-generation college student. As they drove to school each morning, her father peppered her with positive affirmations. “I didn’t really like them, but I think the encouragement as I was growing up really helped me get more confidence,” said the…
UF students use Halloween horror to master theme park design
This Halloween season, the University of Florida campus was transformed into “Camp Deer Creek,” a 1980s-themed summer camp that has been overrun by demons. The full-scale haunted house, set up on Norman Field from Oct. 30-Nov. 1, was the brainchild of Swamp Haunters, a student team from the Gator Theme Park Engineering and Design Club in the Herbert Wertheim…
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…
Eric Realmuto Selected as Naval Reactors Engineer and 2025 General Albritton Scholar
On September 4, 2025, Midshipman Eric Realmuto completed the rigorous technical interview process to earn a position as a Naval Reactors Engineer in the United States Navy. This interview occurred at Naval Reactors Engineering Headquarters in Washington D.C., and included two technical engineering interviews and an interview with Admiral William Houston, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program….
MAE Students Represent at HiPerGator Dedication
The University of Florida celebrated the launch of the next generation of its HiPerGator supercomputer this week, marking another major milestone in UF’s artificial intelligence initiative—and MAE students were front and center. Out of only four student groups attending campus-wide, two were from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Swamp Launch and Gator Motorsports, led…
Empowering Future Engineers with SHPE
The University of Florida chapter of the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is an extensive organization whose pillars are based on supporting and connecting students to professional, academic, and mentorship opportunities. Beyond these pillars, SHPE means a home away from home – a Familia, as its members label it. Students of all backgrounds are welcome…
Hannah Roberts Represents UF in Space Force Research Project
UF MAE is proud to celebrate Hannah Roberts, a Ph.D. student in UF’s Astraeus Space Institute working with Dr. Amor Menezes in the SYBORGS Lab. Recently featured in UF News, she represented UF in a collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Academy and Space Force. See the full article on UF News →
Back-to-Back DOE Honors for UF MAE Students In Energy Innovation
The University of Florida Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is celebrating back-to-back national honors after two of its students received the U.S. Department of Energy’s Outstanding Achievement in Energy by an Industrial Assessment Center Student award in consecutive years. This national award recognizes students who have made significant contributions to energy efficiency through their work…
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…
Two Gator Engineers Honored with Attributes of a Gator Engineer Award
As the school year ends and engineering seniors bid a fond farewell, it would not be complete without the honor of bestowing superstar seniors with the Attributes of a Gator Engineer Award. These awards are presented to six undergraduate seniors who exemplify the highest ideals of the engineering community. The award categories are: Creativity, Leadership, Integrity,…