Navin K C is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Originally from Nepal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kathmandu University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arkansas, where he specialized in battery materials. His current research focuses on battery safety for eVTOLs and advanced air mobility systems, integrating machine learning and data-driven approaches to enhance performance and reliability. Beyond academics, Navin enjoys hiking, gaming, and exploring new skills and recreational activities.

Swapnil Saha is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas, where he is currently conducting research on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) systems. His work focuses on the integration of emerging technologies to support the next generation of sustainable and efficient aerial transportation.

Originally from Bangladesh, Swapnil holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), with a major in Transportation Engineering. His foundational background in infrastructure and transportation systems complements his current research on airborne mobility, creating a unique interdisciplinary perspective that bridges ground and air transportation.

Swapnil is passionate about research that blends engineering innovation with real-world applications. Outside of academia, he enjoys traveling, socializing, and watching TV series during his free time.

Toluwalase “Tolu” Olatunji is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Tolu is a recipient of the prestigious Doctoral Academy Fellowship (DAF) award. She is originally from Nigeria and completed her Bachelor of Engineering degree at Afe Babalola University. Her current research interests include data analysis, machine learning, and aerospace systems.

Previously, Toluwalase interned at Earthview Nigeria Limited, where she worked on thermal simulations and finite element analysis. Currently, she is analyzing pilots’ flight data using a Redbird flight simulator to assess their proficiency in energy management. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Ryker Davis is an MS student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. He is from Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. His current research area interests are - Advance Air Mobility (AAM), data analysis, and human factors in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), along with energy management in aircraft systems. Ryker was previously awarded the Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) award in 2024 to conduct his research with the ASYST Lab, and he continues to expand on this work at the graduate level. Ryker has experience in metal working with lathes and cutting mills. He has also interned at Jonesboro Manufacturing in the summer of 2022. In his free time, he likes to hunt, fish, and spend quality time with friends and family. 

Noah Bretz is currently pursuing an MS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas and is a member of the ASYST lab. Originally from Texarkana, TX, he holds a BS in Engineering from Southern Arkansas University and is a licensed Engineer Intern in the state of Arkansas. His current research focuses on advanced air mobility and data analysis. Outside of academics, he is a member of the Razorback Marching Band and Hogwild Band, where he plays trombone. He also enjoys sports, video games, traveling, and spending time outdoors. 

Saloni Satappagol is a sophomore Honors student pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Arkansas. Her current research involves investigating engine control failures on general aviation aircrafts. Last year, she presented research on detecting astrobiological gases in exoplanets at the 2025 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. During the school year, she stays involved in Associated Student Government as the Director of Municipal Relations, and in Chi Omega as an assistant to the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Outside of school, Saloni enjoys playing pickleball, going on walks, and spending time with friends. 

Cody Harrison is a senior at the University of Arkansas pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace. Originally from Frisco, Texas, Cody’s research focuses on integrating AI, drones, and agriculture to simulate the potential of autonomous farming systems. His technical interests include aerodynamics, propulsion, and artificial intelligence. On campus, Cody served as a peer mentor for incoming engineering students and currently works in Dr. Braham’s asphalt lab. He is also an active member of Theta Tau, a co-ed professional engineering fraternity, where he attends professional development workshops and events. Outside of academics, Cody enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends, and learning to play the guitar.

Trent Grana is a junior Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Arkansas, concentrating in Aerospace. Passionate about aviation, he is currently pursuing his private pilot’s license with the long-term goal of becoming a commercial pilot. His research interests center on pilot decision-making, accident prevention, and aviation safety awareness. On campus, Trent has held leadership positions in Theta Tau, the co-ed professional engineering fraternity. Beyond his academics, he enjoys staying active outdoors, whether its hiking, playing sports, or spending time with friends.

Mark Perez is a senior Mechanical Engineering major with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Arkansas. His current research interests focus on human factors in aerospace safety. Over the past summer, he designed and built a custom quadcopter drone, gaining hands-on experience in aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems integration. In addition to his technical work, Mark has leadership experience as an officer for Theta Tau, the co-ed professional engineering fraternity on campus. Outside of his academic pursuits, Mark enjoys staying active outdoors, playing guitar, and training boxing.  

Jackson Jolley is a junior Mechanical Engineering student and Honors College Fellow at the University of Arkansas. He focuses on the aerospace industry, with research interests in airframe design, propulsion systems, pilot psychology, and accident prevention. Jackson has completed internships at Dassault Falcon Jet in design engineering and at Sig Sauer in ammunition manufacturing. Outside of academics, he enjoys bowhunting, playing guitar, and working with hands-on projects.

Diego Sedas is a Senior Honors student in the Mechanical Engineering department. Last summer he worked under a A&P mechanic working on airplanes from replacing engine cylinders, to replacing break pads and bleeding the brakes, to taking off landing gear struts. During the school year he worked on getting flying hours where he finally got his private pilots license in February of 2025. His current interests of research are airframe design and flight effects on the aircraft. He spends his time taking care of a Princess of a Rottweiler at home, working out and putting up Christmas lights during the holiday season (so if you need Christmas lights put up go to Facebook @Openlights)!

Adrian Alcantara is a Senior Honors Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Arkansas. His other extracurricular involvements include being a vice president for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) on campus and a member of the Engineering Career Awareness Program (ECAP). His current research focuses on uncertainty within self-reporting incidents in aircraft. He also interned with Honeywell in the Summer of 2024. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys video games, reading, sports, and board games with friends and family.

Martin Hood is a sophomore honors student majoring in Mechanical Engineering, following the Aerospace concentration at the University of Arkansas. He is from Stafford, Virginia. His current research interests are hypersonic aircraft design, propulsion systems, human factors, and eVTOL. He is currently a member of the University of Arkansas Razorback Drumline and in his free time, likes to play video games and watch movies.

Jesse Pham is a junior honors student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. He is from Fort Smith, Arkansas. His current research interests are the design of airframes, risk assessment, and propulsion systems in the Aerospace industries. Jesse is also a recipient of the Honors College Research Grant to conduct his research with the ASYST Lab. He has also received the Dean’s and Chancellor’s awards for the 2023–2024 academic year, and has received the Grant T. White Scholarship and the University of Arkansas Alumni Scholarship. Apart from studies, he likes playing video games, hunting, cooking, and creating plans to spend time with family and friends.

Cole Kessman is a Junior at Haas Hall Academy. He moved from Los Angeles, California to Fayetteville, Arkansas. His research interests include mechanical engineering and data analytics. Cole is an avid tennis player who is a two-time 3A State Champion. In his free time, Cole enjoys playing and coaching tennis, painting, and traveling.

Harshith is a rising senior in Bentonville High School, and is from Hyderabad, India. His research interests include computational biology, Machine Learning, LLMs, and large data analysis within the aerospace and health industries. Harshith previously worked as a data science intern for Walmart Global Tech, developing ML models that predicted inventory loss based on sales and product historical data. He has won multiple awards from science fairs (ISEF, hosa top 20 internationally) for his research in Atrial Fibrillation, where he developed an ensemble ML software and medical device that predicts the likelihood of an Afib patient getting a heart attack, and administers medicine accordingly. In his free time, he likes to bake, play basketball, play the violin, and spend time with his friends.