Advancing Aerospace Engineering with Composite Materials
For Aditya Shah, Mississippi State University has been more than just a place to learn, it has been a home for a decade-long journey of innovation and personal growth.
Originally arriving at MSU as an undergraduate in 2014, Aditya is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering through the Bagley College of Engineering. His research focuses on composite materials, which are systems made from two or more constituent materials. These lightweight and strong composites are key to reducing emissions and advancing sustainable aviation.
"One of the main goals of using composite materials is adopting these lightweight, strong systems in aircraft. Not only are they incredibly durable, but their light weight helps reduce emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future for aviation," Aditya explained.
Mississippi State’s state-of-the-art facilities for manufacturing and testing composite structures have been a cornerstone of Aditya’s success. Collaborating with NASA and the Air Force Research Lab, he has had the opportunity to fabricate and test large-scale composite structures, an experience few institutions can offer.
"MSU is one of the few places where you can fabricate large-scale composite structures for testing and certification. The facilities here are among the best in the nation, especially for stitched composites," he said.
For Aditya, MSU has also been about the people and the community. "The support from professors, staff, and my peers has been incredible. MSU is truly my home away from home," he shared.
Aditya’s work not only showcases the innovation happening at Mississippi State but also highlights the university’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and preparing students to make a global impact.
Watch Aditya’s full story and learn how MSU is shaping the future of aerospace engineering.