Air Transportation

“If you have a mile of road, you have a mile of road. But if you have a mile of runway, you have the world.”

Air transportation

Interest Areas

01

Data & Sensor Deployment

There is a high demand for data in the aviation industry and I am developing sensor arrays to capture new forms of data.

02

Modeling & Optimization

I am working to develop realistic, digital twin models of various aviation components that can be used to optimize operations.

03

Sustainable Aviation

Air transportation produces 2% of all emissions. I want to help the industry achieve net zero by doing my part to make it more efficient.

air transportation

Projects

I have worked on several projects related to air transportation. Here are some of my favorites.

CURRENT – Automated Carry-on Baggage Sizer

Recognizing that one of the greatest sources of delays and headaches is the carry-on baggage stowage process, I am currently leading a team to design an automatic baggage assignment process that fits seamlessly into current boarding processes. Arrow Analytics, my company, was selected as just one of five teams, and the first-ever college-based team, for the GRR FLITE program to implement this at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI from January-May 2025. Currently, we are engaged in a production contract with Ford Airport from July 2025 – July 2026 to commercialize this technology for the first time in history.

PAST – ECO: Flight Emissions Optimization

I have worked with Southwest Airlines and MITRE on the FAA Data Challenge, where I was one of just seven teams (out of over 250 applicants) to be selected for the all-expenses-paid finals in Washington DC. My team and I developed a flight emissions optimization technique that reduced carbon emissions by over 20% while still meeting historical demand. Talk about trying to save the planet! We placed 5th in the finals among teams from across the US.

Awards and Recognition

I don’t do what I do for any award…but it certainly is nice to get one or two 🙂

SXSW

Student Pitch Finalist

Aviation Week

20 Twenties Award

Federal Aviation Administration

Data Challenge Finalist

Hult Prize

2x International Semifinalist

GRR FLITE Program

Contract + Grant Awardee