The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has formally adopted a new identity, reflecting its growing focus on aerospace research and education. This change comes after official approval from both Florida A&M University and Florida State University earlier this year.
“Having that name is very important for students getting jobs in aerospace and for training them in the areas of interest,” said Rajan Kumar, professor and director of the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion (FCAAP). “It will boost our rankings and expand career opportunities for our students, especially in the growing aerospace sector.”
Zhiyong (Richard) Liang, Sprint Eminent Scholar Chair Professor and associate dean for research, emphasized the significance of this transition: “Aerospace engineering is one of the fastest-growing fields in research and graduate education. The new MAE department showcases the powerful synergy between our mechanical and aerospace strengths, boosting our visibility and attracting top-tier research and students from around the world.”
The department now offers three graduate programs in aerospace engineering—a non-thesis Master of Science, a thesis-based Master of Science, and a Doctor of Philosophy—along with an undergraduate certificate in Aerodynamics.
FCAAP remains central to these efforts. Located within the college’s Aero-Propulsion, Mechatronics and Energy Center, FCAAP provides unique facilities such as a polysonic wind tunnel capable of testing speeds from Mach 0.2 to Mach 5. “At FCAAP, we’re powering national programs involving high-speed aerodynamics,” Kumar said. “Our one-of-a-kind polysonic wind tunnel offers testing capabilities you won’t find anywhere else. It spans speeds from Mach 0.2 to Mach 5 — covering subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic velocities — making it an invaluable resource for groundbreaking research.” The center also features low-speed tunnels used for studies related to takeoff, landing, automotive applications, industrial testing, as well as jet labs focusing on engine exhaust noise.
“We focus on the engine exhaust noise and its impact on the aircraft and nearby structures,” Kumar added.
Recent years have seen increased collaboration between FAMU faculty members at FCAAP due to joint appointments across both universities. Grants through FAMU have supported enhancements at FCAAP by reallocating operating expenses toward facility improvements.
Major federal investments are driving innovation within MAE. The department secured $5 million to establish the AEROMORPH Center of Excellence through funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Cummins Professor William Oates described how this partnership began: “A little over two years ago, we received a joint grant with the University of Florida from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. It started with an idea to look at sensors, extreme environments and high-speed aerodynamic applications and turned into something much bigger.” He explained that AFRL engineers collaborate with faculty on technologies like physical reservoir computing for autonomous aircraft systems: “There’s a group at Wright Patterson and Eglin collaborating with us on advanced sense-assess-respond functionalities for autonomous aircraft systems… You can put it in the skin of an aircraft and make the aircraft aware of its environment so it can autonomously navigate.”
Kumar’s team also received $4 million from AFRL to build hyper-velocity research capabilities supporting experimental advances in air- and space-vehicle technology. “The objective is to develop technologies for next-generation vehicles and to train students in research areas of national interest,” Kumar said.
Other centers contribute specialized expertise. Jonathan Clark directs CISCOR—the Center for Intelligent Systems Control & Robotics—which recently obtained $1.05 million from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) for underwater robot development targeting deep-sea exploration. Clark also works on NASA-funded projects developing lunar rovers capable of traversing difficult terrain: “We developed a legged platform that can move through fine, powdery lunar regolith, climb steep slopes and walk on the terrain efficiently.” Associate Professor Christian Hubicki leads efforts funded by L3Harris to create hybrid robots designed for hazardous environments such as IED removal.
Professor Carl Moore participates in HAND—a National Science Foundation-supported center focused on robotic dexterity—developing intuitive robotic hands that work alongside humans: “We want to develop low-cost test beds for teaching and training people dexterity and robotic dexterity… The idea is to get platforms that don’t cost hundreds or thousands of dollars into people’s hands.”
Computational modeling is another strength within MAE; Associate Professor Unnikrishnan Sasidharan Nair uses digital twins—virtual models simulating real-world conditions—to study complex aero-propulsion problems where physical experiments may not be feasible: “Some things cannot always be done in wind tunnels,” Nair noted.
Sustainability initiatives include Professor Juan Ordóñez’s NASA ULI grant project exploring zero-emissions aircraft using liquid hydrogen as fuel/coolant: “For example, we need innovative thermal management solutions to use large (megawatt-scale) fuel cell systems for commercial aircraft… In this context, the new MAE designation reflects well our research direction,” Ordóñez said.
Decades-long expertise in materials science supports these advancements; Professor David Larbalestier leads efforts involving superconducting materials crucial for lightweight structures required by modern aerospace systems.
Regionally focused initiatives include InSPIRE—the Institute for Strategic Partnerships in Research & Education—an FSU-led program aiming to build an aerospace manufacturing hub in Bay County with workforce development components involving MAE faculty.
Collaboration remains key across all activities at MAE according to Kumar: “The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering stands out for its joint structure…” He highlighted partnerships extending beyond institutional boundaries including collaborations with other major universities such as University of Florida, University of Central Florida, Ohio State University,and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: “We cannot do everything at one institution but becauseof these collaborative efforts we have been very successful.”
Student engagement is central; Chiang Shih emphasized hands-on learning opportunities leading graduates toward organizations like NASA:“We are dedicatedto hands-on research trainingand professional developmentfor students…In past four years alone over28students have interned there.”
With these developments,the newly designated Departmentof Mechanicaland AerospaceEngineering seeks tomaintain leadershipin advanced flightresearchwhile preparingthe next generationof engineers.
