Professor Caverly Tenured and Promoted

The department is proud to announce Professor Ryan Caverly’s tenure and promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor effective at the beginning of Fall Semester 2025. Professor Caverly joined the department in 2018 after completing his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan. 

From the beginning, Caverly has been an invaluable addition to the department, inspiring students while also focusing on novel research. His research aims to develop theory and practical control techniques that enable new capabilities for real-world, uncertain dynamic systems with certifiable stability and performance guarantees. Professor Caverly focuses on aerospace, mechanical, and robotic applications and makes use of linear, nonlinear, and robust control theory, as well as multi-body dynamic modeling methods.

For Professor Caverly, the upcoming tenure represents both a moment to celebrate past achievements and a chance to look forward to new opportunities. “It’s exciting, but it also makes me reflect on all the great students I’ve worked with and the support I’ve received,” Caverly shared. With tenure, the academic freedom to think long-term opens new possibilities, such as working on theoretical research that may take years to show its impact, as well as engaging in applied work that could lead to practical breakthroughs in fields like space technology.

“It’s exciting to think about working on projects that have a huge impact down the road,” Caverly explained, particularly when working on complex theoretical problems or exploring cutting-edge technologies like his current research endeavors in solar sails.

This balance between theory and practical application is key to Professor Caverly’s vision moving forward: “I want to push more theoretical work while also making sure we take it to the final step, whether that means flight testing or launching CubeSats.”

A central motivation for Caverly’s commitment to academia is the students. Whether it’s teaching undergraduates foundational concepts or guiding graduate students through their research journey, Professor Caverly has found immense reward in seeing his students grow. “The students are the part that is just so rewarding,” said Caverly. “Watching PhD students evolve from beginners to independent researchers is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.”

This sense of mentorship is also what sets academia apart from industry, where the focus is often more on company goals than on individual growth. “In academia, I can mentor students for their career, not just for the department or the university,” he remarked.

Now, looking back on his journey, Professor Caverly acknowledges that while industry offers its own set of rewards, the autonomy and impact of an academic career resonate more deeply with him. The mentorship and teaching opportunities in academia have been particularly fulfilling, and he can’t imagine himself in any other role.

For students who may still be unsure about their career path, Professor Caverly’s journey serves as a reminder that it’s okay to take time to figure things out. “It’s perfectly fine to take the time to explore and see what’s right for you,” Caverly advises. 

In the end, Professor Caverly’s commitment to his students, his research, and his field is unwavering. The AEM department looks forward to seeing him continue to foster the next generation of researchers and innovators who will make an impact for years to come.