Research Opportunities for Students

The Aerospace department welcomes new research talent. Our students and faculty push many boundaries in aerospace engineering from the combustion of biofuels in jet engines and advanced optimization programs to improve commercial aircraft to plasma thrusters for space exploration. You could be a part of it—learn more about applying to the Aerospace graduate program.

woman working on small electronic device
Headed by associate professor, James Cutler, in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, the team is in the process of assembling the Tandem Beacon Experiment (TBEx), consisting of a tandem pair of CubeSats, seen here being inspected by Research Assistant, Emanuela Della Bosca.

Graduate Research

Graduate students can engage with the kinds of research done here that is internationally recognized. Whether you’re interested in industry, academia or government, students can contribute to expanding aerospace technologies that change our world.


student on University of Michigan Solar Car Team's checking the fit of fairings
Chae Woo Lim and Hossein Zabihian, both undergraduate students on the University of Michigan Solar Car Team, check the fit of Novum’s windowed fairings. Novum is the team’s 14th solar car and entry into the 2017 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research is an important part of the Michigan experience. Students have a range of opportunities to get involved, from here in the department to elsewhere on campus or even the Big Ten. Check out the list of projects undergraduate students have worked on for the SURE program.

What is it like to be an aerospace engineering student at the University of Michigan? Step into the life of senior Prince Kuevor, who, in addition to his coursework, writes software for CADRE, a small satellite designed by his student team.