Why Michigan? Why Aerospace?

From the Graduate Chair:"We invite you to join the graduate program in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan. Because the department is a part of a large research university, it offers a significant number of interdisciplinary research topics. Our graduate students have always performed cutting edge research in subjects that are closely related to Aerospace Engineering. A fine balance between fundamental and applied research topics is a hallmark of our graduate program. The unusual breadth, depth and excellence of the graduate program is a reflection of this aspect. Our graduate program has been ranked consistently among the nation's top four for the past 15 years. Research is conducted in an array of contemporary aerospace engineering research areas, and we encourage you to glance through this web site to learn more about what you can be a part of here at Michigan. A large number of our graduate students receive financial aid in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships; so don't let financial concerns stop you from pursuing your dream to be an aerospace engineering researcher and innovator.As a graduate student, you will find that our department is an exciting place, with an enthusiastic group of students who call the new Francois-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) building and its modern laboratories their 'home'. Students team together to work on research projects including several science experiments that have flown on the US Space Shuttle, an unmanned flight vehicle, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators for aircraft wings and propulsion, modern composite materials and composite structures for air vehicles, advanced control laws for vehicle stability, groundbreaking research on turbulence, noise and vibration control of helicopters and intelligent materials for actuators. Some of our students played a leading role in the UM solar car team that won the national competition.We are proud to have a large alumni base that includes professors at prestigious universities, former CEO's of aerospace corporations (Lockheed and Grumman, for example) and individuals such as Kelly Johnson, the famous Lockheed 'Skunk Works' designer of many innovative aircraft including the SR-71. Several astronauts were educated in our department and many return to speak with students and faculty. I hope that you will our department an exciting place to be."

Professor, Bram van Leer,
Graduate Committee Chairman