Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have become versatile tools for exploring the seas. But they can be disruptive to the environment and they operate for only a few hours before needing to recharge their batteries. Nina Mahmoudian is studying an alternative: underwater gliders, which operate silently and can autonomously roam the seas for months at a time.

Congratulations to our Distinguished Engineering Alumni award winners, Angela Barbee (MSME '88), Juan Manuel de Bedout (BSME '94, MSME '96, PhD '00), and Manahar Shah (MSME '68).

Pavlos Vlachos, professor of mechanical engineering, has been appointed as the next director of the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering.

2020 might have been a year to forget, but at Zucrow Labs, the research has been as explosive as ever. Check out all the changes and updates at the world's largest academic propulsion lab.

Cummins, Inc., one of the world's largest engine manufacturers, has announced that Jennifer Rumsey (BSME '96) will become their new President and Chief Operating Officer, effective March 1, 2021.

When SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule splashed down off the Florida coast in August following its first crewed mission, the two astronauts inside could not exit the capsule immediately. Technicians outside had to confirm there were no airborne vapors from hydrazine, a highly toxic fuel used by the vehicle's hypergolic thrusters. Now, Purdue University combustion researchers are investigating a safer and less toxic hypergolic propellant, studying its explosive reaction with a new technique involving both visible and infrared high-speed cameras.

Adranos Inc., which created a cleaner and more efficient solid rocket fuel, will build a manufacturing plant in West Lafayette, creating 50 new jobs. Brandon Terry (PhD '15) developed the fuel at Zucrow Labs, under the direction of Prof. Steve Son.

Guillermo Paniagua has been recognized by the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics) with its 2021 Ground Testing Award, recognizing excellence in modeling, simulation, and testing. Paniagua's facility at Zucrow Labs has unique wind tunnels that test supersonic and hypersonic flows.

Prof. Thomas Siegmund has been elected as a 2021 Fellow of the Society of Engineering Science. Established to break down the barriers between engineers and scientists in all fields, SES was founded at Purdue in 1963.

Graduating from the United States Naval Academy is a lifelong goal for some; for others, completing a master's degree at Purdue is the ultimate accomplishment. Nicholas Toan-Nang "Nick" Vu (MSME '20) had the opportunity to do both.