Open to 2026 New Grad Roles

Engineer who delivers: data-driven design, clean code, and wind-tunnel-tested ideas

I’m an aerospace engineering student focused on research and design, experimental aerodynamics, MATLAB/Python tooling, and robust test rigs. I love turning theory into validated results and expanding its impact across disciplines.

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About

Who I am and what I do

Profile photo of Alek Catterson
Alek Catterson
Aerospace Engineering (B.S.)

Aerospace is where I do my best work. My first flight in a single-engine aircraft with my uncle sparked my lasting drive to contribute to the field, reinforced by my grandfather's direct contributions to the Apollo 11 program at Grumman. My recent work includes upgrading an icing wind-tunnel calibration stack, developing a seven-hole probe processing pipeline, and designing instrument fixtures and test rigs. I value quality, repeatability, robust documentation, and data accuracy.

  • Strong with MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), and data visuals/contours.
  • Hands-on with DAQ (Scanivalve, NI), PIV workflows, and rig design.
  • Proficient in Fluent and Ansys Workbench for verification studies.

Additionally, I enjoy pursuing interdisciplinary projects that broaden my skillset across aerodynamics/fluids, heat transfer, electrical engineering, and software development. Refer to the Projects section for examples such as a seven-hole probe calibration & flow-angularity toolkit, an icing wind-tunnel calibration upgrade, and a comprehensive CFD study.

Graduating:
May 2026
GPA:
3.8/4.0
Location:
NY, USA

Experience

Recent roles with impact

Aerospace Engineering Intern · LeClerc Icing Research Lab, Cox & Company Inc.

Jun 2025 – Aug 2025 · New York
  • Rebuilt calibration toolchain for LWC/MVD/temperature/flow-angle; documented procedures aligned to SAE standards.
  • Developed MATLAB/Octave plots to visualize uniformity envelopes; cut analysis time to enable near real-time data processing.
  • Validated DAQs and sensors; authored repeatable test plans with uncertainty budgets.
    • Instrumentation: Pressure Transducers, RTDs, Thermocouples (Type T&K), Hot Wire Anemometers, Nevzorov Probe

Undergraduate Research: Experimental Fluid Dynamics · Wing/Obstacle Flow (PIV)

Sep 2024 – May 2025 · University Lab
  • Built water-towing setup to enable variable-AoA wing studies; synchronized acquisition with camera and traverse.
  • Processed force transducer datasets; scripted matlab tooling for respective plots.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant & Tutor · Applied Mathematics (MAE 376)

Fall 2025 · University
  • Led weekly problem-solving sessions on computational methods (PDEs; linear algebra; linear/nonlinear system; ODE solvers; eigenvalue problems), emphasizing numerical stability, conditioning, and error analysis.

Projects

Filter by domain to jump to desired skillset

CFD simulation of a high-AoA translating wing interacting with a finite channel obstacle

CFD Analysis of High-AOA Translating Wings Interacting with Finite Channel Obstacles

Evaluated the viability of CFD to guide future water-tank experiments.

CFD Ansys Fluent Research

Motor Pillow Block and Transducer Bracket Design

Modeled a motor and transducer mount to enable variable pitching to a carbon fiber wing.

Ansys GD&T CAD

Seven-Hole Probe Calibration & Flow-Angularity Toolkit

MATLAB pipeline to convert pressure taps into yaw/pitch angles and contour maps.

MATLAB Design Data Processing & Visualization

Flight Simulator: 6-DOF Stewart Platform

Developing a 6-DOF simulator, now in the preliminary design stages.

R&D Multi-Disciplinary CAD Cost Analysis Circuitry & Wiring

Skills

Tools and methods I use most

Software

  • MATLAB / Octave
  • Python — NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib
  • Ansys Fluent
  • Solidworks / Fusion 360
  • LabVIEW/DASYLab

Methods & Tools

  • GD&T
  • Wind-tunnel testing & PIV
  • Data acquisition & sensors (Scanivalve, NI)
  • Signal conditioning & error analysis
  • Design of experiments & documentation

Education

B.S., Aerospace Engineering
Expected May 2026 · GPA 3.8/4.0 · Dean's List All Semesters
Key coursework:
Aerodynamics, Gas Dynamics, Aircraft Design, Flight Dynamics, Propulsion, Spacecraft, Fluid Mechanics, FEA&CFD (Ansys/Fluent), Heat Transfer, Electrical Engineering Concepts
Certifications
  • Private Pilot Certificate - In Progress (17.5 hours logged)
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
  • 2-Year Certificate of Completion: Aviation Science & Flight
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid

Awards

Experiential Learning Network Scholarship · Undergraduate Research: Experimental Fluid Dynamics
Gustav & Grete Zimmer Memorial Scholarship · Undergraduate Research: Experimental Fluid Dynamics
SkillsUSA — 1st Place (Regional) · Aviation Science/Flight
Student of the Year · Wilson Tech Aviation Program

Contact

Use the form or reach out directly at alekcatterson@gmail.com

I reply within 1–2 days during the semester.

