• Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma, AME (2024-present)

• Postdoctoral Associate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Aero&Astro (2021-2024)

• PhD, Penn State University, Aerospace Engineering (2017-2021)

• MS, Penn State University, Aerospace Engineering (2014-2017)

• BEng, Beihang University, Aerospace Engineering (Engineering Mechanics, 2010-2014)

Email: jydai [at] ou.edu OU Faculty Page

Jiehua is a second-year Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently working on hydrogel infusion additive manufacturing (HIAM) of zirconia-based ceramics. Before joining OU, he earned a bachelor's degree from Guangdong University of Technology and a master's degree from Jinan University, both in Environmental Engineering. Outside of academics, he is passionate about photography and enjoys hiking in his free time.

Saraf is a second-year Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently working on fabrication and characterization of nanocomposites reinforced with carbon and boron nitride nanotubes. Prior to joining OU, he earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). His research interests include the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites, as well as the use of AI and machine learning for materials modeling. Outside of academia, he is an avid music enthusiast and occasional musician.

Elizângela holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Campinas (Unicamp) and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. She is strongly interested in research and innovation in developing new materials, particularly for the aviation industry. Elizângela has two cats and two dogs, and she volunteers at Norman's cattery. She is passionate about gardening; she has a small greenhouse with tropical fruit plants, and has been learning to play the violin for two years.

Deepak is a first year Master's student in Mechanical Engineering. His academic and career interests include aerospace structures, propulsion systems, and space research, and he enjoys working with design and manufacturing tools. Outside of school, he is an avid photographer and has always been passionately interested in astronomy. In the future, he aspires to contribute to space exploration and research.

Anthony is a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Oklahoma with a strong interest in applied engineering design and fabrication. He is passionate about expanding his technical skills and creating opportunities for others. Outside of academics, he enjoys spending time outdoors—especially at the pool or beach—and hanging out with friends.

Brett is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at the University of Oklahoma. He is also actively involved in several engineering organizations at OU, including ASME, AIAA, and ESO. He is interested in developing novel materials for various aerospace applications.

Gideon is a senior studying Mechanical Engineering at OU with a background in production engineering on Boeing programs and hands on materials research. His interests center around product design, manufacturing, and creating clean, intentional engineering solutions. In the lab, he works on carbon nanotube growth using CVD and enjoys applying research insights to real design problems. Outside of engineering, he’s a big soccer fan, an avid ping pong player, and spends his free time sketching and developing new design ideas through his design studio.

Adwaiy is a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Physics at the University of Oklahoma. In his professional career, he is interested in aerodynamics, propulsion and avionics systems, and astrodynamics. Outside class, he is interested in astronomy, travelling, and reading.

Keegan is a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He has experience in aerospace certification, structural testing, manufacturing, and nondestructive inspection through internships at Safran and Heldoorn Manufacturing. He is currently completing an internship at NASA Johnson Space Center, further developing his experience in aerospace engineering and research. Keegan also serves as Mechanical Team Lead for the Sooner Rover Team, where he works on the design and fabrication of mechanical systems for the University Rover Challenge. 

Logan is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering with an interest in advanced composite materials and aerospace structures. His research focuses on the interlaminar mechanical performance of carbon fiber composites containing laser-induced graphene interlayers, including fracture toughness testing and composite fabrication. He is particularly interested in how emerging materials and manufacturing approaches can improve the performance of aerospace structures.

Chloe is a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Her engineering experience includes robotics, rocket propulsion and aerodynamics, and research on cement additives for orphan-well applications. She is also involved with the Boomer Rocket Team, where she works on 3D modeling and payload-system design for two-stage rockets.

Karan is a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. His academic interests include aerospace structures, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and control systems, and he is interested in developing both his experimental and computational engineering skills through research. Outside of his coursework, Karan serves as a tutor at the OU Math Center and has been recognized on the President's Honor Roll.