About Us

Group photo of AEM Students, Staff, and Faculty

Who We Are

The Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) Department at the University of Minnesota is proud to have a rich history of producing excellence in education, outreach, and innovative research.

Aerospace engineers play a major role in the technological advancement of our society — not only by designing aircraft and spacecraft, but through their visionary work in fields ranging from biomedicine to computing.

While emphasizing mechanics, our programs are designed to ensure that students are well grounded in the fundamentals of engineering to become exceptional contributors to an exciting and vital industry. Our alumni are currently pursuing rewarding careers in education, industry, and the military around the world, doing vital work that touches everything from scramjets and commercial aircraft to space-related missions at NASA.

Leadership

Perry H. Leo

Perry Leo

Professor & Department Head

Ryan S. Elliott

Ryan S. Elliott

Professor & Director of Graduate Studies

Yohannes Ketema

Yohannes Ketema

Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies

Tom Schwartzentruber

Tom Schwartzentruber

Professor & Interim Director of Graduate Studies

Hongna Bystrom

Hongna Byström

Senior Administrative Director

Academic Excellence

AEM is deeply committed to immersing students in hands-on learning that connects academic projects to real-world challenges we face as a society, through rigorous and groundbreaking research. We also frequently work in tandem with other leading universities, laboratories, and businesses.

 

Student working on a model airplane.

 

 

Students looking at water in tank with dye.

Innovative Research

Award-winning and internationally recognized faculty conduct state-of-the-art experimental, theoretical, and numerical research and students have unique opportunities to work closely with faculty. Research is conducted in one of many departmental facilities, including the Single Crystal Growth Facility, the Wind Tunnel Lab, and the UAV (Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle) Laboratory. Faculty and students also participate in interdisciplinary research and collaborations with groups such as the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory. Faculty conduct research in three key areas:

Acclaimed, Accessible Faculty

AEM students thrive in a close-knit and highly supportive small community within a large, urban university environment. Our award-winning and internationally recognized faculty educate and advise approximately 350 undergraduate and 100 graduate students. These instructors get to know each student individually and pride themselves on their accessibility and responsiveness.

Professor talking with two students and looking at a computer.
Students walking.

Inclusive Community

The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) supports the University's mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  AEM strives to provide a supportive educational and professional environment for scholars, students and staff. We believe that diversity in all of its forms is beneficial and that a strong education improves the lives of individuals and fosters healthy, thriving communities. Collaboration among people of all cultures and backgrounds enhances our experience as scientists and contributes to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. We strive to promote a climate that celebrates our differences and strengthens our department by embracing and working to increase our diversity.


 

National Rankings

  • Ranked #4 in the nation by Princeton Review’s Gourman Report on Undergraduate Programs 
  • Ranked #4 in the nation in the 2018 National Research Council (NRC) Assessment of Doctoral Research Programs
  • Tied for #16 in the U.S. News 2016 rankings of aerospace engineering graduate programs
  • Ranked #1 on the 2007 Faculty Scholarship Productivity Index from the Chronicle of Higher Education for departments with fewer than 20 faculty members 
  • Ranked #2 in the same index for percentage of faculty with journal publication cited by another work
  • Ranked #5 overall in the same index for public universities and #10 for all institutions

Discover the Possibilities Today

Find out more about why UMN AEM provides the ideal destination for practical learning that will help you launch a long and rewarding career.

Undergraduate Program Graduate Program  Contact Us