Big Ideas, Real Impact: UCCS Students Present Cutting-Edge Aerospace Research
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Dr. Lynnane George
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Students and faculty from across multiple colleges at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) recently showcased their research at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Region V Student Paper Conference, hosted by the Iowa State student chapter. UCCS students presented three papers and engaged with professionals from across the aerospace and engineering community.
The conference brought together researchers, industry leaders, and students to share new ideas and advancements shaping the future of aerospace. For UCCS participants, it provided an opportunity not only to present their work, but also to gain insight into emerging technologies and connect with experts in the field.
UCCS was well represented with three papers spanning biological systems, space domain awareness, and advanced propulsion:
“Engineering-Bounded Osmotic Stress Signaling Under Diffusion-Dominated Microgravity Transport in a Passive ISS RhFET-01 Architecture”
Presented by undergraduate researchers Daniel Elmore, Jake Johnson, and Samantha Ritchie, along with graduate student Katie Lowerre, this project investigates how microgravity affects osmotic stress signaling in biological systems. By leveraging a passive experimental platform designed for the International Space Station (ISS), the team is exploring how diffusion-driven transport influences cellular responses in space. The work contributes to a growing understanding of how biological processes adapt to microgravity—an important factor for future long-duration space missions. The experiment is currently scheduled for flight testing aboard the ISS in August 2026.
“A Passive Radar Approach to Satellite Proximity Event Detection”
Presented by undergraduate aerospace engineering student Joshua Pappas, this research explores a novel method for detecting and monitoring close approaches between satellites using passive radar techniques. By leveraging existing signals rather than relying on active transmissions, the approach offers a potentially low-cost and energy-efficient solution for improving space domain awareness. The work highlights the growing importance of tracking and characterizing satellite interactions in an increasingly congested orbital environment.
“Geometric Attenuation of Pressure Disturbances in a Linearized Model of a Rotating Detonation Engine”
Presented by graduate student Jennifer Bishop, this work examines how pressure disturbances behave within rotating detonation engines, an emerging propulsion technology with the potential to improve efficiency and performance over traditional systems. By developing and analyzing a linearized model, the research provides insight into how engine geometry influences stability and wave propagation, contributing to ongoing efforts to advance next-generation propulsion.
“These conferences are where classroom knowledge meets real-world application,” said Dr. Lynnane George, UCCS AIAA student chapter faculty advisor and Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. “Our students aren’t just learning about aerospace systems, they’re actively contributing to the field.”
Aerospace engineering sophomore Jake Johnson, who is a member of the ISS team, had this to say:
"This being my first conference, presenting research as a sophomore was an incredible opportunity. Being part of such an impactful project and sharing it with the aerospace community is something I wouldn’t have experienced without Dr. George and the support from UCCS. It’s shown me how early involvement in research can shape both your skills and your direction as an engineer."
In addition to presenting their work, students attended technical sessions, participated in discussions, and explored career pathways with industry professionals. For many, the experience marked an important step in their development as engineers and researchers.
The participation reflects UCCS’s continued commitment to hands-on learning and student-driven research. Opportunities like this allow students to apply their knowledge, communicate their ideas, and gain confidence as they prepare for careers in the aerospace industry and beyond.
