Running Simulations at my Desk
Author: Daniel Curl | Major: Mechanical Engineering | Semester: Spring 2025
Engineering Research with Real-World Reach
My research journey this semester connected simulation, experimentation, and systems-level
thinking to real aerospace challenges. After completing and defending my undergraduate honors
thesis—Validating an Electronics Cooler Experiment and Optimizing Its Performance Using
ANSYS Icepak—I transitioned into collaborative projects with NASA Glenn and University of
Arkansas faculty to develop next-generation sensing and propulsion systems. I presented my
work at the Arkansas Academy of Science conference and worked directly with NASA
researchers in Cleveland to explore advanced sensing and additive manufacturing techniques.
This experience not only refined my technical skills but also clarified my calling toward research
that serves the broader engineering community and the public good.
Choosing the Topic and Finding My Mentor
The foundation for this semester was laid when I joined the NED3 lab under Dr. Han Hu in the
Fall, whose mentorship has been instrumental throughout my undergraduate research career. His
encouragement helped shape my honors thesis, which focused on simulating a cold-plate heat
sink for power electronics cooling—a real-world issue in systems like electric vehicles and
aircraft.
After completing that work, Dr. Hu connected me with ongoing efforts at NASA and supported
my involvement in ongoing projects which aim to detect partial discharges electric motor
applications and acoustic failure detection systems. This kind of interdisciplinary and
collaborative research aligned perfectly with my passion for applying mechanical design and
simulation to pressing aerospace challenges.
What I Learned
Technically, this semester pushed me into new territory—acoustic sensing, experimental
validation, and additive manufacturing of copper stator windings. I learned not just how to model
systems, but how to communicate their real-world importance to both engineers and non-
specialists. Presenting my thesis at the AAS conference was a turning point for me; it exposed
areas I could improve in presentation clarity and delivery, and gave me confidence in my ability
to contribute meaningful ideas to the broader research community.
I also learned how much I enjoy research. The process of building something from the ground
up—debugging, optimizing, iterating—is something I found deeply fulfilling. In contrast,
balancing this passion with course deadlines and exams was a recurring challenge. I’ve grown in
discipline and time management, but I also realized that my strongest motivation comes from
project-based, hands-on learning.
Challenges Faced and How I Overcame Them
The biggest hurdle this semester was balance. While I love the research process, I had to remain
diligent in my coursework to maintain academic standing. My thesis defense, conference
presentation, NASA projects, and early work on the STEAM grant all happened during an
academically heavy semester. I managed this by building tight routines and learning to prioritize
more effectively—some days required letting go of perfectionism in one area to make room for
excellence in another.
Presenting my work was another challenge. I knew my material, but learning how to speak with
confidence and clarity—especially to an audience outside my immediate technical field—was
something I had to actively develop. The AAS conference gave me a chance to practice this, and
I’m grateful for the feedback I received there.
The Role of My Mentor and Collaborators
Dr. Hu has been central to my growth as a researcher. He not only provided technical guidance
but also opened doors for me to connect with faculty like Dr. McCann from the department of
electrical engineering and engineering at NASA Glenn. His mentorship made possible both the
development of my thesis and my transition into higher-impact, federally funded research.
Several graduate students and undergrads in our lab also played supporting roles, offering
feedback, troubleshooting simulation errors, and helping prep for conference travel. These peer
connections made the process more collaborative and fun.
Research-Related Travel
In May, I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to meet with the NASA Glenn Research Center. There, I
helped set up an experimental validation procedure for our acoustic sensing project and toured
the LMR facilities, which will directly support my upcoming master’s work in electric motor
cooling. This trip was a huge step forward in aligning academic research with real-world NASA
mission objectives.
Earlier in the semester, I also presented my honors thesis work at the Arkansas Academy of
Science conference in Batesville, AR. This was my first time presenting to a general scientific
audience and it really challenged me to make my work accessible and engaging.
What’s Next?
I’ll be beginning my graduate studies in mechanical engineering this fall at the University of
Arkansas. I will hopefully be awarded funding through the NASA ASGC STEAM program to
support my research on additively manufactured stator windings—an innovative approach to
improve electric motor performance in aerospace systems. This project will run in parallel with a
broader NASA EPSCoR effort that focuses on thermal modeling and cooling optimization for
motors.
Together, these research directions offer the chance to contribute to the future of sustainable
aviation, helping develop quieter, safer, and more efficient electric propulsion systems. Long-
term, I hope to pursue a career that blends research, simulation, and aerospace design—whether
at NASA or in an engineering consultancy role that supports space and aviation innovation.