Project PDF
CFD Animation
Animated CFD visualization of high-AoA wing interacting with a finite channel obstacle
Seven-Hole Probe — Project Details

Calibration & Flow-Angularity Toolkit

Converts seven pressure taps to a velocity vector, yaw/pitch (α/β) angles, and dynamic/static pressures.

What I built

  • MATLAB/Octave pipeline to map 7-hole probe tap pressures to α/β angles via calibration matrices.
  • Automated bias/offset correction, outlier rejection, and unit handling.
  • Export of tables for reports.

How it works

  1. Calibration sweep: generate calibration coefficients.
  2. Fit model: nondimensionalize pressures.
  3. Runtime: invert model for unknown flows to recover α/β and q.
  4. QA: residual maps + uncertainty bands to validate regions.

Technical Notes

  • Supports Scanivalve CSV and generic DAQ formats.
  • Batch processing; runs on MATLAB/Octave with minimal changes.
  • Handles temperature/pressure normalization for repeatability.

Results

  • Clean α/β fields across the valid dome; flagged edge zones.
  • Run-to-run repeatability within target tolerance.
  • Cut analysis time from hours to minutes with scripted plots.

Code Availability

The data-processing and visualization scripts for this project were developed during my work at Cox & Company Inc. and are considered proprietary. As such, the source code cannot be shared publicly, but I can discuss the methodology, workflow, and results in detail.

Gallery

Probe principle & ports α/β contour result

References
6-DOF Stewart Platform — Project Details

Full-Scale 6-DOF Motion Platform

Long-term personal project to design and build a full Stewart platform from the ground up. Currently in the preliminary cost-analysis and design stage.

Mechanical Design

  • Designed for 600 mm travel using ball-screw linear drives.
  • Six AC servo motor actuators chosen to provide precise motion control.
  • CAD modeling of frame and actuator geometry to verify clearances and ranges.
  • Incorporates inverse kinematics calculations for accurate 6-DOF positioning.

Controls & Software

  • Preliminary control algorithms prototyped in MATLAB.
  • Plan to implement real-time inverse kinematics and closed-loop feedback.
  • Custom circuitry and wiring schematics being designed for actuator drive integration.
  • Future software phases will expand into dedicated motion-platform control suites.

User Experience

  • Integration with a high-end VR headset for immersive visuals.
  • HOTAS and pedal system sourced for realistic aircraft controls.
  • Goal: create a fully immersive simulator that merges physical and virtual fidelity.

Project Status

  • Cost analysis of actuators, frame materials, and electronics underway.
  • CAD modeling in progress with focus on geometry and actuator placement.
  • Control logic prototyped, but still in early development.
  • This is an ongoing personal project in its preliminary stage, evolving toward a full-scale build.
Motor Pillow Block and Transducer Bracket — Project Details

Project Overview

Purpose

Provide a structural interface for mounting the motor and transducer in the towing tank while maintaining clearance between the wingtip and tank floor.

What

Developed a precision-machined motor pillow block for the linear traverse system and a transducer bracket coupled to the motor assembly.

How

Created CAD models in Fusion 360 with GD&T specifications for CNC machining. Conducted Ansys FEA simulations to verify bracket stiffness and quantify deflection under combined loading.

Results

Verified negligible deflection (<2% chord sag), ensuring transducer safety. Hardware was fabricated and integrated successfully, meeting budget and schedule targets.

Full Details

The project’s goal was to adapt the fixed-angle-of-attack wing setup for powered testing in the towing tank. A new transducer bracket was required to couple directly with the motor, while a motor pillow block was needed to mount the motor securely on the linear traverse system. Critical design considerations included maintaining the wingtip’s clearance from the tank bottom—less than 2% of chord length. If contact occurred, the high-value force transducer could have been destroyed by overload.

Using Fusion 360, models were created with sufficient accuracy and tolerancing (GD&T) for CNC machining. Ansys simulations were conducted to verify structural integrity, confirming that sag under combined loading (wing, transducer, and bracket) would be negligible. This ensured safe operation without interference between the wingtip and tank floor. The manufactured components were installed successfully, enabling powered testing while meeting budget and schedule targets. Overall, the effort enhanced the facility’s testing capability and safeguarded instrumentation.

Gallery

Motor Pillow Block
Motor pillow block — isometric view
Motor pillow block — machined part
Motor pillow block — installed in rig
Pillow Block CAD drawing (thumbnail)
Transducer Bracket
Transducer bracket — isometric view
Transducer bracket — machined part
Transducer bracket — installed with sensor
Pillow Block CAD drawing (thumbnail)