"During my time at Illinois Tech, I actively participated in a variety of student organizations and teams, embracing opportunities to contribute to campus life and develop leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills. From cultural associations to technical teams, these experiences allowed me to engage with diverse communities, take on meaningful roles, and make a positive impact on student life. Below are some of the organizations I was proud to be a part of, each of which played a key role in shaping my personal and professional growth."
AIAA
*American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Propulsion Sizing
Motor Testing
Results
The team’s objective is to design and manufacture an electronic warfare aircraft for various surveillance and signal jamming missions. DBF’s mission requirements dictate that the aircraft must fit inside an airline checked shipping box with maximum total additive dimensions of 62 inches.
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AIAA’s 2023 DBF rules specify that the plane must be designed with the capability to transport an electronic warfare package, and having a jamming antenna mounted on one of the wings. This jamming antenna is specified to 0.5 inch thickness with a payload box that has to have dimensions of at least 3 in x 3 in x 6 in.
Propulsion requirements were determined from the desired thrust-to-weight ratio and endurance. The required thrust for takeoff and cruise speeds were determined based on the aerodynamic parameters and structural limitations of the preliminary aircraft design. Each configuration was simulated in the eCalc online propulsion tool, with a 15 x 10 inch propeller, 5000 maH 5 cell Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery, and 60A Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), and evaluated for flight time, thrust-to-weight, and total weight. Each configuration was also evaluated for thermal and electrical safety ie. motor over rated wattage, current does not exceed ESC rated current, estimated motor temperature.
The purpose of these tests is to evaluate the static thrust, current draw, expected flight time, and motor temperature of the motors in consideration for the aircraft. By using on-board ESC data collection, motors were run on a test stand to collect wattage, thrust, temperature, motor RPM, and amperage for a variety of motor and propeller combinations. These data points could then be evaluated after the test to generate throttle curves, flight time estimates, as well as verify the predictions of the conceptual design eCalc models.
Testing was done with the Turnigy Aerodrive SK3-4025 and E-flite Power 60B motors to determine thrust and efficiency differences between the two. Both motors were tested with the same 16 x 8 APC Electric propeller on the same day. Each motor was run for at least 20 seconds at throttle from 55% to 100% in increments of ten percent throttle. This data in fig. - 4 was then recorded from the Castle Link program. This data was then read from the ESC in CSV files, and used to determine the results shown in fig. - 5 below. The thrust targeted for cruise was 6.8 pounds force. Flight time was estimated using 80% battery capacity and the averaged wattage at the cruise thrust level. From these tests, the Power 60 is the preferred motor for flight tests, with a greater static thrust and greater cruise time.
SOAR Leader
*Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration
As a SOAR Leader at Illinois Tech, I played a pivotal role in helping incoming students transition smoothly into their college experience. Dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, I served as the first point of contact for new students, guiding them through orientation programs—both in-person and virtually.
Committed to the values of being connected, open-minded, and a guide to the community, I leveraged my own experiences as a new student to build meaningful connections and create an engaging, interactive orientation experience. This leadership role not only strengthened my communication and organizational skills but also deepened my passion for mentorship and community building.
ISA
*Indian Student Association
It is the mission of the Indian Student Association to preserve, promote, and celebrate Indian culture on the Illinois Tech campus as well as promote the shared values and partnership between the United States and India.
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As part of the Photography team, I played a key role in capturing and documenting cultural events, festivals, and gatherings, ensuring that the vibrant spirit of Indian traditions was visually preserved and shared with the broader community. My work not only supported ISA’s outreach efforts but also enhanced my skills in visual storytelling, event coverage, and teamwork, all while contributing to the celebration of cultural diversity on campus.
