Graduate Research
Michigan Engineering has one of the top-rated aerospace engineering programs in the world. One of the reasons our institution is so highly regarded is its research; from best-in-class facilities to renowned faculty experts, students can take full advantage of the education only the University of Michigan can provide by combining in-depth study with hands-on experience, collaboration and applicability of research options – in and out of the lab.
The Aerospace department welcomes new research talent. You could be a part of it—learn more below about the opportunities, and pursue any or all of them throughout your degree.
Self-Directed Study
Students may submit proposals to faculty for self-directed study, and earn up to six credits toward their MSE, by taking AEROSP 590. Learn more about our AEROSP 590 self-directed opportunities. They are available during fall, winter and summer semesters.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Start thinking about what you’d like to focus on during an independent study. You can ask classmates about their projects and experiences to hone your own ideas.
Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) positions
There are a few openings each semester for highly qualified MSE students to contribute to research projects while they earn funding for health insurance, tuition and monthly stipends. These positions are primarily filled by PhD students, but it’s important to know that each semester a handful of MSE students may be appointed for a research position. Students can pursue these positions within the department by reaching out to faculty a couple of months prior to the start of a semester. Students can also pursue these positions in other departments.
Aero Project 9: Next Generation Space Propulsion Testing
Faculty mentor: Prof. Benjamin Jorns
Prerequisites:
- Hands-on project work in both mechanical and electrical engineering.
- Programming experience in MatLab and LabView.
Description:
The purpose of this project is to assist the faculty mentor and his graduate students in a series of experimental campaigns planned over the summer. The goal is to perform performance and plasma measurements for several new electric thruster concepts under development at Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory. Tasks may include probe construction, data analysis, or thruster development.
Research Mode: TBD
Build your own research experience
Most aerospace professors welcome motivated MSE students who are interested in exploring their area of research. This may be especially useful to those considering applying to PhD programs in the future. The best way to connect with faculty regarding a possible spot on a project team is to review the work being done in the department and the faculty whose areas of interest most closely align with yours. You may email any faculty member directly with whom you’d like to work to inquire about ways to participate.
Flexible, long-winged aircrafts
